First time I heard of the Cafe Anglais was on a sunday reading the Financial Times and enjoying a full English. The chef, Rowley Leigh, writes weekly in it. I thought his receipes looked just amazing. That's how I decided to book the place. If you're a bit disappointed by their website, it's normal. Honestly, you should have a go. At the time I write the article, I have been in the place two times already and already plan a third visit this year. The restaurant has been serving food for 3 years now, and the menu changes every season. Actually the date is on the menu they hand you over :)
I brought a date at the Cafe Anglais. I won't judge the quality of the date and will try to focus on the food.... as usual :)
First impression when you come in is good as you get a warm welcome of the staff. Atmosphere is great and you immediately feel at ease. The place is big and reminded me of a high standard French brasserie. There are nice boxes as well (for four people). Ask for one, if you book in advance. Special attention is put on the service. People listen to which comments you make and are happy to help you out. Oh, and smiling!
Concerning the food, I believe it's underpriced. 3 little starters are sold at £12?!? It's a bargain considering the quality of it.
The best seller of the place is the "anchovies bread with parmesan custard". It reminded me in the presentation of the soft boiled egg with soldiers. One has to be passionate about food to come up with this creation. Anchovies bread is salty and tasty... you dip them in the parmesan custard. The creamyness of the custard contrasts with the saltyness of the anchovies ; the softness of the cream with the crunchiness of the soldiers. That IS the best seller of the place, don't miss it, please. If it's not for you, do it for your date at least. You never know, maybe you'll get rewarded with a nice dessert after coffee, with cream and cherry on tip... oops, I meant top - freudian slip... I usually do.
Anchovy toasts with parmesan custard.
Don't miss this. Best seller.
Another view of the parmesan custard.
Soft, creamy and yummy.
Other starters includes few different types of pate. A very simple starter which got my attention was the celriac remoulade which is French dish without any pretention or arrogance. And before you say anything, YES, French stuff can sometimes be not arrogant, I promise you :) Unfortunately that was during my first visit, hence no photo of the real Cafe Anglais one.
Kipper pate with soft boiled egg - that was ok-ish
Without soul I thought
Salt cod pate on a piece of bread .
Same than above, nice but without force . No heart
On top of those little starters, we ordered two main starters. I was disappointed by the smoked eel with bacon salad. I found it too smokey, too baconney, too salty and too oily. Tough. Pass your way on this one. The best surprise of the dinner was the "pike boudin with beure blanc sauce" by far. I think it was not a boudin as such, it was more of a quenelle, a specialty from Lyon. That was soft, tasty and melting in the mouth. It was freshly made. Reward your palate if you have the occasion to.
Pike boudin, the best surprise of the restaurant.
Beurre blanc saue was matching perfectly. VERY soft boudin.
Warm smoked eel salad with bacon.
Too much oil, too much smoke, too much bacon, too much salt.
Too much of everything. Don't have that.
Now, it's high time to talk about the mains... Specialty of the place is poultry. Chicken used is of a good standard and quality. I would not recommend to go for the simple chicken. Have something a bit more exotic, like patridge for example? They usually come with a range of vegetables braised, which marry the meat in an acidic, strong, rich and flavoury way. Here we are talking about winter vegetables: cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots and assimilates... The chicken is cooked on the spit, vertical ones.
Patridge, no explanation needed.
Rich, firm and tasty.
Vegetable plate for £11. Very soft winter veggies.
They say you should have 5 a day...
The "saddle of venison with red cabbage and chestnuts" main as well was strong, gamey and tasty. Cooked the way it should, red inside. It came with braised red cabbage and a gravy like sauce.
Venison, red cabbage and chestnut.
One word : lovely.
To conclude, the Cafe Anglais have a standard of good ingredients and good cuisine art. The result is a great dinner for an reasonable price. Have a go with friend, you probably won't be disappointed. I believe their prices will go up in the next few years as more and more articles are written about the place, people will realize it's a lovely place to dine out.
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