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BISTROT VÉRITÉ by Carl Housbey
When I write my article each month I try to imagine what you ’ ll be doing when you ’ re reading it . Are you sitting in an Andrew Collinge hair salon waiting for one of the stylists to work their magic , or have you picked up a copy of the magazine at the station to read on the train during your daily commute ?
Perhaps you ’ re gazing out of the train window right now on a gloriously sunny day wishing you were going anywhere but the office . You may even be tempted to jump on a different train just to see where it ends up . If so , let me suggest you catch the train to Birkdale . No , I ’ m not directing you to the world famous Royal Birkdale Golf Club , instead I ’ m letting you in on a little Gastro Grazer secret , a hidden gem of a local restaurant called Bistrot Vérité , that serves delicious food with a French twist .
The first thing you ’ ll notice when walking through the door is the buzz of everybody chatting and laughing , and having a great time . Then your nose will detect some amazing aromas drifting out of the kitchen from where Chef Patron Marc Vérité , and his son Jacques , assisted by a small talented team are cooking a feast of delights .
One of Marc ’ s absolute classic starters is Steak Tartare , and is a favourite of mine because the beef is always beautifully tender , coarsely chopped , mixed with a hint of tabasco to give it a bite , and topped off with a perfect egg yolk .
At the moment , Formby Asparagus is in season so who
could resist a plateful of succulent spears served warm with Prosciutto , Crispy Hens Egg & Hollandaise . Then , to follow , how about a bowl of the best Bouillabaisse this side of Marseille .
At lunchtime , light bites are also available , such as Beef Burger , Melting Brie & Fries or if you ’ re watching your waistline maybe go for a Smoked Salmon , Pickled Pear and Walnut open sandwich ( call it a Tartine if you want to see a big smile on Marc ’ s face ).
From the dinner menu , you could start with a Crab Thermidor , and if you are anything like me , for main course you will have your heart set on a Chateaubriand to share , washed down with a fine bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape .
Whatever you choose for lunch or dinner be sure to leave room for dessert , as Marc ’ s dad and local legend Claude was a phenomenal pâtissier , and the apple didn ’ t fall far from the Tatin . I have several favourites , including the sublime Eton Mess , one of those light as air Profiteroles , or a flaming Crêpe Suzette .
The daily changing menu makes full use of the best and freshest ingredients , which are served with the warmest of welcomes by Marc ’ s wife Michaela and her ever friendly front of house team .
To book a table telephone 01704 564199
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