If birds of a feather flock together, London gastronomes who favour the flavours of southwestern France are sure to find each other flying in and waddling out of Monsieur Le Duck on Brushfield Street.
The newly opened restaurant features a menu focused on duck, frites, salad and wine with other Gascon staples – such as puy lentils to eat and Armagnac to drink – for a simple approach to dining out that nonetheless leads to a rich and filling dining experience … well, as long as you like duck.
Like duck I do, and thus was game attend a recent press preview. With a menu choice of confit, magret or burger, I was glad I was able to sample each. However, I probably would go for the especially savoury confit on any subsequent visit. Frites were perfectly fine (but only just so). A side of season greens with lardons proved to be a hefty sidekick.
Crème brûlée (accompanied by a shot of Armagnac) was a lovely treat to end on but maybe not as eggy as I would have liked. House red (Saint-Mont) did justice to the food throughout my meal.
I though prices were reasonable. A choice of meat with mixed leaf salad and frites costs £17. Sides are around £4, desserts and cheese are £6, and wines are £6.50 for a glass.
Service was swift and attentive during my visit.
Conveniently situated near Liverpool Street Station and steps from Spitalfields Market, Monsieur Le Duck is located at 4 Brushfield Street, E1 6AN. Find out more at leduck.co.uk.
