Author: Katrina_53

I recently started a review of a different restaurant, with the Dickens quote: "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times". That was the first wave of COVID-19. This is the second wave. The best of times seem like a distant...memory. So here we are, in a sort of lockdown. Restaurants are closed. Again. And again, brave restaurant owners are doing takeout. Jean Baptiste and Stéphanie, at La Fabrique, tonight delighted us with a fabulous takeout order, to be reheated at home. Jean Baptiste has cleverly designed dishes that travel well. Hearty, and big servings, full of flavour. With a light touch reheating, either in the oven, or briefly in boiling water for sous vide dishes, what a delight at the end of a rainy autumn day! We chose the starters of tartare. My wife had the traditional knife-cut beef, with the right spicing and served on top of a mushroom marmalade tart, with a slice of chedar on top. She thought it was better than home made. A high compliment given the quality of the tartare we make at home! I had an asian salmon tartare. At first I wasn't sure, but mid-way, as all the flavours unfolded, it was magnificent! For our mains, she had the aubergine, Sri Lankan style. I had the confit of lamb shoulder. Both to die for, and big enough servings for us to have a nice nosh tomorrow! Stephanie is an excellent sommelière and they are selling all their wines to go, many of which are private importations and all, well curated. Do ask for her advice on wine pairings and she will steer you well. The bonus is that they are incredibly well priced! We are all going through tough times. Please donate to food banks and your other favourite charities: this pandemic is not affecting everyone equally. And please support your local restaurants (not the chains!). They really need your help to survive. In the spring, they all thought they would get through this, but now that we are in the second wave, in mid-October, they aren't so confident, and some good ones are already going under. Stephanie and Jean Baptiste are strong and working hard; they are earning our support each and every day!More