our maiden sweet, salty meal (lunch at bouchon bakery)

Wagyu Beef Brisket Reuben On Caraway Rye

Roasted Butternut Squash On Pain De Campagne

it seems fitting that this first post would highlight our “lunch date,” since the idea for allison and i to work together on some fun, food “thing” probably truly began a couple of years ago, over lunch.

bouchon bakery was an interesting choice–not just because i’ve been daydreaming about their fluffernutter sandwich–but because columbus circle is so exceptionally touristy, and with few dining options. i didn’t think we’d get in and out without someone (who is not me) missing a meeting at work. i like that we went for it, anyway (even if we wound up at the take-out counter).

i thought our choices were solid. but it occurs to me now that the most satisfying aspect of each sandwich was the hearty, crunchy grilled bread and oozy, warm cheese. the wagyu beef was overwhelmed by the sauerkraut. (i love kraut–but there just wasn’t enough beef to stand up against its pertness.) and the roasted butternut squash seemed like a great idea–how gorgeous that orange squash looked!–but the fuji apples were too sweet and soft. the brie was a weak background player. there wasn’t any kind of zing to this one. neither sandwich was bad–just short of great. and given the $14 price, i think it’s right to expect the exceptional.

i would go back, of course–i would bet on the ham and cheese to be a winner…and the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo is quite tempting…

and then there’s that fluffernutter –pecan butter, “italian meringue” and bananas on toasted brioche (with a side of nutella pudding, for good measure)…

–anita