insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 119

FOOD+DRINK RELAXED ALL DAY DINING, INSPIRED BY THE BRASSERIES OF PARIS, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF MAIDSTONE AT CÔTE BRASSERIE A FEW MINUTES FROM THE EVER POPULAR FREMLIN WALK, LIES THE WELCOMING CÔTE BRASSERIE. FROM HEARTY BREAKFASTS TO RELAXED AND LEISURELY BRUNCHES; INTIMATE CATCH UP LUNCHES WITH FRIENDS, TO FAMILY DINNERS AND LIVELY OFFICE PARTIES; CÔTE BRASSERIE PROVIDES THE PERFECT PITSTOP TO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. One of the most pleasing things about Côte Brasserie’s Maidstone home in Earl Street is the quaint charm afforded by its historic building. Another, is the range of tasty, French, classic dishes on offer. Heralded by the recognisable black and white striped awnings and imposing black columned doorway, the main entrance way is in the middle of the double fronted building, with additional dining space to the side. The stepped entrance led us to a friendly welcome before being escorted to a large round table for six, which provided ample dining space for a hungry five year old, a wriggly toddler, a slightly flustered shopped-out husband and myself. Perusing the menu of French brasserie inspired classics we were impressed with the range of dishes on offer, which include daily specials and a separate children’s menu. A bowl of juicy mixed olives in olive oil, garlic and herbs and a basket of sourdough bread from the hor d’oeuvres menu were perfect to keep little hands (and mouths) occupied (along with some handy colouring sheets) until we were presented with our breadcrumbed calamari; delicious squid sautéed in garlic and lemon with a sharp tartare sauce as well as the haddock goujons with chips and peas and tasty linguine Provençale, both ordered from the children’s menu and timed to arrive with our starters. Dining at lunchtime gave the perfect excuse to try the chargrilled salmon with ratatouille from the light main menu, which was perfectly paired with the gratin potato side dish, and the classic and effortlessly delicious steak frites with garlic butter. Never one to turn down pudding, especially with additional little spoons reaching in for a taste across the table, it was the oozing melt in the middle chocolate fondant and the classic tarte fine aux pommes, with its deliciously crisp flaky puff pastry and golden caramel apples, that proved the day’s favourite dishes. With it now being the most wonderful time of the year, Côte Brasserie’s special 3 course Christmas menu, full of festive flavour, is available from 13th November from 12pm until close, priced at £29.95pp or with a drinks package for £46.95pp. Côte Brasserie 13-15 Earl Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1PL 01622 391170 [email protected] www.cote.co.uk/restaurant/maidstone cotebrasserie cote_brasserie 119