Brasserie Blanc, Fitzrovia

We don’t normally go in for the whole ‘two hour slot’ on Valentine’s Day for dinner. We have previously bought the fantastic value M&S ‘dine in for £20’ menu and I have also cooked (as has Gipsy Spread) on V-day. However, tonight was a Friday night and we fancied going out for dinner, any excuse really, so we did. The venue of choice was Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc in Fitzrovia. This is his high street offering, but is equally as stylish and bespoke as his Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons Michellin starred restaurant.

 

We arrived for dinner at 7.30pm after a pre dinner drink at the Weatsheaf, a Dylon Thomas haunt and were seated in a spacious and very private banquette. We were offered the menu and wine list. I opted for the crisp berried rose from the cote de provence and Gipsy Spread had the savignon blanc. We relaxed into our banquette and were very much enjoying the laidback vibe when we realised the pitch perfect music was being sung live - a great touch and we were unsure whether it was just for V-day or a regular occcurance at the Charlotte Street brasserie.

 

 

I decided on the starter of celeriac with paoched egg which came in a rich creamy dressing and was perfect with the artisinal bread. Gipsy Spread had the pork rilletes, again with the fresh crusty bread.

 

The main course I chose was actually a starter, however, I really fancied the cheddar cheese souffle. This might perhaps actually be the the best cheese souffle I have ever had. The outside was crisp and firm, whilst the inside soft and fluffy like foam. It came with a delightfully tangy cheese sauce - this was a serious souffle, very much akin to a Michellin starred souffle.

Gipsy Spread could not help himself and knowing he had steak on the menu for tomorrow night's dinner opted for the fancy steak burger in a brioche bun with frites.

 

We shared our dessert which was a crisp, rich and chewy (again, perhaps the best I have had!) meringue with a chestnut puree and cream. It was still very light and devine.

 

All in all, I had a fabulous V-day dinner. I did not feel hurried or harried and the setting was beautiful, relaxed and romantic. I cannot fault the staff or service which was second to none from the moment we arrived. The food was delicious and I felt truly spoilt by the indulgent nature of the menu and the refined execution of the dishes. This is by no means your ordinary high street offering. Raymond Blanc has created something that I would suggest bridges the high street dining with Michellin starred cooking.