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Café Rouge Gunwharf Quays

Café Rouge in Gunwharf Quays recently unveiled their redesigned restaurant and new menu, which boasts authentic French cuisine and I had the pleasure of sampling their beautiful French dishes and wine.

We arrived for our booking at peak time on a Friday night and were pleasantly greeted by the maître d who was extremely welcoming and friendly.

Shortly after sitting at the table our waiter for the evening came over to introduce himself and see if we were ready to order. We had a few questions about some of the dishes we wanted and he happily explained which really helped with our choices.

Cafe Rouge Menu

Choosing the wine was one of the easy bits. I adore a quality French Bordeaux and hits the spot every time. When our waiter brought over the wine I was in awe of the bottle opening presentation, it was fantastic. It really took me back to our trip to Paris a few years ago.

Cafe Rouge Bordeaux

For our starters we had Crevettes, which is king prawns in garlic and smoked chilli butter with baked in-house baguette. These were probably the best prawns I have ever eaten and the butter was just incredible. I’ve never had anything like it.

Cafe Rouge Crevettes

My husband had Plateau De Charcuterie, which is smoked saucisson and wild boar saucisson with caper berries. He said it was so flavoursome and the portion was generous.

Cafe Rouge Plateau De Charcuterie

For our mains we both went for what we felt were French classics – Boeuf Bourguignon and Confit De Canard (duck). My beef was slow-cooked in red wine with smoked bacon, mushrooms, baby onions green beans, carrots and herb mash. It was divine. The beef was so tender and the mash was so jam-packed full of flavour and so creamy.

Cafe Rouge Boeuf Bourguignon

My husbands duck was slow-cooked with French beans, dauphinoise potatoes and a cherry sauce. It was so succulent and aromatic with a crispy skin to perfection. The cherry jus superbly complemented the dish.

Cafe Rouge Confit De Canard

Desert was an easy choice. I love cheese and the French do it so well, so without hesitation I ordered Selection De Fromages served with water biscuits, candied figs and celery. On ordering, the waiter made and excellent suggestion of red wine to compliment the cheeses and he was not wrong.

Cafe Rouge Selection De Fromages

The whole dining experience at Café Rouge was faultless. The waiters seriously know their menu and provide a personable and professional service. I would certainly give them 5 stars for food and service. The refurbishment is wonderful, it really feels like a Parisian bistro, giving you a real taste of France and the subtle atmospheric music provided a great ambience.

To find out more about Café Rouge Gunwharf Quays and their menu click HERE.


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