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Harpenden’s Cote Restaurant. Review Sat June 23

As an award winning restaurant* my wife and I were looking forward to having dinner on a late June evening. Stepping inside you see what a transformation has taken place, from the old post office to a smart French style restaurant. And being a Saturday it was already buzzing with business. Choosing a centre table at the far end it enabled us to see all the ‘action’ taking place with guests arriving and waiters doing their work. And work they did!  With genuine smiles, attention to detail and top notch service.

Our main waitress ( Star) for the evening brought the menus along with complimentary glasses of Kir Royale. She explained the many specials on offer and left us to peruse the menu whilst we sipped the Champagne and set our taste buds alive with a dish of mixed olives.

There was a large choice on offer from light summery mains to many fish and meat dishes cooked ‘french’ style  plus several 30 day aged steak options. They have made wine selection easy with a number of ‘recommended’ ones by the glass and the bottle. If you are comfortable choosing from the main list then there are some exciting ones available.

I chose a glass of Chablis, being a good partner for fish.

With so many delicious items on the menu it took us some to decide...

When our starters arrived we were more than pleased. I had smoked salmon served with dill, shallots, baby capers a crème fraîche dressing and lightly toasted sourdough. The full flavour of the salmon contrasting nicely with the savoury elements. My wife, a vegetarian had the seasonal english aspargus with a holandasie sauce. A classic early summer dish.

Then the mains: I had roast sea bass fillets with braised fennel and a champagne beurre blanc, chives, tomato concasse and a sprig of watercress. The balance of flavours were exquisite with the fennel adding a subtle overtone. My wife’s choice, a classic french dish of roasted vegetables on a bed of lentils looked superb. Sadly the perfectly cooked vegetables concealed an overcooked mush of unedible lentils. Calling over our waitress she agreed that a replacement was needed. The chefs were quick to rectify the problem and new dish was returned with a side dish of Dauphinoise potatoes. Much improved.

Finally the desserts: My wife adores Creme Brulee provided the top is brown and crunchy. Voila, it arrived but a little over dark. I had the Crepe Chantilly with strawberries and a chocolate sauce.

Rounding off the meal with an expresso for me and a fresh mint tea for my wife.

Service was exemplary throughout.

The menus are changed regularly with seasonal offers and there are deals for early diners and ‘Prestige Set Menus.

The restaurant is centrally located in Station Road and has built a solid reputation since it opened pre Christmas.  Booking at weekends is advised and can be made via their website. Reservations: cote.co.uk, quandoo.co.uk

Phone: 01582 957391

Ron Taylor. Editor

*The Harpenden Society Letter of Commendation for 2017. Côte Brasserie restaurant in Station Road was nominated for the Award by Society members and the Awards committee who said ‘it has enhanced an otherwise dull building with attractive awnings and window boxes’.

Feb 2019. Sunday Lunches ---As popular as ever??

I had a traditional lunch in Redbourn’s Holly Bush Pub on Feb 17.

Fabulous food, great service, warm welcome, packed out even some people in the large pub garden and plenty of space in the car park.

Astonishing value for the quality.

I had a fabulous Thai lunch in Harpenden’s Bangkok Lounge on Jan. 20.

So fresh with incredible Thai flavours, great service and special offers made a change from traditional ‘Sunday lunch.

Sadly there were only 3 tables occupied so little atmosphere.

March 10. 2019. Traditional Sunday lunches and so much more for all the family at the White Horse in Hatching Green.

Sunday lunch time was packed with families all enjoying the super food and attentive service from the excellent staff.

Traditional lunches and great vegetarian options.

New Italian Restaurant NOW open in Harpenden at the bottom of Vaughan Rd...ROSANNA’S

Fantastic food and flavours from early morning to late afternoon from this family run restaurant.

Harpenden’s new outdoor eating place.

On the concourse by the Library.

Mains- A choice of Lebanese meat and vegetarian dishes from Emilio’s

Deserts. A choice of cakes and coffees also from Emilio’s

PLUS Free seating

FREE SEATS

DESERTS & COFFEE

MAINS

Fabulous new look at the Old Cock Inn.

A transformation both inside, outside and upstairs.

A new look menu...perfect for a family treat. CHRISTMAS bookings NOW being taken.

Nov 6.  A stylish new look for The Old Bell in Harpenden. Expanded seating and garden areas out side.

A new Bar inside AND a totally new look for the restaurant. WITH a superb NEW Menu.    NOW OPEN.

Enjoy the new Christmas menu at the new-look White Horse and help support Shelter.

The White Horse is a magical place for Christmas celebrations. On the menu is bronze, free range turkey from Worcester, Cornish lamb, British beef and responsibly sourced fish.  Spiced sweet potato and kale pie with spinach and wild mushrooms or fillet of sea bream with leeks, white beans, mussels and white wine make for deliciously different options alongside traditional roast turkey.  With the big day less than a month away, book today and enjoy a proper feast. What's more, for each guest who enjoys a Christmas meal, The White Horse will donate 25p to Shelter to help those affected by homelessness.

Head chef Dan Kennie, who trained in Marco Pierre White restaurants, has come up with a choice of delectable new dishes.

To book a table for lunch, dinner or for a Christmas celebration, please go to https://www.thewhitehorseharpenden.co.uk/booking-stage-1/, email

thewhitehorse@peachpubs.com or call 01582 469290. @horseharpenden  

 

Jan 21. Harpenden’s new fish n’ chip shop now open in Station Rod.

THE ROYAL FISH.

Bright and spacious with a big choice of food  served by friendly staff.