Customer reviews for Chez Gerard

Rating: 7 7 7 = 7/10

My wife and I went to this restaurant on Valentine's Day. On arrival, we checked in our coats and were led downstairs to a small seating area. Although this particular area of the restaurant seated perhaps up to a dozen people, there was only at most, two other couples. Not a bad thing might I add, as it made it feel more romantic. To add to the ambience, French music was played continously throughout the night, although there was more than one occasion where the CD got stuck.

A folded paper menu was already awaiting us upon being seated. There was a limited choice, although I guess this is typical on Valentine's Day when I compare to last year at a different French restaurant in Mayfair. As it was a set price for the meal (not including drinks), one was obliged to order a three-course meal (plus coffee at the end).

We were given a basket of fresh crusty bread with soft butter, plus olives and peanuts. Also, just before the appetisers arrived, we were given a glass of Swedish champagne each (further helpings of champagne were served in huge glasses thereafter). For appetiser, I chose chicken liver mixed with (what I believe it to be), boiled egg and gravy. My wife chose marinated king prawns. I thought the chicken liver was really tasty, but my wife had trouble with the prawns as the tails, heads and shells were still attached with no extra implements (including no lemon juice mix to wash your hands) to help "clean" the prawns. Maybe my ignorance of French cuisine fails to make me appreciate such incommodities.

For the entrée, we both had 500g steak fillet each with pomme frites. We both asked for the steak to be medium-well. Unfortunately, it appeared to be rare-well done. It was charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle. May I suggest that the chef cooks it for longer at a lower heat setting next time? Even the French couple behind me had difficulty with the meat, so no-one can blame my ignorance on this particular matter! Although i'm more used to the imperial measurements of meat, I am aware of what 1kg of the stuff looks like and it seemed to be half that, though I didn't have my kitchen scales with me, so I let that one go. However, the fries were excellent. Bit strange the professional reviews recommend the steak to be one of the best available when judged against comparable restaurants in London when considering the above.

For desert, I had the milk chocolate mousse and my wife had vanilla ice cream et al. All at pretentious semi-portions served on large plates...just the way I like it (I hate feeling bloated with full of calories I won't be using for a while). Coffee came with sweet and low sugar substitutes and proper sugar cubes for whatever picked your fancy. Heart-shaped chocolates also accompanied the café.

All in all, (most of) the food was very good, the service was reasonably quick without feeling rushed and the general atmosphere was about right (despite the occasional shouting chef coming out of his kitchen). As I say, shame about the steak.