Address: 9 D’Arblay St, London W1F 8DR
At an event a few months back for French brand Teisseire, DC was introduced to two chaps by the name of Maxime and Yannis Allary. Before introductions were made, we were initially keen to cover them for street style inspiration based on the fact both had a really unique style that just worked!
We got talking and they told me about their restaurant called Blanchette in Soho, which was based on sharing small French family dishes – they had in fact contributed recipes to the cocktail evening from their unique menu. It sounded rather charming and we didn’t need much convincing, so a venue review was sealed there and then.
It’s located in the heart of Soho, only a few minutes walking distance from Oxford Street. I arrived on a warm summers Friday night to people spilling out the door and every table taken, including my own – which thankfully had my Dapper Chapper colleague waiting with two ‘house special’ cocktails. They certainly took the edge off a long working week within about two minutes of sitting down.
Blanchette is cosy French bistro that specialises in small plates. The bar and restaurant is deep and narrow, with charming décor and although it felt French, it wasn’t as traditional as I was expecting – it had a style all of its own, like the owners. Either way it worked.
The beauty of small plates is that it encourages sharing by its nature, and therefore more engagement and discussion about the food. If I have something amazing to eat I always want people on the table to share my experience, so fully brought into the sharing concept.
It also has the added benefit of being able to sample more of the menu, and sample we did.
We had Crispy Frog Legs with Bois Boudran Sauce and a selection of Charcuterie which was absolutely delicious.
For mains we shared the braised lamb shoulder with anchovy, rosemary and soubise sauce, seabass fillet, chargrilled cured duck breast with roast peach and beetroot remoulade, and the grilled pork belly. Our meal was expertly paired with a beautiful bottle of wine suggested by our waitress.
For dessert we had a selection of cheese, obviously.
Every detail in the venue has been well thought through, and it’s clear that from music to interior design there’s people with a set vision behind this project. This takes me back to the brothers for a moment – Maxime, Malik and Yannis – the driving vision behind the company. Maxime and Yannis have, between them, 25 years of experience in hospitality having worked in top restaurants in London, New York and Paris. Malik is also the founder of sound design company La Musique du Faubourg and responsible for the unique music selection that creates a lively and sophisticated atmosphere throughout all areas of the restaurant – a noticeable touch when you’re inside.
A visually beautiful Parisian-style bistro with a modern twist, serving decadent food, and oozing with personality. When people ask me for a recommendation of where to eat, at the moment I’m telling them to try Blanchette.
