Clean and remove the stems for the fresh mushrooms. Do a rough chop and set aside. Mince the shallot and garlic and set aside. 

In a large bowl, add the dried mushrooms and the water to cover the mushrooms. Add a dish on the mushrooms to keep the mushrooms submerged. Soak for an hour or until the mushrooms are completely rehydrated. Once hydrated, squeeze as much liquid from the mushrooms and set the mushrooms aside. Pour the mushroom liquid through a sieve to catch any sediments and reserve 2 cups of the liquid for the soup.

Using a food processor, pulse the dried mushrooms until it turns into dust. Add to a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the crust off the bread and cut the bread into cubes. Place the bread pieces onto a baking tray and drizzle extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Add the croutons to a bowl. 

Sprinkle the desired amount of mushroom dust on the croutons. 

In a large pot, heat up the pot, and add butter and oil. Saute the shallots, followed by the garlic until softened. Add more oil and add both the fresh and rehydrated mushrooms and a pinch of salt and cook for about 5 minutes. Turn up the heat and add in the red wine to deglaze the pot. Add in the mushroom liquid, lower the heat and let the mushroom mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes while you make the chicken velouté.

In a separate pot, turn the heat on medium and add equal amounts of butter and flour to make a roux. Mix well until it forms a paste. Add in 2 cups of chicken stock, turn up the heat and stir. The sauce will become creamy, similar to a béchamel sauce. Once thickened, turn off the heat. 

Add the chicken velouté into the mushroom mixture. Add in the remaining chicken stock and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Blend the soup into the desired consistency.

Add the whipping cream and mix with a large spoon. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. 

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the croutons. Add more mushroom dust on the soup or on the croutons as desired.