Brasserie Gerard - Loughton

Few would deny that the French have perfected the culinary arts to an enviably high degree, and Brasserie Gerard is all about offering that perfection to a wide audience, demonstrating that a group of restaurants with the same background can still offer individuality, style and excellence.

From delicious Moroccan tagines to the best frites this side of Paris and many points between, their menu is a celebration of La Francais, with well judged classical dishes and steaks in abundance, including chateaubriand, Burgundy escargots baked in garlic and parsley butter and the ever popular salad niçoise complete with anchovies. No surprises to find a regular tarte au citron alongside a crème brûlée with a done to perfection caramelised sugar crust. The prix fixe menu is amazing value at only £9.95 and £12.50 for two courses at lunch and dinner times respectively.

As to the wine, diners are urged to study the list, with very French wines by the bottle, carafe, large or medium glass. It is difficult to avoid becoming addicted to Gerard.