Restaurant Review: Le Petit Blanc, Oxford from Dhs65

French chef Raymond Blanc would not mind being described as one of the best chefs in England. And yet so hard are times for British chefs these days that his meal deals start from Dhs65.

Now what do you expect for Dhs65? In a Dubai hotel, perhaps a glass of wine? Well for that Monsieur Blanc will offer you a large glass of his appropriately named blanc de blanc and a starter and main course, or a starter and desert, together with some palatable tap water and pain de la maison.

Quality rules

There is also no compromise on quality, sacre bleu! Cold poached salmon cooked to perfection with warm baby potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and let us not forget the chef’s own mayonnaise. Then poached apricots with creme fraiche or strawberries and cream.

Now it is true that if you venture off the meal deal you are going to pay something more like double. But these are still prices that you will find hard to match in Dubai, let alone the quality of the chef in charge.

A la carte and this maestro begins to show off. The tenderest braised lamb or some fine sea bream prepared in a way you would love to do at home but could somehow never happen.

There is also no compromise on the service in this restaurant. Garcons from Paris hurtle around the room with plates dressed in whites. The mademoiselles look nervous as they clear a table faster than a Scotsman can add up his bill.

Pas Le Manoir

Admittedly this is not Raymond Blanc’s fine dining establishment, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons which is outside of Oxford in the countryside. But then the portions are rather bigger and might suit those with a larger appetite.

The atmosphere is also rather different: a large open brasserie with a few side areas to tuck away families and rowdy groups. It can get a bit noisy, although the air-conditioning ensures it is always cool unless you sit out on the small terrace.

But for lovers of good food and wine without an enormous budget this is justifiably one of the favorite restaurants in Oxford and currently on offer at very attractive prices.