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| (Leon Thompson) |
4090 Adams Avenue
Kensington, CA 92116
619-255-4167
www.blueboheme.com
January 10, 2009 (Kensington) — Is there life east of I-15? Oui, and great food too. I've shown you world-class Mexican food, neighborhood sushi, continental cuisine in Alpine. Now the crème-de-la-creme: fabulous French food in an unpretentious casual restaurant called Bleu Bohème!
The atmosphere transports you to a long-ago French countryside. The feeling is like being in an ancient limestone and wood-beamed roadhouse filled with great food and grog for the long distance traveler. The banquet room conjures images of wine and revelry. At least that's my take on the place. I kept expecting a huge roasted pig with an apple in its mouth served on a platter. But then I have a vivid imagination.
We sat on leather cushions under a tall window next to a chalk-board wall containing the hand-written menu. The waiter turned the rectangular table sideways to accommodate us. Looking around I realized it was impossible to not find a comfortable place, whether you chose the row of wooden tables-for-two-- perfect for warm conversation--or gathered around the open bar populated with animated patrons talking in the way only an unpretentious friendly place can encourage.
The perimeter of the room was built for comfort--broad cushions and ottomans. In the dining room I spied the world's coziest corner seats. Perfect for lingering in warm conversation.
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| (Leon Thompson) |
The food and drink more than lived up to the ambiance. The wine was perfect. I love European table wines wines. Generally speaking they are easy to drink meaning they don't demand your attention like so many of the bolder wines. Their flavor stays in the background, complementing not competing with the food. I ordered the French table wine on the top of the list of Vin de Table, Ted The Mule 2006. It's a blend of Syrah, the classic French varietal, and Grenache, the playful and unpredictable grape--playful as its name with the kick of a mule. C'est magnifique.
Have you ever noticed that really good wine just keeps tasting better the more you drink?
By this time I can't wait to see what surprises the food menu has in store. Listen to this; Saint André - a delicious Triple Cream Cheese, Duck Mousse with Truffles, Dried Fig Terrine and Honey Comb, Assorted Dried and Cured Pork Meats - Sausages and Delicious Patés. You know me--I wanted it all. So of course I made the obvious selection and ordered Le menu du jour - the daily special. It was the perfect choice: salmon sauteeed in white wine with fresh basil, garlic and tasty ripe tomatoes like I haven't had in ages.
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| (Leon Thompson) |
The salmon had just the slightest crunch on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth inside. Served on penne pasta with asparagus done just enough. Everything was fresh as can be and Jamie our waitress was right on time and helpful without being intrusive.
Owner Philippe Beltran stopped by our table. We learned that the success of Bleu Bohéme is no accident; he has started up several acclaimed local restaurants in the past, including French Side of the West and Voyage in South Park.
Finally, I had to do it. Desert. Bombe au chocolate. THE CHOCOLATE BOMB. Dark chocolate mousse with marinated cherries, blueberries and a raspberry on top. C'est cie bon. Light and delicious with Crème Brulée inside.
Sometimes the East County Eater is a tad reluctant to give away a really special eatery and this is one of them. So consider this my New Year's gift to the readers of East County Magazine: the perfect place to bring that favorite friend.
East County San Diego provides a rich and varied culinary experience. The East County Eater is on a mission to discover and highlight these gems. No back-country Bar and Grill is too remote, no specialty food restaurant tucked away in some tiny strip mall is too obscure for this voracious eater.
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