Brasserie Blanc Offers Rustic French Food at Accessible Prices
Raymond Blanc brings his unique touch to sensible, no nonsense dining, at outlets throughout the UK
Brasserie Blanc
8 Charlotte Street
London W1T 2LS
020 7636 4975
Now a major presence on the high street, with 20 Brasserie Blancs in key cities and towns across the UK, it seems that the brand is here to stay. There are 7 in central London and I’m dining at the Charlotte Street branch. I’ve heard they only use the freshest seasonal ingredients, including sustainable free-range or freedom foods, so I’m quite looking forward to it.
Like most of the restaurants in Charlotte Street, Brasserie Blanc is a long narrow intimate space, with upstairs dining on 3 floors. Service is brisk and I’m soon settling down to a selection of appetisers. This is typical French Bistro fare with snails, crudités and pate all perfectly tasty and a reminder of the sort things we had on our holidays. What’s special, though, is the steak tartare, served with an egg yolk on top, and very delicious. So good in fact, that two of my colleagues opt to take this for their main course. In these times of food scares, it’s gratifying to know you can still get raw meat on the high street.
I carry on the carnivore theme and go for roast Lincolnshire free range pork belly. This is served on a bed of greens with half a roast apple, green apple sauce and a large slice of the most perfect crackling. I could’ve done with the meat slightly crispier, but it’s very succulent, and the crackling gives me the crunch I need. My tooth not feeling particularly sweet, I pass on the soufflé and choose a selection of traditionally made seasonal French and British cheeses. Often cheese is served too cold, as it’s usually straight out of the fridge, but this is at room temperature, bringing out the flavour of the knock-out Roquefort.
On the evidence of this visit, Brasserie Blanc serves up a selection of our favourite French food, perfectly cooked, in pleasant surroundings. I don’t see how they can go wrong.
A great bargain is their £14 two course Raymond Blanc Set Lunch from 12noon to 6.30pm. Add a glass of house white or red wine for £2.50