Manchester Branch enjoy a Summer evening at COTE Hale
Since their first restaurant was opened in Wimbledon Village in 2007 with an original idea, the number of Cote Brasseries has grown exponentially nationwide.
No doubt many IWFS members have dined at Cote Brasseries and so will know what is on offer and what to expect.
Their idea is to provide a relaxed all day flavour of France providing great food, attentive and friendly service and great value for money. Cote don't aim to ape the grand establishments of France, there are no bow ties, just concentration on food quality and service. Attention to staff training is very evident.
Manchester IWFS committee can be found on a monthly basis ensconced in the Cote Brasserie, St Mary's Street, Manchester planning their future events. The meetings of course are followed by lunch.
The Manchester Branch held their June early evening event outside Manchester centre at the Cote Brasserie in Hale. The event was an early sell out of available places and proved to be a successful and enjoyable evening. It was predictably a success as we are well aware of the formula and ethos that Cote have established. As always the service was personable and friendly with Florin and Kevin attending.
Head Chef Ricky Bartek also made an appearance and was congratulated on the preparation and presentation of the food.
Guests were greeted on arrival with a sparkling glass of Blanc de Blancs; just right for the Summers evening.
To begin our choice was the English Asparagus Soup and we were delighted with that choice and the accompanying Lagarde Blanc 2016.
Guests were given a pre-choice of main course between a chicken dish or a Risotto. Most chose Chicken; a few preferring Risotto.
The Chargrilled Chicken Breast was served with an Endive, Rocket and Frisse, French Beans, Avocado and Roquefort Salad.This was an excellent main course with fine balance.
The alternative Risotto with French Beans, Peas, Broad Beans, Baby Spinach and Parmesan was perfect.The Lagard Rouge 2016 served with these dishes was very acceptable to most diners, but a few found it perhaps on the heavy side for the dishes. However we didn't take any home!
The star of the show seemed to be the creme caramel which was very well received with one of our guests who is respected in dining circles describing the dish as world beating and no one could disagree.
Overall a jovial and inexpensive dining out experience!
Ron Cowley