EXCLUSIVE: L'Entrecote to open in Manchester

WORLD famous Parisian brasserie L’Entrecote is planning to open a restaurant in Manchester city centre.

Le Relais De Venise L’Entrecote, to give it its full name, is opening in 84-86 King Street, in the former Emporio Armani unit.

“The sauce is secret and fabulous; the fries are cut to exact dimensions and are the best you will get anywhere in the world."

The chain has restaurants in New York and two in London, as well as the original Parisian site in the French capital's 17th arrondissement. It only serves steak frites, with a starter of green salad with walnuts dressed with mustard vinaigrette. There's a small selection of desserts and cheese as well. 

A spokesperson for the firm confirmed the opening to Confidential although could not say when it would be opening. A licensing application has been submitted to Manchester City Council however.

Our roving gastronome Gordo has been to the Parisian eaterie, and had this to say about it:

The King Street site“L'Entrecote is a little bit of genius; Gordo used to eat there when he was living in the delightful Hotel Lancaster just off the Champs Elysees in the eighties.

“You have no choice of starters, it’s a green salad with walnuts and a mustard vinaigrette. But the freshest best dressed green salad you will ever eat. The main is entrecote, or sirloin as we generally know it. You are asked if you want it blue, rare, medium or well done. It is then cut in half, with one half kept in the kitchen to keep warm.

“The sauce is secret and fabulous; the fries are cut to exact dimensions and are the best you will get anywhere in the world.

“You are offered choice in the desserts, but if you are a cheese lover, stick with that as the high turnover allows them to deliver the product at the peak of its powers and the right temperature.

“No bookings and you will, as Gordo will, be happy to queue.”

Jonathan Schofield will also be rushing there but said he would like to point out that the building hosting the restaurant dates from 1841-2 and was designed by Richard Lane, who also designed the Friend's Meeting House and the old Town Halls still standing in All Saints and Salford. This building was based on the Monument of Thrasyllus in Athens. 

But let's get back to the steaks shall we?