Mondays on Mission Street: Andre's Bouchee

Can you believe it's already Monday? After a Thanksgiving weekend full of friends, family and food, it's about time we all get back to work! For this week's "Mondays on Mission Street," we are featuring a favorite restaurant of ours here at Tradewinds, Andre's Bouchee. Located on Mission Street just two doors south of Ocean Avenue, Andre's Bouchee is an authentic French bistro serving classic French dishes with a "Californian Coastal flair."

Andre's Bouchee

Mission Street between Ocean & 7th

831.626.7880

Hours:

Lunch: Wednesday through Sunday 11:30 am until 2:00 pm

Dinner: Daily from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel, Andre's Bouchee is a cozy, charming restaurant serving delectable classic French cuisine in an intimate setting. The restaurant is the perfect spot to stop for a lunch break during a day of shopping in town, or for a lovely, romantic dinner in the evening. 

And now, I present a break-down of the menu (accompanied by a little lesson in the French language).

As part of my own neurosis, I almost ALWAYS always order wine before I even look at the menu, depending on whether I want red or white. And then I choose an entree accordingly. A word to the wise - DO NOT DO THIS HERE! Let their in-house sommelier do the work for you and peruse the menu before picking out a wine. They have an extensive wine menu and will recommend the perfect wine pairing based on your entree selection and taste preferences. Here are some of my favorites, from start to finish. 

French Onion Soup (Soupe a L'Oignon) is typically my go-to, however, the Cream of Mushroom (Creme de Champignons) is in a league of its own. If I know I'm going to be ordering an extra rich entree, I'll typically order a salad, perhaps the Mixed Baby Greens with Duck Confit (Salade de Confit de Canard). Or you can always share an appetizer... the escargot or mussels are perfect for that! Whatever the case, don't overdo it here, because you'll definitely need to save room for your entree and dessert!

You really can't go wrong with any of their meat or seafood entree selections. When I am eating out, I always try to go for the option that is most unlike anything I can make for myself at home. The Duck Legs Confit (Confit de Canard) and Braised Lamb Shank (Jarret d'Agneau au Sirop d'Erable et Citron Vert) both have that je ne sai quoi I look for when I'm dining out. Their seafood options are equally impressive, and include a Lobster Saffron Broth Risotto (Rissoto aux Fruits de Mer) and Grilled Striped Bass (Striped Bass Grille au Citron Vert). 

For dessert, you should definitely opt for the Vanilla and Rum Creme Brûlée or the Melting Chocolate Cake (Coulant Aux Chocolat et Carambar), or finish your meal with a lovely selection of cheeses. 

Do not miss out on some of the best food and service in the area - just be sure to let them know Tradewinds sent you!