Thomas Keller's Per Se is said to be one of the best restaurants in NYC, maybe in the entire U.S., and even in the world. So when I heard he was opening up a bakery one floor below his restaurant in the Time Warner Center I got excited. Now common folk who cannot land a reservation at one of his 16 tables, or afford his cooking, would be able to taste some of his culinary delights.

I went to Keller's Bouchon Bakery for lunch today. I got a roast pork sandwich with tonnado aioli on a Frech Bread, a GUS's Meyer Lemon Soda, and finished with a homemade Nutter Butter. The sandwich ($8.75) was fine, but I was expecting to be wowed. I was not. It was quite boring and I have had similar sandwiches at other establishments not helmed by top chefs. This was a total disappointment. The lemon soda was very good, not too sweet. The Nutter Butter was also very good, two peanut butter cookies with peanut butter in the middle. The peanut butter was creamy and smooth, and not overpowering. I'd say the best part of my lunch was the soda, which was not made on the premises. In fact, I do not intend to go back to try the other sandwiches or desserts offered.

Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Circle (Time Warner Center)

New York, NY 10019