French cuisine is among the most celebrated on earth and famous for its diversity and richness. From escargots and soufflés to truffles and gratins coupled with world-famous wines, the French cuisine is a celebration of both gastronomy and culture.
For all Bon Vivants, experience an authentic little slice of France together with a stunning view overlooking the Thames at Brasserie Blanc Fulham Reach. Voilà!
With six restaurants around London and another 14 spread around the country, Brasserie Blanc Fulham Reach is located along the Thames path only a short walk from Hammersmith tube station.
Michelin-star and multiple-award winning chef Raymond Blanc is the man behind the successful French brasserie. With over 40 years in the kitchen, Chef Blanc knows a thing or two about French food and has nurtured some of the country’s most respected chefs in his kitchens.
The atmosphere at the brasserie is both relaxed and inviting. The large windows opening up towards the river brings in light and the comfortable indoor seating arrangements consisting of leather draped sofas and chairs add to the pleasant and laid back ambience. There is also an outdoor seating area which is open into the autumn.
The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive and knowledgeable with a cheeky charm which adds an element of entertainment and laughter when ordering the food.
The menu consists of a selection of French classics and modern no-fuss dishes as Raymond Blac would describe it- simply great food. Instead of haute cuisine, the dishes on the menu are rustic and not over-worked with many well-known traditional dishes such as Beof Bourgogne and Bouillabaisse.
The à la carte menu is updated every six months to match the seasonal produce whilst the set menu changes every month.
There are about ten different entrées ranging from French Onion Soup and Steak Tartar to Escargots and Moule Marinieres.
There are over fourteen main dishes including four ‘Les Classiques’ such as Duck Leg Confit and Bouillabaisse. Other main dishes found on the menu are Grilled Rock Lobster, Slow-Cooked Shoulder and Leg of Roast Suckling Pig.
There is also a separate steak section including Sirloin, Chateaubriand and Onglet steaks which can be ordered with either french fries, dauphinoise or sauteed potatoes.
My dinner guest and I start off with ‘rustica’ olives as an Apertif followed by the Scottish Salmon Gravadlax and the French classic, Moules Marinieres. The salmon is incredibly fresh and the mussels which are served in a white wine sauce are cooked to perfection.
For the main course, I have the Bouillabaisse, the world-famous yellow fish soup made from hake, red mullet, sea bream, squid, mussels, saffron, and potatoes. The soup is served with garlic bread which adds a nice crunch. The fish is tender and the saffron and fennel flavours work really well together.
My guest tries the Mediterranean Summer Salad which comes with smoked peppers, courgette, aubergine, lentils and bulgar wheat. Presented as a summer flower on the plate the dish is as tasty and flavoursome as it is pretty.
Our friendly waiter is pairing the dishes with a crisp and fresh French white wine, Adrien Maréchal Sancerre La Fuzelle 2016, a classic Sauvignon Blanc with gooseberry and Elderflower flavours. It is fresh and compliments the seafood dishes really well.
There are six desserts to chose from with the Pistachio Souffle served with rich chocolate ice cream being one of the most popular puddings on the menu.
We decided to try the Chocolate Delice, a velvety chocolate mousse served with pannacotta cream and a classic Tarte au Citron, the French word for a lemon tart served with creme fraiche. Both desserts are a perfect way to end a fantastic dinner. The chocolate mousse is rich and creamy and melts in your mouth whilst the lemon tart is fresh and light.
Brasserie Blanc is a great restaurant where the staff really make you feel at home. Perfect for a date-night, family celebrations or for a group of friends, this French slice of culinary heaven delivers on both food and wine and truly exceeds when it comes to the service.
And as a French person would say – a good brasserie should be two things; firstly open late and secondly great for stimulating conversation. Brasserie Blanc ticks both boxes. C’est très bien!
For bookings +44 (0) 020 8237 5566
Goldhurst House
Parr’s Way
Fulham Reach
W6 9AN
http://brasserieblanc.com/restaurants/fulham-reach/#
