Visit La Garrigue, arguably the most authentic French restaurant in town and be transported into the Languedoc region of France. Enjoy the food, sample the 'Terroir wines' and the warm service. Winner 'Les Routiers Guide; Scottish restaurant of the year'.
La Vallée Blanche
- Food served: Tue–Fri noon–2.15pm, 5.30–10.30pm; Sat 11am–11.30pm; Sun 11am–10.30pm. Closed Mon.
- Children welcome: at lunch only
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs
- Music on stereo: Ambient
- Capacity: 70
- Largest group: 70
- Open since: 2008
- Average price 2 courses:
£14.95 (set lunch)
£26 (evening meal) - House wine: £22.50 per bottle
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.
A former antique complex above the West End's beloved branch of Fopp has been chosen as the reunion venue for many members of the team that once made Princes Square's étain such a success. The space has been transformed into a calm, low-lit haven of dark wood panelling and red furnishings, with a long window overlooking Byres Road lined by lightly flickering candle lamps. The staff appear to go to great pains to please and are exemplary throughout: glasses seem magically to fill themselves and there's genuine enthusiasm about the locally-sourced, seasonal food coming from Neil Clark's kitchen. The cuisine, similarly, speaks of experience and barely puts a foot wrong. Pearly scallops find a striking combination with sharp apple and earthy black pudding purée, with a following assiette of pork – an impeccably cooked trio of lean loin, plump belly and tender cheek – a superlative example of a classic dish. A more adventurous streak is displayed in an assemblage of ruby red wood pigeon breast surrounded by the varied flavours of roasted chestnuts, baby onions and garlic cloves, marinated olives and crispy-fried bay leaves. Desserts include a firm poached pear teamed with panacotta and an ice-cream ball flavoured with the extraordinary almond, woody tones of the tonka bean.
- High point: Exemplary cuisine and service
- Low point: Wines a little expensive
Comments
- 1. Angie B, Glasgow – 28 September 2008, 7:00pm
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This is an odd restaurant which doesn't seem to know whether it is a classy french restaurant or a casual diner. We went in for Sunday brunch/lunch and didn't expect to be served a warm roll by white aproned waitress when all we had ordered was a croque monsieur and a burger. The side salad was coated with crunchy rock salt making it unbearable to eat, the croque monsieur was average but smothered in too much cheese and the 'Aberdeen Angus' burger may well have been cooked from frozen. I would have expected a french restaurant to cook a burger from fresh and slightly rare. The formal staff suggest an air of haute cuisine but some of the food could easily have been served at a chain pub. The petit fours (after a burger!?) were also an unusual surprise. We appreciate that we did not sample the a la carte menu and only had a one course Sunday brunch.
- 2. Irishgirl, Glasgow – 9 October 2008, 11:48pm
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WOW! A wonderful French restaurant in the west end, exactly what has been required for AGES!
It is beautifully laid out with a romantic alpine effect. Soft lighting, non fussy decor, and acoustically can cater for a busy restaurant.
Food was truly delicious; MARGO our waitress clearly presented the varied menu. There is plenty of choice, something for everyone.
We thoroughly enjoyed the menu, service and ambiance.
Check their online menu.You will not be disappointed.
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