Bistrotheque review by Michael
Do you mean to say there's a great restaurant in a converted warehouse in Bethnal green, being also considered by some to be a not so reputable area? Ehm, Yes.
It must be different, then?
It sure is, considering you have bizarre shows (when I was there last time a transvestite dressing competition was being hosted??) going on at the ground floor level. Meanwhile, a door and corner or two later there is also a cozy and more 'normal' bar open to the knowing few, mostly sporting infeasible hair styles and flaky clothing, so typical of this east end area bordering Shoreditch and Hoxton. This however, is not the restaurant, so don't be discouraged from going because of the foreword! It really is different and the food is great!
The setting for the food is, of course, the important part. It's based on the upper level of the warehouse style building. When you do finally arrive upon the grey painted glossy floor of the restaurant level, you need to battle your way through waiters, beyond a cream painted plasterboard partition framework that separates the eating community from the cooking one! Tables are lined on the
from end to end, and I remember noting all seats filled, whihc was a good indication.
The warehouse effect is apparent as factory lighting splashes across the venue from on high of the warehouse roof. The decoration in terms of furnishing are equally straightforward. It's the food you're here for clearly.
And on subject of food, I quite easily had the best pan fried foie gras here that I've had since I arrived in London, or possibly even ever. It melted like butter in my mouth, caressing my tongue before I reluctantly allowed it to slip softly downward. It was the best lead up to the a main course one could wish for.
For the mains, I went for the steak. An absolutely divine and hefty chunk of meat, mooing at you from the plate, just begging to be drenched by the jug of pepper sauce that lay steaming close by. And all helped along by thick finger-like cut chips and green beans.
I can't remember the wine I ordered with the food, but I do remember it was damn good and I was impressed. I also remember the list being a little eclectic though.
For dessert I took the reliably classic french dish, creme brulee How good was that? Spiffingly good old chap! Ooh la la. In short, a mix of some fine british cooking with a few french additions make this place a winner in my books. Needless to say I'll be going back again.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Overall rating 
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
review comments
Leave a comment
Please note this is to leave a comment on the readers review above.
To review this restaurant please click here
To leave a comment about the review above, please log in or register first.
To review this restaurant please click here
