L'essentiel - Full Menu

We have eaten here quite a few times now at both lunch time and in the evenings. Lunch time is a set menu (formule - usually choice of two things on each of thr... read more We have eaten here quite a few times now at both lunch time and in the evenings. Lunch time is a set menu (formule - usually choice of two things on each of three courses). In 2015 I think I remember right that three courses was 12.50 euros including wine. Evenings is a la Carte and between us we have tried several things and have yet to be disappointed. They also do fresh pizzas so fussy kids are catered for! The restaurant is run by Chef Mikhel and wife Rochelle who are very friendly and obliging, they introduced themselves to us and other diners at the end of a busy Saturday night when they sat down for a drink and chat, Mikhel used to work as a chef in London so speaks good English.

As 2 of 3 customers for Sunday lunch we were surprised it took 10 minutes to take our order. We had to call the waitress back to tell her how we'd like the stea... read more As 2 of 3 customers for Sunday lunch we were surprised it took 10 minutes to take our order. We had to call the waitress back to tell her how we'd like the steak cooked as she hadn't asked. Our request was was not communicated to the kitchen and when our order arrived 35 minutes later it was 'well done rather than 'au point.' Too much time was spent trying to convince us we didn't know the difference between 'au point' and well done!!!! I am a fully qualified chef and am more than aware of the difference. The steak was changed, with bad grace, for one that was rare - I was asked to verify it was to my liking and rather than complain again I said it was fine. I was then told this verified I didn't know what I was talking about as it wasn't 'au point. but rare' At this point we gave up completely and left without having cheese, desert or coffee (or leaving a tip).