Late to French

I'll always go back to Bouillon.

French comfort food didn’t show up for me until my thirties. I spent those years between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. That’s when I discovered Bouillon by Moulin.

It’s this little spot off Bristol, wedged right where Newport Beach and Irvine can’t quite decide who gets custody. Every time I’m back visiting family, I make a reservation (though you can always walk in). Lunch, dinner, dessert, doesn’t matter. I must go.

Salmon over ratatouille, the good salt, and tartare de saumon on the bouillon house plate

French comfort food. It’s ridiculously good.

Bouillon feels like the kind of place you want to go to any time of day, any time of year. Crimson banquettes, woven rattan chairs, a glossy subway-tiled bar… a little noisy, friends-and-family style. It’s also a place you can walk into with a notebook and pencil, sit in a corner with a bottle of wine you plan to take home after a glass or two, and eat that soft, supple, fluffy French baguette fresh out of the oven with their magic candy-wrapped butter. Just sip and journal, enjoying the atmosphere.

Boeuf bourguignon: classic beef stew, carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, and tagliatelle pasta

Canard à l'orange, the classic: duck confit, caramelized onions, sarladaise potatoes, green vegetables

Le steak au poivre, the classic: hanger steak, peppercorn sauce, salad

Two cold sips, beautiful tilework, and of course, the bar

I’ll always go back. I’ll always order the Tartare de Saumon. Did I mention the staff? The staff is just wonderful. Many of them speak French and English, and their accents are a delight. I’ve never been to France, but chatting with them makes me feel a little like I have. The menu changes a little bit on occasion, just enough to keep you guessing. You’ll finish the bread basket, trust me.

And if you can, order the profiteroles with a cappuccino after your main course. ❤️🇫🇷

Profiteroles, chocolate and toasted almonds

(All photos are my own.)