Blanchette East, which opened its doors in August 2016, is the second outpost by brothers Maxime, Malik and Yannis Alary. The modern French menu incorporates more Southern French and North African influences with spices from the regions, while the décor is inspired by the Parisian Belle Époque era combined with the distinctive urban feel of East London.
Tucked away just off Brick Lane, Blanchette East is a small and intimate space. Dimmed, glowing candlelight and beautiful greenery created a relaxing and intimate space and calm and amiable atmosphere.
The menu is simple yet seductive, big hearty flavours are the piece de résistance here, with a choice of meats and side dishes to share. We began with a delicious merlot which was smooth and light, easy to drink compared to some red wines that can be too heavy, especially when eating a big meal. We decided on crispy soft squid with a green aioli to start. The portion was very generous, big fat squid encased in a golden crisp coating. Inside, the squid was soft and tender and melted in the mouth, the green aioli on the side was delicious.
For main we chose a poussin with a crispy coating and seasoning, which came with small crunchy roast potatoes. The poussin came out on a wooden board and we split it in two, quite a messy job, but worth it for the flavour. The chicken was beautifully seasoned and juicy, and came with tasty tarragon gravy. As a side dish we opted for roasted beetroot and goats cheese topped with filo pastry. The beetroots earthy flavour was complimented by the salty sourness of the goats cheese. The poussin combined with the crispy roast potatoes and beetroot side were like an upscale flavourful French roast dinner. The food was simple but flavoursome, and certainly filling.
Dessert was a ‘chocolate pot’ which was more of a soufflé, with a dark chocolate outside and an oozing chocolate melting middle, accompanied by a delicious salted caramel sauce and butterscotch shortbread biscuits.
If you’re looking for an intimate space to eat hearty food full of French flavour, then Blanchette East is the place to go. Their motto is ‘gastronomy is not only about eating, it is about pleasure, freshness and conviviality’ and they certainly practise what they preach.
Address: 204 Brick Lane, E1 6SA, London
blanchettebricklane.co.uk
