They say the French are the best at romance, so why not leave Valentine’s Day in the capable hands of those Gallic charmers at Big Fernand?
Last night, we spent a pre-Valentine’s evening at Big Fernand in Fitzrovia and the flat-capped chaps managed to lure me away from my favourite hamburgé – Le Bartholomé – to try limited edition Le Valentin.
This decadent burger features a signature Big Fernand patty of freshly minced Charolais beef, topped with wild mushrooms, sweet mayonnaise and heart-shaped cheese Neufchatel, served in a sesame-seed bun and finished with chives and truffle oil.
My burger was cooked perfectly medium with a lovely smoky taste and I loved the addition of the strong, gooey Neufchatel. This Normandy fromage has the appearance of Camembert but is much more pungent and mature. It was well complemented by the buttery wild mushrooms, tangy home-made mayonnaise, fresh herbs and a very subtle hint of truffle oil (without overpowering the other flavours).
Steven tried Le Philibert – a delicious burger with succulent seasoned chicken, mild Tomme de Savoie cheese, juicy grilled peppers, fresh tarragon and home-made mayonnaise. We accompanied our burgers with some delicious French chips sprinkled with home-made Cajun-style seasoning.
I usually pass on dessert at Big Fernand but what a mistake that is… they’re délicieux! The enormous Financier Pistachio was moist and rich with golden, crispy corners and a delicate pistachio flavour. Another top choice was the Apple and Cinnamon Tart with fine, buttery pastry and thin slices of sweet, caramelised cinnamon-scented apple.
You can wash it all down with a bottle of wine from France’s Pays d’Oc, a blonde beer or our choice of pink fizz – L’Elixir D’Archibald Fernand Pomegranate, Peppermint and Lemon.
Of course, Le Valentin is too good to enjoy only on Cupid’s day of love, so it’s available until the end of the month in London and Paris. Allez…allez…treat your amour to an hamburgé!
Chérie City was a guest of Big Fernand
Photos by Chérie City
