Gourmet Girls: Brasserie Blanc

As the winter months draw in, the longing for a hearty, warm meal does too. Brasserie Blanc, a group of authentic French brasseries owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, strives to serve seasonal dishes made with honest ingredients that are cooked with French heart and international twist.

The Brasserie Blanc a la carte menu wonderfully reflects this concept.  French staple dishes are heartily mixed with dishes inspired by influences as far as South East Asia, North Africa and South America. Menu set prices change regularly to ones that won’t break any patron’s bank, and you can be sure that whatever dish you dine on is packed with ethically sourced ingredients.

Brasserie Blanc interiors are conducive to their menus- warm, welcoming and comfortable. With six locations in London and several more countrywide, it’s easy to see why the establishment has remained successful. 

Staff are cheery, helpful, happy to answer questions and encourage a selection of wine pairings. Browsing the extensive menu, the potted Cornish crab and avocado seemed like an obvious choice to start with, served in an aesthetic Kilner jar and accompanied by toasted sourdough. The dip, topped with a light, fluffy butter, was a moreish introduction to my slow-cooked beef bourguignon main.

Ladled with red wine sauce, lardons, baby mushrooms and onions, the beef bourguignon pulled part effortlessly on a smooth bed of mash. French beans with crispy shallots accompanied, not a touch over-oiled like many others I’ve been served. Served generously, it was almost difficult to finish, but not before I opted for the chocolate delice for dessert. As every bit indulgent as it sounds, you can expect to enjoy a crispy feuillantine base, velvety chocolate ganache and praline panacotta cream topped with hazelnuts.

Christmas at Brasserie Blanc is set to offer dishes as wonderfully diverse as the a la carte, with the likes of slow-cooked beef cheek in red thai sauce and seared hake fillet (free range bronze turkey also an option for the more traditional at heart). Chef Blanc says of his brasseries that he promises "…simple, high quality food that comes as close as possible to the meals that my mother prepared for me at home in Besançon." Needless to say, Brasserie Blanc will have your taste buds saying merci!

Browse menus and book reservations online at brasserieblanc.com