lunch at bleu boheme

we finally got over to bleu boheme here in kensington, just prior to my trip to new york over the holidays. it was a quiet lunchtime on christmas eve and we stood in the bar area for a bit before anyone appeared to seat us. on the bright side, it gave us a chance to check out this entry room, which they've stepped up from the former green tomato. the giant chalkboards displaying the menu are an inventive touch, and the large banquet table is impressive. and when we walked into the main dining room, it was hard to envision the stuffy, dated look worn in its previous life.

the ahi tuna salad i had looked good, but was a bit lacking flavor-wise. jay reports that his chicken breast paillard ("paper thin meat grilled quickly to retain its juiciness") was good, and of course he enjoyed the accompanying pommes frites. and our neighbor keith had a salad, which was fine. granted, i don't have too much to choose from at french restaurants since they tend to be dairy (and therefore lactose) fests, but nothing really jumped out as outstanding - and with the hype surrounding chef philippe beltran i guess i expected more. but that's no reason to avoid returning for dinner and another chance to see what bleu boheme can deliver.