Emile's has always been a firm favourite not only in our family - I first ate at his original Wandsworth Bridge Rd restaurant over twenty years ago! But if you go to the forum there is great warmth for this little "gem".

For me there was no question over the starter Chilled Green Pea Soup with lardons, croutons and mint - very refreshing and tasty whilst my husband had Seared Scallops with Cannellini beans, tomato pesto and parmesan crisps which were certainly wolfed down with enthusiasm.

The main courses offered a wide range of choice for carnivores, fish fans and vegetarians, the easy option is the Beef Welly that has been on the menu for over 21 years but that evening the medallions of venison with baby beetroot, new potatoes, summer cabbage with balsamic& basil jus was too tempting for me to pass up on and I am very pleased that I did. The venison (low on calories!) melted in the mouth and as a fan of beetroot (the devils vegetable to some I know!) I was in heaven. Mark opted for the roast fillet of pork stuffed with raisins and couscous serviced with vegetable tagine.

Emile's has an extensive wine list plus an incredibly well priced "Fine Wine" list which offers " a small selection of carefully chosen wines from a range of particularly good wine makers. We hope that you will enjoy these great wines and have reduced the price to encourage the adventurous !". We enjoyed a marvelous Château des Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rouge 2003 a red from the champagne maker Bruno Paillard priced at £27.95.

The dessert menu was a step too far for me despite the temptations on offer but Mark happily tucked in to the White Chocolate Cheesecake with ginger - whilst I enjoyed a cappuccino and we both had a glass of australian Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora (£4.50) - who says you have to have a dessert to have dessert wine!

Two courses costs £23.50 and three comes to £26.50 but I am sure if you are only wanting one they would adjust the prices accordingly. The menu is changed on a monthly basis but there are regulars that stay on throughout the year - you can take a look at the current menu and wine lists at the website. If you want to stay in but eat as though you were at Emile's they offer an "At home" menu where the food comes prepared but not cooked with clear simple instructions for the cook..... not a bad idea for those who want to cheat and impress with a "home cooked" meal - you wont be lying!

August 20, 2008