ROUGH-ONLINE Night Out At Blanchette On 204  Brick Lane

204 Brick Lane, E1 6SA

If it's not the achingly cool tunes and vibe, it will certainly be the smell of alluring foods that will draw you in to Brick Lane’s  Blanchette. The French tapas style bistro run by three brothers - Maxime, Yannis and Malik Alary is aptly named after their mother and headed by executive chef Tam Storrar. Following the incredible success from the Soho branch, the Brick Lane branch continues to stick to the winning Blanchette formula - blending Southern French and North African influences to create innovative and modern sharing plates.

The restaurant is split into three sections - the pink marble dining counter against the backdrop of chefs in action, an urbane Parisian inspired main dining area with rustic wooden tables, muted worn walls, hanging plants, oversized vintage portraits and a Belle Epoque-esque statue demanding the attention within the bar area. It’s a Tuesday evening and the restaurant is packed with a mixture of artsy creatives, young professionals and city bankers lending to the overall classy, upmarket but laid back atmosphere; you’d almost forget you were in the bustling ends of Brick Lane.

Hidden at the back of the restaurant is the ‘The Cote d’Azur’ room reserved for private dining featuring a stunning hand painted mural replica of Picasso’s ‘Aldo Gigli’.

The stripped back ‘A La Carte’ menu starts you off with everything from Croque Monsieur right down to Battered frogs legs (sorry guys, just couldn’t muster up the courage to try this one...maybe next time!) Charcuterie to the mains. Diners can take their pick from the impressive Fish selection consisting of Red Mullet Escabeche, a meats menu offering the likes of Duck Confit Leg with Sesame roasted Celearic, Green Peppercorns and Quince. Vegetarian options read as mouthwatering as the meat-eater’s selection with Baked Moroccan Eggs served with peppers and flat bread and Saffron Couscous with Tabbouleh and pomegranate yoghurt.

Starters was nothing short of a delectable beginning with the Merguez Sausage roll with Harissa Mayonnaise - earthy pork meat bursting with a rich flavour, coated by a golden delicate pastry. Next up were the cheeses, the creamy Goats cheese ‘Chevre de Saint-Claud’ and ‘Fourme D’Ambert’ a salty Blue cheese with a fruity heart. The deliciously smoky blue cheese came with an intense taste, almost overbearing but gladly still edible, balanced with the sweet relish.

For the mains, it had to be none other than the Lamb Tagine with apricots, almonds and lebna. While the dish was undoubtedly tasty, it was marred by the excess of sauce with the very minimal amount of lamb. The Saffron couscous came out on top - a plentiful portion of the spiced yoghurt and fluffy couscous combined with the edgy flavours of the Tabbouleh.

One thing for sure is Blanchette definitely excel on their cocktails - all refreshing, zingy and confidently well made. I’m convinced the French Kiss vanilla vodka and touch of lime is one of the best cocktails ever made.The drinks menu boasts a selection of Sweet french, spanish, italian Wines, cocktails, brandy and coffee & tea to wash down your meal.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Dacquoise with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream and Basil Sorbet with Fresh Mango were amongst the mouthwatering list of desserts. One decided to opt for an alternative ‘After Dinner Cocktail’ matching the chic mood! The Salted Caramel Martini did not disappoint - classy, sweet and perfectly creamy.

Must Try:

Merguez Sausage roll, French Kiss and Salted Martini Caramel cocktails.

Avoid:

The Lamb Tagine. Too many condiments - not enough lamb!

Verdict:

 8/10 Posh nosh in one of London’s coolest locations. Perfect spot for a date or a low key casual dinner treat. The cocktails and carefully made dishes will guarantee a repeat visit.

Price:

 Approx. £40 per person for a 3 course meal and a drink.