La Vie Boheme

We all have a restaurant which is our go-to favorite, that we find comforting and welcoming like an old friend.  In San Diego, that place for me is Bleu Boheme (www.bleuboheme.com) in the Kensington neighborhood.  I discovered this little gem several years ago when my friend Fuzzy and I were looking for a new dining experience with a French flavor.  It has now become our favorite restaurant in San Diego.  Fuzzy, luckily, just lives one neighborhood over, so she can enjoy their fine cuisine any time.  But for me, it’s a real treat as I don’t get down too frequently.

Last night we took my niece, Catherine, to expose her to fine dining and Country French cuisine.  She was awed by the ambience of the place.  The restaurant sits on the corner of Adams Avenue and Kensington Drive in a quaint neighborhood of craftsman homes  They offer some al fresco dining, which is great in the summertime.  When you enter the reception area, you are greeted with a warm smile by the hostess (and often the Manager).  Directly in front of you is the bar with a large candelabra  sitting on the corner, wax dripping onto the counter forming stalagmites.  French music is playing in the background (I know I heard some Edith Piaf last night).  To the right are some tables along the wall and beyond is a small, intimate dining room.  To the left of the bar is the main dining room, which feels spacious, yet cozy.

We were seated at a table near the bar, which gives you a good vantage point to see the action.  Our server, Jaime, was delightful.  She explained the night’s specials, but we more or less knew what we wanted but mulled it over while she got our drinks.  The Manager, Matt, came over to greet us.  He recognized Fuzzy from the numerous times she has dined there. 

When Jaime returned with our drinks, we gave her our order.  We chose as an appetizer, the restaurant’s “La Planche”….a wood cutting board that offers up an assortment of cured meats and delicious cheeses.  We wanted Catherine to have “our” dining experience.  (Fuzzy and I travel frequently together and enjoy many great dining adventures.)  We each decided to also order off the Bohemian menu.  Every day from opening at 5pm to 6pm, Bleu Boheme offers a prix fixe menu of a three course meal for $24.95 – an amazing value!

When our Planche arrived, Matt surprised us by having the chef send over a sampling of additional appetizers.  We were presented with mussels two ways (in a white wine sauce, and in blue cheese), Escargot, and a lobster crepe (Crepe de Homard).  Needless to say, we were overwhelmed (in a very good way).

The crepe was absolutely incredible.  I could have eaten several.  I even tried the escargot….I will have to say honestly, I am not a fan – but let me qualify that by stating I am a texture oriented eater.  I don’t like calamari either due to its texture.  But my philosophy is you only live once…..so I tried it.  Fuzzy finished them off as she loves them, and I couldn’t get Catherine to try them – no way, no how!  Fuzzy and Catherine had the mussels and reported that they were deeeelish.

The Chef de Cuisine, John, stopped by to check on us.  We expressed how much we appreciated the appetizers, as well as the many meals we’ve had in the past.  He was very gracious and chatted with us for a while.

After that feast, Jaime brought our first course.  I had the Soupe a la Oignon Gratinee (French Onion soup), and the girls had the Salade Maison (butterleaf salad) – all well received.  For the entrée course, Catherine and I each ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon.  The meat was sooooo succulent and flavorful in that luscious red wine sauce.  The portion size was just right, though after the first round we were already getting full, so we were able to finish about half and brought the rest home (it’s delish to have as a snack the next day).  Fuzzy had the Coq au Vin (which I have had before too), also tender and falling off the bone.  I shared some of my Boeuf with her, and she gave Catherine and I each a taste of Coq au Vin.  (Civilized people share!)

We all had the same dessert:  Mousse au Chocolat.  Mmmmmm. Sooooo delicious.  It had just a hint of mint.  The chef surprised us with an additional dessert, Crepe au “Nutella”.  O-M-G!  It was sooooo delicious, we all had to avert each other’s eyes from the sounds of pleasure we were making.  Absolutely amazing.

At the end of the meal as we were winding down (and slipping into a food coma), the Owner, Ken Irvine, stopped by to say hello.  We made sure we let him know how wonderful everything had been and how great the service was. 

Fuzzy and I have always had great experiences at Bleu Boheme.  We even have made our reservations for their special Christmas Eve dinner.  (For certain holidays, they serve a set, prix fixe menu of delectable delights.)  I can give you a solid thumb’s up and highly recommend it if you are in the Kensington neighborhood in San Diego.  Their hospitality is unparalleled, and the food sublime.