Q&A: A Look at The Garden at Bouchon with Chef Thomas Keller

Miami, FL – March 17, 2025 – Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon in Coral Gables expands its charm with “The Garden at Bouchon”, an inviting outdoor space that blends the vibrant spirit of a traditional French bistro with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Designed for intimate gatherings and lively happy hours, The Garden enhances the guest experience by bringing Bouchon’s signature dishes into an open-air setting filled with warmth and nostalgia. Nestled within the historic La Palma building, The Garden at Bouchon seamlessly integrates into Coral Gables — a city known for its charm and deep sense of history.

“We have been anticipating this expansion since our opening in September 2023, and we are excited to see it come to fruition,” shares Chef Keller.

Rooted in the philosophy of simplicity and authenticity, Bouchon was conceived as a community hub—offering hearty, well-crafted food and wine in an unpretentious yet refined atmosphere. Chef Keller, who also helms The Surf Club in Miami, sees the city as a thriving culinary destination, where diverse influences meet a growing appreciation for exceptional dining.

Whether guests are enjoying a lively meal inside or an alfresco moment in The Garden, Bouchon is designed to deliver a timeless and memorable experience.

WRE: Please tell us your thoughts on the Garden at Bouchon. 

Thomas Keller: We have been anticipating this expansion since our opening in September 2023, and we are excited to see it come to fruition. The Garden at Bouchon offers a welcoming space that reflects the liveliness of a traditional French bistro while surrounded by the natural beauty of Coral Gables

WRE: How does the Garden tie into the guest experience at Bouchon? 

TK: The Garden takes everything people love about Bouchon and brings it outdoors. It’s an intimate, familiar place where you feel immediately comfortable. A place that invokes both nostalgia and a sense of timelessness, but most importantly a space for gathering.

The Garden at Bouchon offers a welcoming space that reflects the liveliness of a traditional French bistro while surrounded by the natural beauty of Coral Gables.

Thomas Keller

WRE: Are there special dishes or concepts in the Garden? 

TK:  It’s a destination where guests can experience Bouchon’s signature dishes in a beautiful open-air setting while also enjoying lively happy hours, intimate receptions, and events that make each visit feel intentional and memorable.

WRE: What was your original concept for Bouchon? 

TK: Bouchon was born out of the need to create the perfect place for those looking for something uncomplicated – that served hearty, authentic, and well-crafted food and wine that was unpretentious but of the highest quality. It is more than a bar or restaurant, but like any proper bistro, it can be the hub of a community.

Bouchon was born out of the need to create the perfect place for those looking for something uncomplicated – that served hearty, authentic, and well-crafted food and wine that was unpretentious but of the highest quality.

Thomas Keller

WRE: What drew you to Coral Gables as an ideal location for Bouchon? 

TK: Coral Gables is a community with a deep sense of history and charm, and it felt like a natural home for Bouchon. The historic La Palma building has incredible character, and its Mediterranean-style architecture lends itself beautifully to the spirit of a bistro. It’s important to me that our restaurants feel integrated into the neighborhoods where they reside, and Coral Gables provided the opportunity to do that.

WRE: What should guests expect to experience when they dine at Bouchon? 

TK: Guests can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the moment they walk in. Whether they’re dining in the main room, grabbing a seat at the bar, or enjoying a meal in The Garden, it brings fun energy with servers weaving between tables, the air filled with the smell of sizzling steak and fried potatoes, all blending in with the lively atmosphere.

WRE: You have two restaurants in Miami, what drew you to the market?   

TK: Miami is such a vibrant city with a deep cultural history and a growing appreciation for exceptional dining. When the opportunity arose to be part of The Surf Club, it was a natural fit. The property has such a storied past—it was a gathering place for icons like Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill—so reviving that sense of timeless hospitality was exciting for me. With Bouchon in Coral Gables, we wanted to bring our concept to a neighborhood that embraces great food and a strong sense of community.

WRE: What do you think of the Miami dining scene?  

TK: Miami’s dining scene has evolved significantly in recent years. It’s exciting to see chefs embracing diverse influences while also celebrating local ingredients.