Lifestyle

REVIEW: BISTRO JACQUES

By Holly Simons ⋅ April 12, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

‘The Heart of Paris in the Centre of Liverpool’

Set at the top of Hardman Street, nestled in between The Flute and Magnet, Bistro Jacques brings a slice of rustic Parisian culture and cuisine to Liverpool. It offers unique dining deals such as 3 courses for £7.95 (lunchtime) and regular offers such as Tuesday night’s Wine and Dine (2 courses from the à la Carte menu for £13.95 plus a bottle of wine per person!).

With a menu that updates daily, there’s plenty to choose from, whether you’re a die-hard vegetarian, a lover of fresh seafood and fish or someone who likes to try something a bit different- there’s something here for everyone (including children). Bistro Jacques offers the world on a plate, in a miniaturised France slap bang in the middle of Liverpool. The classic décor reflects the laidback bohemian nature of the restaurant, with solid wooden furniture and red and white trimmings and iconic posters of Toulouse-Lautrec.

As an experimental diner, I always like to try something new whenever I can. But when classic dishes such as grilled sardines simply served with a lemon wedge and green salad are on offer, I just can’t resist! The three moderately sized, tender, fleshy fish were char-grilled to perfection with a sharp lemon twist and certainly, served their purpose, leaving me satisfied, but hankering for my main course.

With such an excellent starter, the expectation of my main course of a vegetable tagine had a lot to live up to. All I can say is, it didn’t disappoint. The soft, plump chunks of vegetables bound in a rich, mildly spiced sauce were complemented by a wonderful mound of fluffy turmeric infused couscous. The side serving of vegetables including one of my favourites (shredded red cabbage) was a delight and none of us were left hungry.

For my final course, I decided to sample a British classic - apple crumble and custard. With its rich, buttery crust and moist, caramelised apples swimming in a pool of custard (just the way I like it!) there was little more they could have done to make it any more appetising.

For three of us to dine from the lunchtime menu and quaff a bottle of the crisp house Rosé, it came to less than £25. Students and shoppers alike can dine here without blowing the bank, in a calm, tranquil, environment in true bistro style with polite table service.