Peter Morrell samples the new menu and admires the new décor in this popular multi-location French restaurant.

The well loved Café Rouge restaurants are changing in a big way. A fresh new décor is matched by a brand new menu called Rejuve.

The restaurants have been around since 1989 bringing classic French food and wine to the British public but time and tastes have moved on. So Head Development Chef, Duncan McEwan and his team have devised a new menu.

There are still lots of familiar dishes like steak and chips and some new taste experiences like Ragoût d’escargots, snails and mushrooms in a rich sauce with truffle oil and a pastry top, a delicious starter or light lunch. If you are unsure about snails then why not have a taster pot of snails and garlic butter with your steak, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Apart from the snails I shared the Plateau à partager, a board of charcuterie, olives, pâté, soft goat’s cheese, rocket and a selection of bread with d’Isigny butter, more than enough for two.

There have also been changes to the wine list, examples are  a Viognier from Langedoc-Roussillon, rich, ripe and full of apricot and honeysuckle and the highly fashionable Côtes de Gascogne from South West France, which gives light floral flavours shot through with fresh lime.

The reds are also well represented with a Malbec offering robust plum and chocolate notes, ideal with steak and a lovely light and floral Mâcon Rouge from Burgundy.

Prices are very reasonable and because of the restaurants’ popularity the atmosphere has warm Gallic buzz about it. Add to this the cool new décor for a distinctly French dining experience.

So if you haven’t been to a Café Rouge for a while it’s time to pay a visit to see and taste the difference

For more information and locations go to www.caferouge.com