BITE CLUB REVIEW: Franc, Canterbury
It’s buzzing for lunchtime and we are there to try out the set menu…
@francofcanterbury
From the team behind the epic Folkestone Wine Company, Franc is the French cuisine-led, Canterbury-based, Grace Dent-applauded version.
And while we rate Grace’s opinion highly, and that of Giles Coren even, we had to, of course, pop on our berets and try it for ourselves. Above the bar, the upstairs whitewashed restaurant is laid up with tables in white tablecloths and paper toppers - classic! It’s buzzing for lunchtime and we are there to try out the set menu - two courses for £36 or three courses for £42.
Alongside a glass (or two) of the 2024 Reserve de Gassac Blanc, Mas de Daumas Gassac, Languedoc (£7.50), a starter of Dave’s Smoked Salmon (Dave Hart and Polly Pleasance being the owners) was chunky, fresh and served naked with a slice of lemon. For a main, we had le magnifique sweet pork belly in parsnip puree, with savoury sauce charcutière (Dijon mustard, finely diced cornichons, shallots and butter).
Sound the La Marseillaise, it was sensational. Across le table we said bonjour to sautéd leek and Pommery mustard gratin, served in a retro metallic dish, crispy coated and sprinkled with chives, plus a serving of chunky chips (£5) in a petit Le Creuset pot.
Finally, we went super 80s with a harmonious blend of creamy custard and bittersweet burnt sugar - you guessed it: crème brûlée! Si bonne.
