A French Dinner Party - Le Garrick

About a month ago, my friends Charles and Dominika invited me to the southwest region of France for a dinner party.  A large group of us gathered around the family table as dish after dish of rustic, authentic French food was put before us.  Charles explained that we had his wonderful mother to thank for these flavors and combinations.   She's taught him everything he knows about French cuisine and that special French way of celebrating food and life. Each ingredient had a story, every dish more special than the last.  The wine flowed and the hours passed in that intimate and charming way than can only happen around a dinner table.   

Well, that's not exactly how it happened.  I wasn't in the south of France, I was in the West End of London.  But everything else is just as I described.  This magical culinary night happened at Le Garrick restaurant & wine Bar.  This is a family run French bistro in the heart of London that will make you feel like you've just stepped off the Eurostar in the heart of France.  

Brendon ran Le Gerrick for 25 years and then essentially hand picked Charles and Dominika to take over the next phase.  The couple actually met at the bistro years ago when Charles visited to enjoy a meal and Dominika was working there.  It's obviously fate that this is now their pride and joy.  I tried to take a few photos of Charles but he was so excited and passionate about the restaurant and the dishes, he's just a blur of movement. 

His culinary passion was absolutely contagious and I was convinced to try every dish he suggested.  Now you know what a picky eater I am, but how can you not trust a man that gets tears in his eyes when he talks about food and his French mamma?  After sampling from the Assiette de Charcuterie,  I had not one but two servings of the Foie Gras on toasted brioche with a pear chutney.  It was wonderful and after that my brave culinary adventure continued.

I was now feeling so confident that I had my first taste of calamari.  Better known as Cassolette de calamar à la plancha au piment d’espelette, it's pan-seared squid with a touch of coriander, chili and ginger.  Now most of my "issues" with food are about texture and I had nothing to worry about.  The calamari was tender and firm, not rubbery at all as I expected and obviously the flavor was exceptional.  The kick of the chili and ginger makes this a dish you will not forget. 

I was quite proud of my bravery in trying all of these things I'd never had the guts to try before.  But I trusted that they wouldn't serve it to us if it wasn't going to be fabulous.  Which is why I didn't think twice about going for the next dish.  Escargots de Bourgogne cooked in garlic and parsley butter.  That's right, I even tried the snails.  Again I was most worried about the texture, but they are not slimy at all.  They were firm and bursting with the flavors of butter and garlic.  Simply scrumptious. 

I was feeling pretty proud and oh so pleasantly pleased but it did feel good to move on to food that I'm much more familiar with like the La Soupe L'Oignon.  Best French Onion Soup I've ever tasted.  We were meant to share and allow everyone a taste, but I pretty much claimed this bowl as my very own.  The cheese was the best part.

I'm rushing through the dishes a bit, but this was one of those leisurely meals that you typically get in Europe.  Many courses savored slowly and appreciatively, conversation and laughter, enjoyed with plentiful and varied bottles of wine that match perfectly.  It goes in waves.  The conversation builds and then food arrives and everyone quiets down and lingers over the food for a bit, then the conversation builds again until the next dish arrives.  This is a rhythm of dining that I really need to embrace more often. 

Le Garrick is the perfect place to experience this in London. It really did feel like we were at a dinner party instead of a restaurant.  The staff interacts like family, the place was full of regulars.  I think about five different people came up to greet Charles with cheek kisses and kind words while he was talking to us about his restaurant.  And the food and wine just kept coming.  My main was Red Snapper with a pineapple salsa that was light and delicate.  Everyone was raving about the Duck Breast in Orange Sauce.  The menu is full of all of the French classics. 

The next wave came in the form of a cheese platter that was all sorts of heaven, each more delectable than the last.  Of course, Charles told us exactly where each one was sourced and how it was made.  He knows his ingredients and chooses each one with great care. 

Can you believe it's not over yet?  It's amazing what you can fit in when you go slow, take your time and savor each dish.  You can imagine the noises around the table as we enjoyed Fondant au chocolat, Crème brulée, a selection of Café Gourmand and more. 

I realize what most people think when they see a restaurant review on a blog.  Well, of course you're going to say something nice, you just got a free meal.  But I promise you, I only gush when a place is gush worthy.  Le Garrick is a gem of a restaurant in London and I will be back.  

A votre santé !

To life, love, food and family.

What have you been brave enough to try lately?

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I received a complimentary meal from Le Garrick for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.