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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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