Le Gros Franck (Cambridge)

Venue

What we thought

Le Gros Franck chef Franck Parnin trained in the Alsace region of France and 2009 marks his tenth year enriching the palates of Cambridge residents with authentic French cuisine.

Chef Parnin obtains nearly all his ingredients direct from French merchants on his monthly trips to France

Originally this simple patisserie and cafe on Hills Road was a place where locals received fresh galettes and famous steak frites for lunch, or met one another for conversation over a home made éclair and a cheerfully served cafe au lait. But Parnin's since found the time and energy to turn his cafe into a fine dining restaurant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Walking in for dinner on a Friday night we were initially taken aback by the upstairs dining room, a small space, filled almost entirely by the counters for the cafe day service. As we wondered where we could possibly sit, we were directed down a previously unnoticed staircase into an underground dining room filled with romantic candle lit tables topped with fresh flowers, the walls of the dining room decorated with quaint nautical memorabilia and the ambience of a small bistro somewhere in Parnin's native Alsace.

Dinner options at Le Gros Franck are varied from the two or three course set menus or the many choices available on the specials board, including many famous French staple dishes like Filet Rossini. Talking to the manager Ling Ling we learnt exactly how authentic these dishes were as she informed us that Chef Parnin obtains nearly all his ingredients direct from French merchants on his monthly trips to France.

We opted for the 3 course set menu. Entrees of ravioli stuffed with crab and scallop in a Champagne sauce, and duck pate with garlic baguette arrive at a pleasing speed and were enormous. What is not mentioned on the menu is that the pate is accompanied by a large side salad dressed in a fresh balsamic and extra virgin olive oil dressing, or that the ravioli is layered with ample servings of salmon roe. These not so little extras distinguish Le Gros Franck from other restaurants of Cambridge.

The mains followed in the same vein as the entrees - large and delicious. The lamb sat tender atop a honey chickpea casserole and the fish, drawing from Ling Ling's Taiwanese origins, was encrusted with ginger and black bean. Again the dishes were accompanied by unexpected extras, this time side plates of potato gratin and perfectly cooked julienne of string beans and carrots. After two such large courses it was hard to focus our attention on desert - that is until it arrived wafting into the room with enticingly sweet aromas. We had chosen to place our faith in the Chef, ordering 'Franck's Surprise', and it would not be ruining the surprise to say it was delicious.

Eating at Le Gros Franck was an extremely satisfying experience from beginning to end, and you now have another ten reasons to try it out with the introduction of Chef Parnin's homemade icecream range with flavours ranging from coffee to strawberry. We will be happily returning to try them all.

What you said

Very friendly staff and good food and service.

Robert…02 Aug 2010

Really lovely meal. Waitress was fantastic and food excellent. We will be back!

Jenny…02 Aug 2010

Fantastic food and service.

Zena…02 Aug 2010

Great place to dine.

Mark Denny…02 Aug 2010

Very enjoyable food. We plan to come back.

Diana…02 Aug 2010


Address

57 Hills Road ,
Cambridge
CB2 1NT
Tel: (01223) 902149
Minimum disabled access,
parking nearby

Opening Times

Sun: Closed
Mon - Wed: 07:30-17:30
Thu - Sat: 07:30-17:30, 18:30-22:00

Ratings

User rating:
(44 members voted)

Hygiene rating:
About hygiene ratings

Offers & News
Le Gros Franck
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Single-Use Bonus offer! Early birds! 20% off food when seated by 7pm Thu, Fri, Sat eves!

Valid for 1-8 persons on Thu, Fri, Sat Thu, Fri...

 
FREE bottle of wine when 4 or more dine!

Free bottle of wine when 4 or more dine! Valid for...

Pass Card: Up to 15% off when you spend £5 or more

15% off on Thursday - Saturday evenings when you s...

Students! 20% off food Thu & Fri evenings!

Valid for 1-8 persons, for 20% off food when you p...

 
Gift Cards accepted HERE!

The Gift Card is the local gift choice. There are ...

 
Handmade gourmet ice cream now available!

We are now offering our very own hand-made ice cre...

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Monday - Saturday 3p per £1 until 11.30am,
Mon...

 
One eats FREE 3 courses for every 8th diner, Thu or Sat!

Valid for a free 3 courese meal from the printed m...

 
FREE dessert, Thu - Fri

Valid for tables of 4 or more for one free dessert...

 
French style wedding cakes, birthday cakes, pastries -- delivered!

We do special ly prepared cakes for every special ...

Wedding! Garden party? We cater for French buffets/meals (plus complimentary Champagne for 15+!)

The Le Gros Franck chef, specially trained in cate...

BIRTHDAY: FREE meal AND wine for the celebrant Thu-Fri eves!

Valid except Saturday evening, for one free starte...

 

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