Arras a red bricked former coach house which is now home to a restaurant that’s just as discreet in it’s location as the French town its shares it’s name with
Nestled just inside the city walls to the north east perimeter Arras is a red bricked former coach house which is now home to a restaurant that’s just as discreet in it’s location as the French town its shares it’s name with,
Arras sits proud in it’s own little corner of York safe in the knowledge that quality will always shine through and it’s clearly this quality that as already alerted the Michelin Guide to include them in their 2019 guide.
Whist the location maybe guarded the interior is the exact opposite, an incredibly bold modern array of colors and lighting together with murals specially commissioned by a local artist deliver the message that we are here to experience culinary excellence.
The menu options are simple either 2 or 3 courses priced at £38 or £49 respectively or a blind tasting menu at £60 for 5 courses with the option of wine pairing for an additional £40, excellent value.
As a man of my own mind paired with a menu that’s a wash with autumn seasonality it felt only right to opt for the carte menu, to get this dining experience underway I delve right into a dish that immediately catches my eye.
Plaice which has lovingly been basted in a blend of spices similar to masala known in French as Vadouvan, it gives the dish a wonderfully subtle Indian flavour and is served with parsnip, pickled raisins, capers and brown butter. It’s a delight! A powerful yet light starter packed with a depth of flavor that starts the meal off with wonderful perfection.
For main I go slightly left field again and Pigeon, served with beetroot glazed salsify, truffle and macadamia it’s a dish that once again tells the absolute story of the restaurant, these are big bold flavors in which the ingredients that match the season do the talking because of the sheer quality of produce, which makes this dish sound simple of which it certainly isn’t.
This is a dish cooked by a French influenced chef who allows his knowledge to control the menu, it’s a stunning stunning dish.
It is however dessert where I angle my highest praise, a dessert so magnificent that I’m struggling to remember a time when I’ve experienced better, the title of this dessert ‘Liquorice Allsorts’ is not one you skip past it’s nostalgic and needs exploring.
Raspberry and Lemon Mouse, Crispy Liquorice Parfait, Coconut Sorbet, Liquorice and Orange sauce, I mean come on that is ridiculously awesome sounding and let me tell you it gets even better as you devour this beauty to finish off what as been a truly spectacular meal.
The number one question I am continually asked is “where’s your favorite restaurant?”, it’s a question impossible to answer due to the depth of dishes we enjoy in modern day food heaven, however if you were to ask me where would you go in York for a really awesome experience with outstanding food then there is now only one answer at the forefront of my mind – Arras, it’s truly fantastic, well done Adam and Lovaine.
