A new concept in dining is coming to the former Emporio Armani space on King Street this Spring. Le Relais de Venise LâEntrecote will open next door to Jamieâs Italian in the heart of the city centre. Drawing inspiration from classic Parisian bistros, diners can order just one thing: a simple green salad followed by Steak Frites for £21. There will be no menu (apart from wine and dessert) and no reservations will be taken.
This is the first LâEntrecote to open in Manchester, following on from successes in New York, London and (the original) in Paris. We donât know what itâs going to look like yet, but if their other branches are anything to go by (see London, pictured) it should look good.
Steak is cooked to the customerâs preference and served with hand-chipped fries, prepared to the same dimensions as those served in Paris at the restaurant founded in 1960. A compact wine list, cheese and dessert selection are promised too; the menu is set to include profiteroles, meringue and ice cream, all made in house.
The idea behind the decoration is to mimic the original Paris venue, with the same classic French brasserie interior including banquette seating, market scenes, wooden tables, mirrors and low lighting. Meat will be sourced from British suppliers specialising in grass fed, traditionally matured beef, aged for four weeks before cooking.
Here at Taste, we think that this opening is a good thing for diners - offering more choice right in the heart of the city centre. The upmarket location and rents around King Street have not been kind to everyone. Mancunian food fans may recall the ill-fated Petit Blanc, for example, and that other famous purveyor of steak-frites, Chez Gerard. However, the area is undergoing a renaissance and there are several high-end eateries to choose from. These include modern British at Room and contemporary Italian at Destinos and Rosso as well as more classic fare at Jamieâs Italian. Given Manchesterâs love affair with steak (not to mention deep-seated passion for frites), the LâEntrecote concept is on the money.
84-86 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WQ www.relaisdevenise.com
The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner.
