IN THE CENTRE OF HARROGATE THE QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH SPA TOWN

Tucked away in the middle of the Spa town of Harrogate there’s a piece of Parisienne chic that has a menu packed with gastronomic delights.

Cote in Albert Street has an elegant feel before you even pass through its doors. In true French style tables with fresh white linen, sparkling glasses and gleaming cutlery sit underneath the antique ironwork canopy over the alfresco pavement dining terrace.

Walk into the restaurant and there’s a slight art deco feel to the place with its glass ceiling and oh so comfy seating. Close your eyes and you could well be in  a Parisian brasserie with its relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff.

The restaurant has a varied menu and serves food all day long with a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options, an la carte menu. and a pre-theatre one.

Whilst we perused the menu we chose a white wine from their extensive wine list, which is very reasonably priced. Our Vin De France  Ancients Temps Blanc was a vegan choice and was a light and lovely wine from the Pyrenees.

For starters I chose French Onion Soup and all I can say was this was totally amazing. It came with caramelized cheese on the top and had a wonderful tasty thick consistency with croutons and onions floating in it. The soup was served in an earthenware dish on a board which gave it a rustic feel as the menu described it.

My colleague’s choice of Goat’s Cheese Tart had a very light short pastry case. The Chevre butchette, leeks, and thyme were perfect accompaniments and the plum chutney was a lovely contrast to the multitude of tastes. .

For my main I decided on the Confit Pork Belly and I was not disappointed. It was beautifully cooked, tender and just melted in the mouth. It was not fatty and had apple pieces in the Calvados and thyme jus and the Savoy cabbage it came with was just the  right accompaniment as were gratin dauphinoise potatoes served in a separate dish with a crispy top. The portions were more than generous and everything was really first class.

The Paillard Salad that my colleague chose for her main was the stuff salad dreams are made of. There was a large portion of chargrilled chicken breast that just melted in your mouth served in a bed of crispy endive, lettuce, hazelnuts, croutes, and just the right amount of tarragon and caper dressing.

After a while we decided to chose our desserts. My colleagues Rum Baba, must have been made in the Angel’s kitchen. The rum soaked sponge was so delicious with a sugar coated top and obviously home made and served with a winter berry coulis that brought out the flavour and a comforting creme fraiche.

I adore baked, stewed or cooked stone fruit so the Plum Clafoutis was certainly my heaven on a plate. The plums had been baked in an almond custard and were served with a vanilla ice cream.

After our meal we were tempted to sit outside and enjoy our coffee as we were in no hurry to leave.

This restaurant has true French style. We loved the fact that we were not rushed and the relaxed atmosphere really suited us. It was only when we looked at our watches we realised we had been at Cote for over three hours and 30 minutes.

Cote is a delightful dining experience. The staff are friendly and really know their menu and are able to recommend if you are not sure. Nothing is too much trouble for them – which these days is a rarity.

The restaurant is well worth seeking out next time you are looking for a gastronomic experience with excellent cuisine and a superb relaxed atmosphere.

Cote Brasserie, 5 Sunwin House, Albert Street, Harrogate

Tel: 01423 2226155

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9.00am – 10.00pm

www.cote.co.uk

Our main picture is taken from the  Autumn/Winter Menu