DATE NIGHTS: CÔTE, KENSINGTON COURT

Believe it or not, I have already broken two of my new years resolutions: eat less meat and eat out less. But hey ho, it's early days and we are all allowed to make mistakes.

Mat was in town the other day and we decided to enjoy a nice evening out after work. We are both big fans of French bistro cuisine and since being taken there for Monday morning breakfast meetings with work, Côte has been our go to restaurant for a tasty and affordable steak frites and a glass of vino. Not only is it affordable (especially if you go for the lunch and early evening menu) but the portions are more than reasonable, everything is cooked to perfection and the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing.

For starters we had ham and celeriac slaw and calamari with homemade tartar which were all delicious. The ham was tender and flavoursome and the slaw creamy and earthy making the perfect combo. I love calamari and have to say these were pretty high up there on my list of favourite starters: soft in the centre, crispy on the outside, sprinkled with a little garlic and parsley and served alongside a creamy and tangy tartar and, most importantly, a wedge of lemon.

For mains it had to be steak frites. We are not talking about a fancy ribeye or sirloin steak - this is simple cheap food and at £13.90 for three courses you can't expect an expensive cut of meat.
The steak frites are prepared like you'd expect them to be at any bistro in France. The meat is first beaten in order to even out and flatten the surface, then griddled for literally seconds and served with a slice of herb butter and the perfect crispy fries. That's it, no salad or any other fancy garnishes. Pure flavour!

For pudding we just had a very simple apple tart and vanilla ice cream (very yum, but nothing special) and a creme brulée (which Mat said was so creamy and yummy and the caramel so intense it almost tasted like coffee).

And that's that. We've probably been at Côte for dinner about four times now and it has always been very good. They have other branches all around - but I can only vouch for the one at Kensington Court. Rating 7.0/10 (I would rate it higher but unfortunately the wine wasn't very good and our waiter slightly creepy)

Anyone else been before? What did you think?

Love,






 

Early evening three course menu for two, including a bottle of wine and 12.5% service charge £49.90. 

CÔTE,

47 Kensington Court,
London, W8 5DA

+44 (0)20 7938 4147

www.cote-restaurants.co.uk