Raymond Blanc is taking over Britain. Starting with Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons—his famous two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Oxfordshire—he expanded his culinary empire by opening a chain of restaurants around the country. The capital has a lot of them, including the Brasserie Blanc on London’s South Bank.

Brasserie Blanc in London

Brasserie Blanc in London

The concept is simple: good French food in a relaxed atmosphere. Blanc himself even says that “if the Manoir is a delicate waltz then the Brasseries are the Can Can”. And who doesn’t like a good can-can?

Fries at Brasserie Blanc in London

I was recently invited to review the Brasserie Blanc on London’s South Bank. I looked forward to experiencing this dining spectacle firsthand.

When I arrived at the buzzing restaurant, I had a few minutes to soak up the atmosphere before being joined by a friend for dinner.

Sitting at a table on a cozy banquette, I had a view of a warm, convivial dining room. I liked it.

Brasserie Blanc in London

I also liked my server, who was just the right level of attentive from the time I sat down until the time I left. He brought a bottle of the house red, a juicy, jubilant Brasserie Blanc Pays d’Oc, that, fittingly, was the can-can of wines.

Wine at Brasserie Blanc on the South Bank

From there the starters made their entrance. I had a bourse de chevre, a crispy goat cheese parcel with French beans and tomato chutney.

Across the table a beautiful steak tartare made of hand minced Cornish fillet steak, egg yolk, capers, shallots, gherkins, Dijon mustard, and Tabasco sauce debuted.

Starter at Brasserie Blanc in London

My bourse was rich and rustic, just as one would expect from a good can-can-inspired kitchen. The steak tartare was slightly more refined, but we won’t hold that against it.

Steak tartare at Brasserie Blanc

After the starters exited stage left, the mains made their appearance.

The twin fillet steaks were definite crowd pleasers, with their rich flavors dancing across our palates. The sides of fries were winning supporting cast members as well.

Steak at Brasserie Blanc in London

Dessert was the grand finale at the can-can show at Brasserie Blanc in London. A summer berry pavlova took center stage for me, and a Valrhona chocolate crumble for my friend.

Dessert at Brasserie Blanc on the South Bank

The pavolva was a bit hard, and the crumble a bit crunchy. Dessert wasn’t the strongest number in this show.

Dessert at Brasserie Blanc in London

But overall the dinner was a success, and I would go back for a repeat performance. Given how quickly Brasserie Blanc is expanding in London, I won’t have to look hard for my next can-can-show-on-a-plate. Encore!

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