- Restaurants
- 4 min read
We recently had the pleasure of visiting
Brasserie Blanc stands out as an independent, privately-owned establishment, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions passed down from Raymond Blanc’s mother, Maman Blanc. The dishes echo her influence, with Raymond still dining weekly at their Oxford venue, ensuring the preservation of his family's culinary heritage. Raymond remains actively involved in menu development, a testament to his enduring passion for exceptional cuisine.
The new Prix Fixe menu emphasises the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients, with a keen awareness of their provenance. Brasserie Blanc's commitment to quality is evident in their sourcing practices. Their meats are supplied by Aubrey Allen, a multi-award-winning Royal Butcher. Seafood lovers will appreciate that Brasserie Blanc sources its seafood directly and ethically from UK seas, ensuring sustainability and freshness. Additionally, their fresh produce comes from local UK farmers, further emphasising their commitment to supporting local agriculture and ensuring high quality and standards.
During our visit to Brasserie Blanc at The Hub, we indulged in an exquisite selection from their new Prix Fixe June lunch menu. Our starters included a velvety Courgette and Garlic soup (vegan) with crème fraiche, a vibrant Salad Provençale featuring anchovy’s, olives, tomatoes, and a perfectly boiled egg, and a delectable Cod Brandade and Lemon Croquettes served with spiced lentils. All these starters were delicious and presented beautifully.
For the mains, we savoured the Mediterranean flavourful Olive and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Ballotine, accompanied by a rich roasted tomato sauce, braised broad beans and peas, and smooth mashed potatoes. We also enjoyed the Smoked Haddock and Saffron Risotto, topped with a poached egg, and finished with a tangy lemon beurre blanc. Both dishes were so tasty and flavoursome.
Dessert was a delightful finale with a light and refreshing Mango and Nougat Parfait (v) complemented by a fresh passion fruit and mango coulis, and a vegan Carrot and Walnut Cake that was delicious.
To top it off, this month your Prix Fixe selections will include a complimentary 175ml glass of Berne Esprit Méditerranée Rosé, (whilst stocks last and cannot be substituted).
Every dish was divine, and despite our growing fullness, we could not stop indulging. Each dish was a testament to Brasserie Blanc's commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and highlighted the culinary expertise that Raymond Blanc is renowned for.
During our discussions with their knowledgeable and super friendly manager about the À La Carte menu, we learned that the duck confit undergoes a meticulous two-day marination and cooking process, showcasing the depth of flavour and care in its preparation. Additionally, two signature dishes, the cheese soufflé and the pistachio and chocolate soufflé, have become menu staples regardless of the season. These beloved dishes reflect the timeless appeal of Brasserie Blanc’s culinary offerings.
Raymond Blanc's influence extends beyond the kitchen as he serves as the president of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Brasserie Blanc proudly holds a 3-star accreditation from the association, reflecting their dedication to sustainable practices across all their locations.
To summarise, our experience at Brasserie Blanc was top-notch: exceptional food, outstanding service, and we cannot recommend it enough. This hidden gem in the heart of Milton Keynes is a must-visit! The menu offers incredible value for money. If you visit, please let us know by tagging @mkcitycentre and @brasserieblanc on social media, and do not forget to leave them a review on Google and TripAdvisor.
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