Inside the Historic La Palma Building: Bouchon Bistro's Culinary Excellence

CORAL GABLES - Nestled within the historic La Palma Building in Coral Gables, which dates back to 1924, lies Bouchon Bistro - an award-winning French restaurant concept from renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Upon entering, guests are immediately drawn to the magnificent zinc-topped bar, reminiscent of pre-WWII French establishments. Hand-painted murals by a French artist and an expansive outdoor dining area further enhance the ambiance.

However, what truly sets Bouchon Bistro apart is its immaculate kitchen.

"The cleaner we are, the more organized our service will be. It's our philosophy," said Chef de Cuisine Garrett Rochowiak.

A unique feature of the kitchen is a TV monitor displaying a live feed from the original Bouchon kitchen in Napa Valley. This connection fosters a sense of family among the staff across locations.

"When you're working on projects, you can look up and see someone else doing it across the country," said Rockowiak.

Keller, who holds the most Michelin stars of any American chef, instills a "sense of urgency" in his team - a motto prominently displayed in the kitchen. Rochowiak spoke highly of Keller's mentorship.

"Any advice he gives is always to the point, very precise, and always mentoring," he said.

Bouchon Bistro is participating in this year's Miami Spice program for lunch and dinner, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of their exquisite cuisine. The Miami Spice menu features signature dishes such as:

• Laitue: Bibb lettuce & garden herbs with house vinaigrette
• Croque Madame: Ham and cheese on freshly baked brioche, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and mornay sauce
• Pan-seared fillet steak: Served with caramelized shallots, hôtel butter, and French fries
• Profiteroles: Filled with vanilla ice cream and served with warm chocolate sauce poured tableside

Bouchon Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering lunch on Fridays and Saturdays for Miami Spice at $35 per person, and dinner at $60 per person. Experience this special taste of France in the heart of Coral Gables.