The French Brasserie

24, The Downs
Altrincham
Cheshire WA14 2PU

Tel.: 0161 928 0808
Fax.: 0161 941 6154

Tuesday 14th August 2001

Phil and I needed to step out for lunch, to discuss business. We have not been into Altrincham, so decide to try The French Brasserie.

It has a typically "Bistro" feel about it, and had a few diners seated in the front. We check the menu and decide on the 2-course set menu "L'idee"

I selected the Poisson Mignon, followed by Filet du Porc. Phil opted for Brie and Apple tarte with Strawberry, followed by Gigot d'Agneau - shoulder of Lamb braised in red wine and orange and mint on minted mash with Cranberry and Shallot jus.

Unfortunately, the lamb was off. Phil was offered the option of steak, minus the supplement. He accepted.

My seared Red Mullet on a bed of Cous-cous was very good - the fish was firm and well flavoured, and the cous-cous, although initially bland, released some flavour once it had cooled a little, and fallen apart from its form.

Phil rated the tart as "exquisite" but was disappointed that the lamb wasn't available. He had asked for his steak rare, and it arrived with a show of pink - just about right, and, according to Phil, not often achieved these days.

The pepper sauce was less to his liking - he prefers the use of green peppercorns to black.

My Pork was tender and, again not often achieved, quite moist. The Apple and Calvados and "Cafe au lait" sauce was rich and just a little sweet - a nice accompaniment.

Worthy of special mention were the vegetables. Quite often I find the potatoes and mange-tout are served as an afterthought - these were beautifully cooked, lightly coated in butter and were all the better for it.

The menu is full and varied, ranging from Croques, Baguettes through Magrette of Duck Breast on Gratin Dauphinoise. The only small problem we had was that the on-street parking, Pay-and-Display, is limited to one hour, and we were warned that the wardens were sticklers. One hour really can't do justice to a real meal such as served here. Perhaps the management could consider installing CCTV with monitors inside to warn diners of the impending arrival of parking wardens !!!

£27.50 including 4.5 pts of Kronenbourg.

Excellent value and a positive recommendation from Eatanddrink.

Sandro and Phil