Wriggle Wrap Me

Wednesday. I was watching 'Top Chef' the other day and one of the judges said, "Thomas Keller, is possibly the best chef in America". I've never been to Napa Valley, so I haven't had the chance to even try to get a table at French Laundry or Bouchon. The good news is Chef Keller has opened a little branch of his empire in Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle -- The Bouchon Bakery.

It goes like this:

Daddy kisses Mummy goodbye in the morning, Mummy says, "Maybe we will come up and have lunch with you today." We all know what this means -- Bouchon Bakery. Ham and Cheese Baguette with a combination of sweet butter and Dijon mustard for Daddy. Shrimp and sweet corn salad with avocado and heirloom tomatoes for Mummy ('shrimp' is what the Americans call prawns).

If we were feeling luxurious, we could have foie gras on brioche, or a banana-nutella sandwich. But it is the simple things, done well, that make this cafe a great lunching spot. The views across Columbus Circle to Central Park are an added bonus.

Of course, I am confined into my Phil & Teds Wriggle Wrapper, and attached to Daddy's lap. Forced to eat banana and yogurt and smile at the passing waitstaff and the lunching office workers. Occasionally, old men stop by our table to say how cute I am and reminisce about their own grandchildren.

Oh! And did I mention dessert. For Mummy and Daddy there is no choice to be made, so they order it along with their mains, not even asking to view the dessert menu. Profitteroles to die for! Little pastry clouds filled with ice-cream and covered with lashings of thick chocolate sauce. The waiter knowingly leaves a small jug of the sauce - in case you need to top up. If only I could lay my hands on it!