Al Fresco Alert: Sir Thomas Keller Unveils Bouchon Patio

Yountville: More than a few years in the making, Thomas Keller and company have finally received the green light to offer outdoor seating at Bouchon. Set in the courtyard between Bouchon and the adjacent bakery, the al fresco tables are only available after 7pm. This weekend was the trial run for the patio seating, and the move marks the last in a series of Bouchon improvements in the last few years, punctuated by the big kitchen expansion. On a related note, Napa sources also pass along word that Bouchon has commenced a bistro-style, recession-minded wine carafe program: each night, there is a red and a white special—made specially for Bouchon by local winemakers—available by the glass ($8) and by carafe, 500ml ($25) or one liter ($50).
· KellerWire: Bouchon Still Closed, Looks to Next Week [~ESF~]