My French nationality allows me to enjoy nasty things like really smelly cheeses, frogs and of course snails! I must admit I am not a big fan of frog legs but I love those crawling little tasty snails.
Knowing this, I was taken on a date to L'Escargot in Greek Street, Soho.
(For the non-french speaking, escargot means snail in my mother tongue.)
This French restaurant was opened in 1927 and was known as the first place in Great Britain to serve fresh snails.
The place is quite cosy, offering a glamorous brasserie atmosphere. Walls covered with amazing paintings of fantastic artists such as Mir'o, Chagall and Matisse. It instantly gives you that nice feeling of being somewhere you already know will fulfil your cravings!
While you wait your meal, a variety of breads is offered to you. Be careful not to stuff yourself with it! More is coming!
Waiters are really nice but the girl at the entrance wasn't looking really happy to see customers...
Guess what I ordered to start my meal? SNAILS! Of course! We took a small plate to share. Filled with Persillade (parsley and garlic sauce) my little friends were quite delicious! Good enough to make me feel like home.
Then we pursue with a Salmon and Crawfish Terrine as a starter. This was completely delicious! Outstanding! Simple but very tasteful.
The main plate was a Sirloin Steak with Mash Potatoes for me and Salmon and Vegetables for my date. Both dishes were incredible. The salmon perfectly cooked and the sauce that came with my Sirloin was delightful. I like my beef to be rare, and it was perfectly rare and tender as butter.
For dessert I tried their Vanilla Cheesecake and Red Fruit Coulis. Being a huge fan of cheesecake (I make the best Strawberry and cream one), I am very picky and this was not an incredible one. They shouldn't have put coulis on it, fresh fruits would have been better and the cheesecake was simply nice.
In conclusion I would say that L'Escargot is a perfect place for a date. The atmosphere is charming, food is really tasty (I definitely recommend the Terrine and the Sirloin) and accompanied by a nice wine list.
I only tried the ground floor which is the Brasserie, but if you are craving for more exquisite food ask for the first floor, different menu corresponding to a gastronomic restaurant.
020 7493 9393
(Click on L'Escargot to access their website and on the address to see where it is on Google Maps)
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| Snails! |
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| Salmon and Crawfish Terrine |
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| Sirloin Steak with Mash Potatoes |
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| Salmon and Vegetables |
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| Vanilla Cheesecake and Red Fruit Coulis |
