Chop mushrooms, reserving 3-4 whole to slice. In a large skillet, sauté chopped mushrooms and minced shallot in olive oil & 1 Tbl. butter. Add garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaf and pepper. Continue cooking until the mushrooms have released their juices, about 7-10 minutes. Add white wine, and sauté an additional 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.

Using a fine sieve, dust mushroom mixture with flour and cook until bubbly. Slowly add in broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in milk/cream. Add kosher salt to taste. Heat through.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, over medium heat, melt additional butter and sauté sliced mushrooms, turning once until crispy.

Serve soup in bowls, topped with crispy sautéed mushroom slices.