Foodies: Bouchees Bistro serves up delicious gourmet burgers and fries

TransitRiderOC Foodies is a new feature devoted to delicious dining while on public transit. Got a suggestion or want to write a review? Post your ideas in the forum!

I got a chance to hang out in Downtown Long Beach with a friend along OCTA Route 60, and he highly recommended Bouchees Bistro, a place that serves what the Orange County Register calls "ridiculously cute" "dream burgers". I'm naturally suspicious of pricey burger joints — especially when such burgers can be had for a few bucks at In-n-Out — but hundreds of Yelp! reviews heap accolades upon Bouchees, so I had to try it out.

It was very empty when we entered during their early open hours (they get crowded later in the day) and it's located conveniently next to 5th St Station where OCTA's Route 60 also stops. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive, and we got our food very quickly.

Their parmesan and herb french fries mixed with sweet potato fries come with delicious home-made ketchup that features a unique hint of Indian curry. Their sweet potato fries did remind me quite a bit of those at Irvine's Veggie Grill (at University Town Center, where OCTA routes 59, 79, 175, 178, and 473 converge). We gleefully munched on them but soon enough, the grand prize came...

Oh! Those mini-burgers. My friend Jim wanted to try more than one, so he got their special (a blue cheese burger with dijon mustard) along with his favorite, the applewood bacon and chipotle cheeseburger. I sank my teeth into that one, and, well, you'd be surprised: one mini-burger can be pretty filling (three make a meal). The pint-sized creation topped a delicious angus sirloin beef with crisp lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions.

I got greedy and (since I was up since 4 am in the morning) wanted to try their breakfast as well, so I got a regular-sized Southwest Panini for just $7.50. These were flat, grilled sandwiches stuffed with soy chorizo, pepperjack, and jalapeño salsa. I found them a bit watery after awhile, but it was still delicious. And since it wasn't made with meat (like regular chorizo), I was spared the saturated fat and calories.

If you ever find yourself in Long Beach, hop aboard OCTA route 60 and give Bouchees Bistro a try. Meals range from $7 to $23, but as you can see by my Southwest Panini, that's more than enough food for a hungry man. More info on Bouchees Bistro at their website. On OCTA route 60, get off at either 6th St/Long Beach Blvd (near the Metro 5th St Station), or 7th St/Elm Ave.