Maison Francois

Delicious evening at Maison Francois. Pre dinner drinks at Franks Bar downstairs felt so chic, I had the Martini of Decadence which was perfectly oniony and my partner and I shared some saucisson. The best bar snack in my opinion. The bar staff were attentive and friendly enough. Sitting at the bar feels like the right way to start a special dinner. A treat I think I lost in Covid, vowing to bring this back. We really overindulged with dinner (it was our anniversary) so shared the steak tartare with bone marrow and the burrata with anchovies (not pictured as eaten too quickly), the theatrics of making the steak tartare à la minute felt super special and it was nice to be able to tailor preferences, more spicky or more capery. I want more burrata and anchovies. We shared the chateaubriand we asked for chef suggestion for cooking and it came medium rare - which was perfect. The red wine jus was so delicious, I’m so used to steak just sitting on a plate with nothing else, so to come with juices for extra dipping choices for the chips was a treat. We didn’t have pudding although I wish I did, we did try their three cheese on offer, the blue and the soft cheese were delicious. I could take or leave the Comté but I think it was just underwhelming after the delicious textures of the other food. Delicious wine. Attentive service. A great institution that brings French food to St James’. I will be back and I will think of this food daily till I return.