Bistrot Bruno Loubet

It's been a while since we had dinner at Bistrot Bruno Loubet but I still have very fond memories of the experience.  It was a group dinner mid week to celebrate the birthday of Maria and we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink outside at the back of the restaurant in St John's Square before sitting down to a wonderful selection of dishes.  Everyone enjoyed their meals which were full of flavour and colour.  It was also a treat to see Bruno himself cooking in the kitchen which is a rare treat, especially on a Tuesday night.  


I had the summer fish cassoulet full of lovely, light flavours from the herbs and vegetables along with a perfectly cooked piece of fish. The rabbit tournedos with artichoke barigoule (stewed artichoke hearts) and lovage (sea parsley) pesto was also a popular choice and equally tasty and not too heavy.  Esteban of course went for steak, taking the grilled Aberdeen Angus sirloin with spring onion persillade which looked delicious.

Special dish I can't remember but tasted good - Rabbit tournedos - Front of restaurant

All our plates were clean by the end of the meal and everyone was keen for dessert. Maria and I both had the apricot crème brûlée served with pistachio ice cream with Maria's plate decorated with a birthday message.  I wasn't sure whether the apricot and pistachio were a bit much but the flavours seemed to work well together.  Thin apple tart with crème fraîche and cinnamon ice cream was also a hit, proving that Bruno finds the perfect balance of classic French cooking with just a hint of flair that makes him such an accomplished chef. 

Fish cassoulet - Sirloin - Crème brûlée - Apple tart

Bistrot Bruno Loubet at The Zetter hotel is a highly recommended choice for any occasion.  It promises a wonderful, relaxed meal in comfortable surrounds, friendly service that is spot on, and food that is amazingly great value and sure to please everyone.   I am now thinking of when I can go back again - bon appétit!


What:  Restaurant Bistrot Bruno Loubet
Where:  St John's Square, 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RJ
How much:  Entrees £6.50-8.50; mains average £17.50, desserts average £6.50

L'etranger - for Maria & Esteban

As I've said before, the festive season is always a good excuse to eat lots of good food and it was just the excuse I needed to try out L'etranger, a restaurant that caught my attention at the 2011 Taste festival.  We went there with Maria and Esteban for our Xmas celebration and I specifically chose it as Maria likes French food but was also interested to have some Japanese or Asian food; L'etranger describes it's menu as "French with a Japanese influence" so this was the perfect choice.

L'etranger is a classy restaurant that serves excellent food.  As a more upmarket restaurant, the prices are on the high side (although not ridiculous) however the quality and flavours of the food are amazing and we all enjoyed it.  The wine list is huge and it's here you can very quickly increase your bill.

The entrées were a good start, especially the lovely looking roasted Scottish scallops with parmesan puree & truffle foam and the trio of foie gras (pan fried, crème brûlée, almond tempura) served with homemade mushroom brioche and some liquor to break the heaviness down.  Although I didn't order an entrée, they gave me a plate with a sample of the beef tataki entrée so I wouldn't be left out which I thought was a very nice touch.

Trio of foie gras - fried calamari - roasted scallops - sample beef tataki

The mains were equally tasty especially my smoked duck breast with cepes ravioli.  It was served with a cover which when they lifted it off, an amazing smoky duck aroma filled the area.  The taste was as amazing as the smell and I would say it is one of the best French duck dishes I have ever had as the meat was cooked so tenderly and it wasn't heavy as duck can often be.  The caramelised Alaskan black cod with miso, sushi rice & fresh ginger was also tasty and beautifully presented.  

Duck breast - Miso cod - Fried sea bass - Charolais fillet steak

After two great courses, it was hard to pass up on desserts and we were not disappointed with our choices.  As usual, I went for the  crème brûlée which was a different yet simple earl grey & dark chocolate crème brûlée with white chocolate ice cream and a yummy biscotti.  The warm apple tart tatin with vanilla ice cream was also delicious as was the moist and chocolatey chocolate fondant with green tea ice cream.

Crème brûlée - apple tarte tatin - chocolate fondant and green tea ice cream

All in all, it was a real treat and given the final bill, it was definitely only for special occasions.  I highly recommend the food at L'etranger and would gladly use any excuse to go back....such as Esteban and Maria's engagement?  Congratulations guys!! 

What:  L'etranger
Where:  36 Gloucetser Rd, London SW7 4QT
How much:  Entrées from £8.50 to £21.50, Mains £16.50 to £65 (for the grade 9 wagyu beef fillet) and desserts £7.50 to £10.50