December is around the corner, which means the return of the festive menu season, but who says Christmas is all about the turkey and mince pies? Try something different at Côte.
The French chain is offering its decadent three-course Menu de Noël which includes a festive twist along the lines of a variety of unorthodox dishes. Dining here feels like a new culinary experience even for people who grew up on roast dinners.
Season’s eatings!
We began our gastronomic journey with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Prawn Thermidor cooked in a lobster mornay gratin with Comté cheese. Another highlight included slow-cooked shredded Duck Rillettes. Vegan guests can enjoy a creamy Parsnip Soup with chestnut, pear parsley and white truffle oil.
For the mains we were served with Côte’s French-inspired take on the classic centrepiece – Turkey Paupiette – a succulent British turkey breast with sage and apricot stuffing, enveloped in streaky bacon.
Other dishes include Butternut Squash Pithivier made of mushroom, butternut squash and goat’s cheese puff pastry parcel, tasty Sea Bream Grenobloise, a tender 30-day-aged Sirloin and a flavoursome vegan Mushroom Bourguignon which can be easily mistaken for beef. What’s not to love?
Festive cocktails
Classy Christmas cocktails will cool you down when temperatures rise above the broth this season. The Sloe Pétiller is made with Portobello sloe berry and blackcurrant gin and garnished with redcurrants.
But don’t sleep on other inventive drinks like a The Blanc Noël. Whatever buzz you’re looking for, you’ll find it in this rich drink, which combines Vodka, Mr Black coffee liqueur cream and Norfolk Nog whiskey cream, garnished with a sweet cinnamon stick.
Naturally, a range of Champagnes and an extensive sommelier-selected wine list are available at Côte to toast to the most wonderful time of the year.
Snowy sweet treats
The ultimate end to a festive feast? For a satisfyingly sweet end to the occasion, some of Côte’s best loved desserts have had a festive makeover.
Diners will discover a French-favourite Winter Spiced Crème Brûlée, accompanied by citrusy poached clementines and tart redcurrants. For the chocolate aficionado’s, White Chocolate Mousse in a dark chocolate sphere layered with a winter berry compote & freeze-dried raspberries. This pudding is served with a warm lemon madeleine which deserves a special recognition. Pain Perdu, a sweet brioche bread pudding with cream, salted caramel sauce & vanilla ice cream is also incredibly moreish. Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with the warm Hazelnut and White Chocolate Profiteroles, dusted with sugar snow for that extra special wintery touch.
The decadent three-course Menu de Noël is priced from £34.95 and available at Côte’s restaurants across the UK. Bookings can be made here.
Image credits: © Côte
