Piece by Kate Antoni, FG Central Correspondent
Romantic Night…
Let’s talk romance, ok. Have you ever been somewhere so romantic you spend the entire evening smiling churlishly at one and other and holding hands in a dimly lit, brick walled Parisian bistro? Where you sip on bountiful generous glasses of Kir and then elegantly guzzle chilled flutes of champagne. I had an experience akin to this last Thursday evening. However, it didn’t quite go as planned. Manfriend had to go up north but I didn’t want to cancel, so my friend Sonia came to the rescue and we had a hilarious evening, the waiter even took a snap to commemorate our meal (and may I add, it’s a framer!)
Stepping Into Another World!
On entering the green fronted facade, through a glass paned door, you are transported into a tiny piece of Paris, right here in Covent Garden. It’s magical really, the atmosphere is just so, French. From the spiral staircases that leads you to the bustling basement filled with wooden tables and art filled walls. It is just so cool but effortless, warm and cozy at the same time.
The staff was kind and friendly- asking us if we needed anything or wanted help choosing.
The Ambiance.
It’s the type of place you don’t just come for the food but for the entire experience. For the ambiance, the soft flickering lights that catch your cheek as you peruse the menu and chat to your table. There was rambunctious laughter from the group in the far corner, diners behind us exchanged loving looks and the regular on the adjacent table sat alone, with a book and a carafe of wine. I could dream a little dream here, penning letters to the man I live with or wistfully read a magazine and drink a spritz.
The Food…
We ordered a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, cornichon and pate. A fantastic nibble to be enjoyed with a glass of kir. My friend ordered the Cassette de calamars a la plancha au pigment d’espellete a real winner. Calamari served in a rich piquant buttery sauce.
The type you use bread to mop the sauce with. Infused with chili, coriander and ginger – pleasantly spicy and surprisingly light. A well-kept secret and something I’d have only ever ordered in Paris. What a joy, I thought, to be here. To feel this way – midweek. Completely life affirming. It was a real treat and so far, I loved it.
More Food…
There was a nice wait between courses, nothing felt rushed. Everything took its time – we chatted quietly. About everything. Life and love and friends. The mains arrived. I ordered the daily special – the Rossini – duck breast atop with foie gras. The foie gras was divine. Rich and meaty, unctuous and sweet. Perfection. Sonia ordered salmon, served with a generous portion of ratatouille and basil sauce. Traditional food cooked from seasonal ingredients and served with love. The portions are huge, and we couldn’t finish them but, as ever, had room for dessert.
Sweeten Me Up.
One Crème brûlée and one citron torte, please. The former was my mother’s favourite whilst I was growing up. I once shared this with someone and they looked so concerned, fearing maybe she was no longer with us. She’s on a diet, still alive – just eating fruit salad in Finchley.
The brûlée here is perfect, silky, smooth tucked under a crunchy golden blanket of caramelised sugar. I like breaking the top with the back of my spoon, call me basic. I won’t be offended and in the casual French persona I have adopted – I simply won’t care. The tarte au citron was ordered because it reminded my friend of her grandmother, who would pick up a torte from the local village bakery. I refused a bite because I was perfectly content with my own pudding.
Fais Peter La Poire!
On finishing, we headed toward the staircase that would serve to transport us back into Covent Garden, but not before we were embraced by staff who let us in on a little secret. If you utter the phrase “fais Peter la poire” everyone downs a shot of pear grappa and you leave momentarily forgetting you’re inLondon’s theatre district and scrambling to find your metro stub instead.
Le Garrick Restaurant, 10-12 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BH. Tel: 020 7240 7649
