Mietta's Review
Chef, Gwenael Lesle, left Friends in 2002 to open his own restaurant in the middle of Wembley - a restaurant free zone. It's a square room with light yellow walls, black ceiling, a couple of banquettes, a scattering of tables and a hatch into the kitchen at the far end. Just another suburban cafe one thinks until the food arrives. French bistro dishes done correctly and with care - real flavour, real food. A hiddden gem.
Other Published Opinions
West Australian Good Food Guide 2012 Score: 13.5/20 "CALL IT old-fashioned, but owner Phillipe Kordics greets patrons at the door. It's a rustic place with a name that plays on a type of regional bistro found in Lyon: specials scrawled on a gilt mirror; wine by the glass is poured at the table, comme il faut, but service can be, pardon, nonchalant"
The West Australian Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 14.5/20 "French chef Gwenael Lesle has been the powerhouse behind some of Perth's more notable Francophile establishments over the past two decades"
Gourmet Traveller 2007 Australian Restaurant Guide "This is what Bouchon isn't: hip, noisy, modern. French translations litter the menu and there's a map of Paris behind the till. Not that we're complaining. This cosy bistro keeps pulling in the locals because it's so consistently appealing. Chef Lesle uses technique, rather than wowfactor, to woo the punters."
Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "A French bistro in the leafy suburbs of Perth? Why, yes, and a very good one at that. This is French food with flair, bringing a light, contemporary touch to the bistro style."
Gourmet Traveller 2005 Australian Restaurant Guide "Since it opened its doors two years ago, Bouchon Bistro has established itself as one ofthe most consistently pleasing suburban places to eat. Fastidious French chef Gwenael Lesle runs the kitchen with panache."
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004,'concentrate on simplicity and the flavour intensity of his food. The restaurant itself is has a relaxed, down-to-earth feel. The menu changes about every 6 weeks, but can always be relied on for interesting, well-cooked, cleanly presented dishes...the wine list includes good-value French vintages.'
The Sunday Times, 8/6/03, Gail Williams,'is casual enough for a first date but is still conducive to romance...excellent wine service...'