Chez Bruce

What an experience. We arrived at 6:30 (our choice was that or 10 PM!) in the full sunlight to see groups of families and children playing across the road in Wandsworth Common. Our table could not have been better – in the front window downstairs but with a perfect view of the entire dining room. We started with drinks and perused the menu. There were 3 of us and 2 had been there more than once so I was the neophyte. We decided to all choose different starters and entrees for more tasting possibilities. It is basically fixed price at £37.50 for three courses (except for the wine which Gavin conferred with the Sommelier on after we had chosen our food).

The food was exquisite. I started with ceviche of tuna with king prawn tempura, avocado, lime and coriander and the portions were definitely shareable. Sam had foie gras and chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche which was rich and creamy and outrageous. Gav chose rabbit lasagne with baby carrots and grain mustard sauce – layers and layers of homemade pasta – incredible.

For mains I could not resist the duck so I went with breast and confit leg of duck with a duck spring roll, shitake mushrooms, chilli and ginger – such a great contrast to my starter and I had to have the plate taken away so I would not lick it. Sam had roast cod with olive oil mash (you could taste the oil in the best way possible), provençâle tomato and gremolata – lemony and light and also a great contrast to her rich starter and Gav chose roast coquelet (read: chicken) with broad bean, herb and pea risotto, crisp pancetta and meat juices – yum.

Dessert was next and I had the hardest time with this decision because I really wanted to try the walnut ice cream but I had a Valrhona chocolate tart with spiced walnuts and a scoop of Jersey cream that I originally thought was ice cream – what a wonderful surprise to discover it was not! Sam had hot chocolate pudding with praline parfait – sinful and Gav went for chilled coconut rice pudding with mango sorbet and raspberries – nothing I would ever order but lovely to taste.

We had a white Bordeaux with dessert and then Gavin and I had a selection of cheeses to end. Naturally I checked out the restrooms – very nice and clean with Molton Brown products and real towels then we walked home – it was still light at 9:30 and we needed the stroll. A perfect evening!