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La Trompette
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This jewel of a restaurant, under the same ownership as Chez Bruce and the Glasshouse , has so much going for it: an attractive dining area that appears bright and spacious; beige walls and taupe banquettes that give a warm glow to the customers; a sommelier who wins awards, not just for his wine knowledge but for his unfailingly kind enthusiasm. When we visited, midweek, it was packed with a wide variety of locals – dates, friends, businessmen on expenses, families – all adding to the friendly feel. We were delighted by our first course. Chicory salad with walnut and roquefort came with quince poached in red wine: a great combination of colours, textures and flavours. It was almost as impressive as a delicate and fragrant steamed sea bass with (shelled) moules marinière and spinach. Then, unfortunately, there was an unacceptably long delay until our next course. Served with apologies, the duck magret was pink but dry, a side dish of cassoulet-style beans and duck confit barely tepid. Braised lamb shoulder stood up better, but suffered by comparison with how it might have been, if delivered promptly from the kitchen. This has happened to us before, with a similar late sitting (8.30pm) – but maybe we are just unlucky.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- 5-7 Devonshire Road, Chiswick, W4 2EU
- Area: Chiswick
- Tel: 020 8747 1836
- www.latrompette.co.uk
- Category: French
- Travel: Turnham Green tube
- Times: Lunch served noon-2.30pm Mon-Sat; 12.30-3pm Sun. Dinner served 6.30-10.30pm Mon-Sat; 7-10pm Sun
- Price: Set lunch (Mon-Fri) £23.50 3 courses; (Sat) £25 3 courses; (Sun) £29.50 3 courses. Set dinner £37.50 3 courses, £45 4 courses
- Credit cards: AmEx, MC, V
- Services:
- Child facilities: Babies and children welcome (lunch): high chairs
- Disabled: toilet
- Outdoor tables: 7, terrace
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wilsy79
I am a happy, entertaining and loyal person that is now looking for someone to share time with. I like to do new things that give new challenges...
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I visit La Trompette regularly and would like to whole heartedly refute Chris's comments re the sommelier - to my mind Matthieu and his team offer unpretentious, honest advice, often suggesting alternatives at a lower price point and are always happy to make a slightly left-field recommendation. If Chris has been disappointed by his choice of wine, perhaps he should have listened to the advice he was given. Wishing that someone looses their job as a result of the financial crisis is in my opinion insensitive and crass.
We went to La Trompette on a Saturday evening to celebrate a birthday. I suggested that we, as an aperitif, had a kir. As some of my guests were unsure about what a kir is, the waiter started going on about crème the cassis and champagne. I had to point out to the waiter that I was talking about a kir (crème de cassis and white wine) and not a kir royal (made with champagne instead).
The kir was pleasant but not generous. The 3-course menu is nice, with several dishes in each group that we would like to have tried. My wife would have liked her favourite foie gras as a starter and the calves’ liver as mains. The waitress persuaded my wife that it would be too much liver. My wife knows fully what she is ordering, so why let her have her choice?
At our previous visit, I asked the sommelier for his recommendation between the burgundy's that I was considering. His very useful answer: “it depends on the flavours that you prefer”! Well this time, I choose the Savigny les Beaune. The sommelier started with another very helpful “this is a dry red wine” to which I replied that all burgundy’s are dry! The label looked good but I’ve had better wines for the same price in other restaurants.
We all enjoyed our mains. The food was well prepared and well presented. The duck looked like it was cooked to perfection, the calves’ liver slightly pink – my sea bream slightly overcooked. Flavours are really good but the dishes do not have the magic touch that some chefs manage to achieve.
La Trompette is a nice restaurant that serves well-prepared food – nothing too spectacular or very imaginative but it has a good choice for everybody. Their wine list looks good but the wines that I have had at La Trompette have always been somewhat disappointing. The service is attentive but unfortunately it is let down by the arrogant attitude of their staff. If La Trompette gets badly hit by the credit crunch, then I would like to nominate the sommelier to be the first one to get the axe.
coming from USA to eat there soon since 1 star now.
La Trompette never fails. Only slightly marred by initial wait of 30 mins before starters arrived. I had roast suckling pig ravioli to start, and partner the crab terrine, both fantastic. Followed by red mullett on shrimp ravioli. I was slighly concerned that it may be too filling, but the shrimps had a lovely fishy sauce, and mullet fell aprt as was so tender.
The best came last, choclate marquise, so chocolatey and melted in the mouth.