I'd been saving my pennies for a great French meal. I was a little scared to try Bouchon after hearing seriously mixed reviews ("It's the best EVVAAHH" to "I'd rather die than eat there again!"). But, I gave it a shot. I arrived at the restaurant and was seated immediately. The hostess, though on her game, was a little cold. But, whatever, you see the hostess for a total of 15 seconds while she seats you and then you break up forever. No big deal. Our waiter was a riot and very helpful. He steered me away from ordering mussels and soup as it would've been a very liquidy meal. And, as I don't like "gummin' it," I really appreciated the input. The service was pretty good but not really a 5-star level. Our food came out really quickly despite the fact it was a busy Friday night. What we ordered: "Special" Leek and Potato soup: Creamy and delicious but served a tad too cold. I'd order again but request it served piping hot. Goat Cheese Salad: Awesome mix of greens with a vinagarette topped with warm goat cheese. A good salad but not life changing. Moules au Safran (mussels and fries) : I was sooo excited for this dish after watching Anthony Bourdain get flustered over the fries, spilling red wine everywhere, on "No Reservations. " 25- 30 mussels are served afloat in a white wine, garlic broth. Holy crap, delicious, but very intense in the garlic department (if you're on a date, do not order!). They were some of the best mussels I've had outside of Belgium. The fries, however, were underwhelming. Crisp at first but quickly morphing into sad, wilty little things. "Special" glazed short ribs: Delicious bone-out short ribs cooked for 14 hours (or so said the waiter). Came with the creamiest quinoa in the history of the world and a sweet-ass, hen-of-the-woods mushroom on top. Awesome. I was a tad jealous of the person that ordered it. Bouchon dessert: One of the "special" desserts. Three fudgy brownies served with strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Best. Brownies. Ever. Each brownie was warm with a fudgy center. I think I said "this is ridicuous" at least four times while eating it. "Special" pot de creme dessert: Mint creme that tasted exactly like freshly picked mint from the garden. Delicious but really not my kind of thing. The person who ordered it loooovved it. Overall, pretty good. I got my mussel fix but I am totally perplexed why Anthony Bourdain got all hot and bothered over Bouchon fries. Shenanigans, Bourdain, shenanigans.
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positive