Let’s just all agree that whether you are from Fayetteville or just attending college here, there is always a restaurant someone suggests that you have never even heard of. Fayetteville is a city that seems to have plenty of hidden gems, quaint shops filled with pastries, and hole in the wall burger joints, (did someone mention Hugo’s?) so it is hard to make it to all of them.
Bouchée Bistro is one of those hidden gems. I would bet that most of you have walked past it many times on the square and never even noticed it. And if you don’t know where it is just follow the smell of croissants and croque madams wafting from the exhaust fan at the Pryor Center.
When you step into the tiny bistro you will find rows of shiny, buttery pastries welcoming you. You will find a menu full of classic French foods and a selection of daily desserts and specials calling your name. Seriously, just look up their Instagram and you will be mesmerized.
Photo courtesy of Bouchée Bistro Facebook
Having had the opportunity to travel to Paris l I became a French foodie, so trust me when I say that this is the closest I have come to real French food anywhere in the South. They have the classic croissant down to a fine art, and if you are craving something sweeter, then splurge on the chocolate-filled version.
Photo courtesy of Bouchée Bistro Facebook
My personal favorite would have to be the poached eggs en croute with black truffles. I am a sucker for anything that has truffles, so maybe I’m biased; basically, it is a puffed pastry topped with a poached egg and black truffle shavings, covered in a white sauce.
I know it sounds fancy, but trust me you need to experience this at least once in your life. Even if you are more into the classic mac-and-cheese, Bouchée is the place for you. Served in a tiny pot and topped with buttery breadcrumbs, macaroni just does not get any better.
Photo by Aubrey Miller
If you have not left your apartment or dorm in pursuit of this happy place, then Houston we have a problem. Go enjoy and indulge yourself in this tiny, but wonderful French bistro. Have a cup of French-pressed coffee and feel classy with the bestie or boyfriend. Either way, it will be one of the best meals you have all week, maybe even all year.