As others have said, you know what you're going to get with Cafe Rouge. It's inoffensive, safe and crowd pleasing and these are not bad things if you are in a rush, don't know the area or are with family perhaps. Saying that, I don't know how great it is for veggies- there's not a huge amount on the main menu. Gluten free options were clearly labelled though.
My Mum got me a gift card for Christmas and I'd had a code for 30% off so it seemed like a good opportunity to get some dinner in miserable January. Edd and I had booked a table but it wasn't necessary as the Mailbox site is so big. We spotted that they sell aperitif cocktails so we both had a French 85- gin, sparkling wine and lemon juice. The waitress had no idea what this was and it took a while to get to us. This was in no way her fault, it just highlights the lack of training. When our drinks arrived they were pleasant enough (and only £5 each) but lacked the refinement you would get in a quality independent restaurant.
Will probably stick to glasses of champagne next time!
Anyway, you aren't at Cafe Rouge for cocktails. I had king prawns to start. I think they have updated the recipe since last time because they were much better. I had about five or six king prawns, heads removed but shells on. They were piping hot and served in a white wine, garlic and chilli sauce. The chilli heat could have been stronger, but I could definitely taste it. It came with a good amount of bread for dunking too. Loved this!
For my main I had the demi poulet. I always have this or the duck at Cafe Rouge as I know I'll always be happy. Half a roast chicken with crispy skin and a herby garlic butter, served with frites and (randomly) a little pot of gravy. The gravy was nice to dip my chips into but I didn't think it went well with the herby chicken.
Although our waitress was lacking drinks knowledge (I'll say it again, not her fault) she was super helpful throughout, bringing me extra napkins with my prawns and offering suggestions for the rest of our evening. read more