Fine dining never felt so homely

Last week we had the absolute pleasure of being invited to La Popote, in Marton, for a night of Champagne, Wine and the most exquisite food.

La Popote is strategically placed on Congleton Road – Just off the main road between Wilmslow and Congleton. If you don’t know where I mean, I’m almost willing to bet you’ve travelled passed La Popote and not realised; and you’ll be kicking yourself for it.

 La Popote has been under new ownership since October 2019. New owners Joseph and his wife Gaelle bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that they cannot wait to share with you. Joseph is a Wilmslow native that graduated from Gordon Ramseys, Tante Marie cooking school with a Cordon Bleu Diploma. Over the next 7 years Joseph went on to work his way up through the ranks at some of the top restaurants in France, most recently he was the Head Chef at Le Sauvage in Paris. Wife Gaelle is French, friendly and fabulous! She brings with her years of experience as the front of house from many restaurants. Her French charm and warm smile will put you right at ease as you step into their home.

Yes, I said home. Not only is La Popote home to some of the best-cooked Scallops you’ll ever eat, but it is also home for Gaelle and Joseph. Stepping through the door and into the bar and lounge area we were greeted by Gaelle with her beaming smile. Enveloped with the warmth from the log burner in the corner we were handed with our Champagne and left to wander around the venue, take pictures and to start mingling with some of the other guests.

We did manage to steal a little moment with Joseph before the food came out. Naturally, being the Grade A numpty that I am I immediately put my foot in it; “Hi, My name is Richard are you the chef?”. As Jamie glared at me I knew I said something wrong. Joseph chuckled and I stood corrected. I’m sorry Joseph, but you look so much younger in person! Swerving past what could have been an awkward disaster we turned talk to the food and vision for the future. La Popote source as much of their menu from Cheshire that they can. As an advocate for shopping locally they get extra kudos points from us! We’re told the evening menu is going to be changed monthly to accommodate the changes in seasons and therefore the availability of the local produce. The lunch menu will change weekly to provide you with a new experience each time you visit; I can assure you, you’ll be going back for seconds.. and thirds.

As you’ll have noticed by the pictures, fine dining and culinary art are on the menu at La Popote so I wanted to know about future plans for awards and accolades. We’re told that accolades and awards, while I’m sure they won't be turned down, are not really something that will be sought after as an “end goal” for La Popote. The true vision for the couple is to create a relaxed fine dining experience where no one is excluded. A place where you can turn up in your jeans or shorts and not feel out of place. This is now your home as much as it is theirs and they want you to enjoy only the finest food while you’re there.

We took our seats in one of the two dining areas; The first was giving me real Parisian bistro vibes. The front window has got one of those curtains that start halfway down. You know what I mean, right?! Exposed brick walls with candles gently flickering to provide some subtle moody lighting. We were sat in the other seating area. A little more bright and airy with a single long table in the middle of the space to give you more of a family feast setting.

Equipped with our Camera and our hunger, we were so ready for dinner. Out came the first plate; Pan-fried Scottish Scallop. Oh. My. God. Never have I ever had such a large and meaty Scallop. I’m serious. I didn’t even know they grew that big. This giant scallop was accompanied by a seaweed emulsion, gremolata and smoked almonds. Everything worked so perfectly together. The lemony zesty gremolata packed so much punch. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the almonds added that important crunch. I could have eaten this all night!

We then moved on to the Salt Cured Cod Loin. I’m sure I’m not alone saying this, but I absolutely adore salt. So even the name of this dish had me hooked. Bitesize cubes of Salt cured cod loin were nestled among some chopped chestnuts which sat on top of the brightest red bell pepper purée. All of which were hidden under a large sage crisp. The salt from the cod and earthy tones from the Chestnut mushrooms were an absolute delight. I can still hear the ‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahhhs’ that were coming from all over the table.

Onto the first of the main dishes; Poached Corn Fed Chicken Breast. Poached chicken, I think, can sometimes get a mixed reaction. It can be too slimy, or too dry. This Poached chicken, however, was a triumph. Proudly plump and moist, this chicken breast was sprinkled with lemon panko (I know, I’d never thought of Lemon Panko before now too..). Accompanied by a seasonal vegetable tart that brought all its earthy-rooty-richness with it. Think thin slices of potato, beetroot and carrot in the most architecturally appealing tower. This dish was thoughtfully finished with a sauce supreme.

One for the meat lovers; Hereford Roasted Fillet of Beef. Melt in the mouth, juicy, meaty magic. The beef reminded me of what my family used to call ‘black bits’. The bits of the roast beef that had gone a little overcooked but provided a really beefy flavour. Think of that taste and imagine that’s what you’re getting throughout all your fillet. If you’re not hungry right now, you’re lying because I’m hungry thinking about it. The beef spoke for itself on this dish, but it wasn’t alone. Roasted new potatoes, wild mushrooms and a jus de viande to finish. Perfect from the first mouthful to the last.

We now moved over onto the first dessert which was a Green Apple Granit. Shaved Green apple ice flakes making your taste buds dance with excitement. Hidden underneath the shavings lay a little frozen yoghurt. I recommend letting the yoghurt melt a little while you talk the night away sipping on one of the gorgeous wines on offer. This was the most thoughtful cross over from the main courses into the main dessert.

Now I’m no chef or baker, but I am an absolute fangirl for the Great British Bakeoff. This is why I know how hard Mille-Feuille is to make because the fear that rises in that tent when this challenge is mentioned sends shivers down my spine! Moving away from the traditional puff pastry Mille-Feuille you’ll find perfectly piped mascarpone cream, grapefruit jam and poached Yorkshire rhubarb jewels. This is all sandwiched between two gloriously crisp Filo Pastry Mille-Feuille, dusted with confectioner sugar. A sublime ending to what was an absolute culinary masterclass.

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard or seen someone scrunch their nose up at the suggestion of a taster menu or a fine dining restaurant. Its always for the same reason; they think they will be leaving hungry. I’m here to tell you, you won't! While the portions are modestly sized, the flavours you get are so rich and fulfilling. The number of dishes that you’re presented with keeps your mind and creative juices flowing throughout and the conversation will never run dry.

As the conversation around us descended into absolute carnage (that’s another story) and we struggled to keep our eyes open (you should know we like a nap after eating by now) we decided to say our goodbyes and head home.

Joseph and Gaelle have something very special at La Popote. I think they’ve only just scratched the surface of their journey and we are so excited to see what the universe has in store for them both. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you both. Thank you again for having us.

While this meal was gifted to us, this is a true and honest reflection of our experience.

If you would like to read more of our reviews please head over to the blog page to see what tickles your tastebuds, or get in touch if you would like to work with us.