As much as I love the Bambino, I am sure any mother will agree that sometimes, once in a blue moon, we need a night off. The little blighter, at five months old, has slept through the night a total of three times, one of which just happened to be the night I am about to write about meaning I wasn’t around to reap the benefits. As you can imagine, it’s been a long time since I can remember what it was like not to be tired. The M-in-L has helpfully bought a second-hand cot for such occasions where sleep deprivation drives me delirious.
The first time we sent Bambino off for a sleepover at Nanny’s, we were excited by the prospect of acting like our old selves and embarking on an evening of posh food and unpronounceable wine.
So off we popped on a train to Guildford, giddy with the idea that for the first time in 18 months we can both drink wine at the same time. Is it just me or is drinking as a couple far more entertaining than watching the other enjoy a gallon of alcohol while you have to sip a diet coke as the designated drive?
I have only ever eaten French food in France, but I don’t think that really counts as I was pregnant at the time which meant the good stuff was banned for me, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect and therefore this review is by no means written from an experts viewpoint.
We started off the evening in a little pub called The Keep just a couple of doors down from Côte. On first glance we think we are onto a winner. It has the feel of a proper English pub but with a contemporary twist. Just the right kind of lighting, comfortable sofas and a stack of board games to keep you amused for hours should that take your fancy. We had the time to take all this in while standing at the bar waiting for a member of staff to appear. Funny how the best impressions can be flushed down the toilet when we are made to wait by a bar tender who acts like he has been smacked too many times with a wet fish, ‘I’m sorry Sir, I didn’t mean to bring you custom!’ We only had the one drink so didn’t stay long enough to allow the fellow to redeem himself.
Moving on to the main event, we arrived on time to be greeted by friendly attentive staff which became the running theme of the evening despite the obvious fact the restaurant was filled to capacity. I feel somewhat over dressed with my sparkly leggings and little black dress. A lot of the clientele seem to have adopted a far more casual look, I don’t really care all that much though, this is my first proper night out in ages and I was going all out.
Seated by a window on a large table for two, we were immediately offered water and nibbles in the way of olives which were greedily devoured in seconds (I can’t just have one or two, I eat olives until they are gone). All the wine is understandably French of which I have no experience in drinking (why did I go to France while I was pregnant???) so our very helpful waiter guided us towards a very lovely bottle called St Chinian, Domaine Du Barres 2010 (Mulberry, Blackberry and Black Cherry).
I must apologise for the poor quality pictures, a couple of glasses of wine and dim lighting are my excuse.
To start I ordered the Rillets, coarsely shredded duck and pork paté, shallots, cornichons and served with toasted sourdough bread. I had no idea what a cornichon was until I announced how much I was enjoying the kick the little gherkins were giving the dish and the partner filled me in. I could have eaten this as a main meal. Never before has pate had me resisting the temptation to wipe the bowl clean with my finger.
For the main course I was torn between the roasted duck breast (served pink) with potato gratin and a griottine cherry sauce or the pan roasted pork belly with a potato, créme fraíche and chive purée, caramelised apples and calvados jus. The duck won out as the partner went for the pork belly. I added on a side order of carrots as I am a traditional gal needing a bit of veg on my plate. The duck could have done with being a little hotter but my guess is that it was left to rest slightly longer then it should have been and I am not fussy enough to send it back to be warmed up. I think a roasted or sautéed potato would have worked better than a creamy gratin but that isn’t to say the potatoes weren’t lovely.
Mmmm, my favourite part, the chocolate dessert course. Whenever I look at a dessert menu I find it difficult to see anything that doesn’t say chocolate. I can’t help it so chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream it had to be. Warm chocolatey goodness, practically a cuddle, devoured in seconds without a pause to wipe the chocolate smears on my lips. Dare I say it? Delectable!
I wouldn’t say this is a posh restaurant by any means, but it does definitely feel more upmarket than most places around this area, especially as the night goes on and yet isn’t over priced. I will probably come back here as a birthday restaurant, I like to use tried and tested venues for birthdays, and I will certainly be recommending it to family and friends.
Annie's Food Affair 