The taste of modern France

Published 1 Aug 2010 17:00 0 Comments

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By Danielle Cumber

CAFE Rouge opened its latest branch in Wokingham last month transforming part of a historic pub, The New Rose, into a classy French bistro, and photographer Abi Turley and I went down to see what all the fuss is about.

When we arrived on a Wednesday evening we were surprised to see the restaurant awash with diners letting their hair down, but this was nothing according to our waiter, James James (yes!), who informed us that the previous lunchtime he served a group of 120 people.

Business is booming with the bistro taking advantage of a lively Wokingham town centre setting.

Evenings at Café Rouge are often booked up throughout the week and especially at weekends, however daytimes are relatively quiet.

We took our time perusing the menu trying to decide whether to brave the snails.

Instead Abi opted for the Terrine Maison - smooth chicken liver paté with caramelised Roscoff onion chutney and a French baguette - a rich combination of French favourites all for a £5.95 price tag.

James recommended the house wine, Cuvée de la Maison Rosé and the white counterpart, £5.30 and £4.95 for a large glass respectively. The wine was a delicious fusion of fruity flavours.

For our main course Abi set her sights on the lemon sole fried with lemon butter and served with mouthwatering new potatoes, courgettes and carrots, £13.75.

I chose a kilogram of marinere mussels, steamed with garlic, shallots, white wine and cream and served with French baguette or French fries.

The mussels were delicious and I couldn't stop devouring them long after I was full. The kilogram cost £12.75, and a smaller half portion was available for £6.50.

Then came dessert and Abi chose the most popular dish, the pavé de chocolat - warm chocolate and walnut brownie topped with melted chocolate ganache with vanilla ice cream.

The portion was defiantly value for money and would be enough to share and all for a reasonable price tag of £4.95.

I chose the assortment de desserts, which included rich chocolate truffle tart, warm cherry clafoutis and baba drenched in rum, all for £6.95.

With such an enjoyable meal and friendly, attentive staff, the Café Rouge franchise has not lost its touch.

Where? 30 Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AP.

Telephone: 0118 979 9128.

How much? Starters are £4.50-£5.95, main courses are £9.25-£15.95, desserts are £3.95-£6.95

Opening times: Daily 9am-11pm.

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 29 Jul 10

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