What typical visual marker, besides specific menu items, must a restaurant maintain for **Bouchon Lyonnais** certification?
A rustic charm, often including checkered tablecloths and traditional decor
Official certification for a true Bouchon Lyonnais is administered by an association that enforces strict standards covering food, wine, and atmosphere to ensure authenticity against imitation. Beyond ensuring the menu features a significant number of classic dishes derived from *cuisine du terroir*, the physical setting must reflect the historical origins tied to the silk workers. This involves maintaining a certain rustic charm, which frequently manifests through traditional decorative elements such as checkered tablecloths. A deviation towards overly contemporary styles or refined sauces suggests a restaurant leaning toward the category of a *bistrot* rather than a certified, historical *bouchon*.
