A Relaxing Dinner For Two At Emile's

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Another successful evening at local west Putney restaurant

We have been married as long as Emile's has been in Putney and so it was no disappointment to have a surprise "date" with my other half at one of our favourite Putney restaurants.

The warm reception guaranteed plus only a hop skip and a jump home make for a very relaxing night out - no cooking - no teenagers and bliss no washing up!

Wines start at £14.90 a bottle but we opted for a favourite from New Zealand, the 2008 Huia Pinot Noir (£29.50). Huia is a smallish vineyard from Marlborough and is owned by the Australian cousin of Emile's wife!

The menu at Emile's changes monthly although there are regulars that remain throughout the year. Tempting as it is to stick to the regular favourites on the menu we ventured "off piste" - for starters my husband opted for the Pheasant Pithivier with Pickled Mushrooms, Celeriac & Madeira Jus - it was fun listening to him ordering it but worth the effort as the rich juice sorry "jus" rounded off the game in puff pastry whilst I had the Beetroot soup which unlike many versions was smooth but contained small chunks of beetroot and beef.

The main course was my long awaited opportunity to try the rare breeds Longhorn steak - delicious served with "giant" chips and a salad (£5 supplement ). Across the table was a fishcake made of Salmon, Pollock & sweet potato topped with A soft poached egg in a fish broth with peas button onions & lettuce. Always attracted to a poached egg on a dish Mark was not disappointed and this was complemented by a half bottle of 2009 Pouilly Fume Serge Dagueneau (£13.50).

A crumble with a glass of Muscat (£5.20) completed the meal - I was happy with a simple glass of the Muscat and an espresso (£1.90) as no space to even try the dessert despite a second spoon being brought by the waiter.

The final bill excluding wines & service was £65.15 (2 courses @£25, 3 courses @£28.50 and mineral water £2.85). The service was non intrusive allowing for catch up on news and views with a lovely meal - highly recommended for any marriage. The restaurant was busy but there were not long delays in our courses and we did not feel we were rushed to move on - in fact if the truth be known there we could still be there!

The fishcake is one of the many items that Emile's offer in their At Home range - where you can pre-order up to 24hrs and then cook and consume in the comfort of your own home!

February 16, 2011