La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose

Sturdy legs will have you reach La Vie en Rose in good spirits. Far from the minimalist -interior dominated by Bethnal Green’s counterparts, Liverpool Street and Hoxton, La Vie en Rose refrains from the identkit decor of a Parisian cafe, but adds a unique breath of British flair. Scattered with wooden tables and chairs you won’t be pushed to find seating. But as the night matures, the dining area soon becomes a market square and you will be grateful you’ve made reservations.

Seated and rearing to go our peckish pickings are bound with a basket of oven-baked bread suitably paired with a glass of Sauvignon at a reasonable £3.50 and a glass of Chardonnay at £4.00. Our starters gained more recommendation with the Oak Orkney Salmon with Capers Lemon and mixed leaves being as our first choice, followed by Blanched Asparagus wrapped Parma Ham with Poached Egg and Hollandaise sauce.

The tender salmon slices coupled with tangy lemon cuttings makes a zesty starter, but it is the Blanched Asparagus that seals the deal with its crisp Parma ham doused in rich, but not overbearing Hollandaise sauce.

Splitting at the seam, we nevertheless knuckle down to our main course. Having ordered the Pave of Atlantic Cod, Potatoes Lyonnaise and Grain Mustard Cream Sauce, the dish was extremely appetising – the fish succulent, potatoes mashed finely, but unfortunately the course fails on its salt texture. From less to more, the Rump British Lamb, Vegetable Casserole, Confit Smoked Garlic, Thyme Reduction had its fair share of salt (maybe too much) but was generous in portion.

Belgian Chocolate Tart with Raspberry Sauce and Pistachio Ice Cream and Sticky Toffee and Caramel Ice Cream followed suite…ending our meal on a (very) sweet note. Having an evening of great choices and great cuisine, one visit just isn’t enough for La Vie en Rose.