Pierre Koffmann

What a treat. Scallops with Thai spice

“I feel very special”

My nearly 13, daughter’s words were music to my ears. We were in the middle of a rather lovely mum and daughter day out. We’d been to the V&A and now we were settled at Koffmann’s for lunch. The welcome was warm. From our special table we were able to see across the whole restaurant and Pierre’s “garden” of flowers. It was to be a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy.

Our first treat was a special berry child friendly crushed ice drink and a mum friendly glass of house Champagne. Then langoustine tortellini with langoustine broth and, for me, salmon mousse with beurre blanc. Already a fan of the langoustine, I was determined to try something new. The salmon mousse was melt in your mouth delicious. Treat three was an amuse-bouche from Chef. Hot foie gras with chicory and Sauternes, eaten to a chorus of yums.

Next our plats principaux. Thankfully we’d ordered a small portion of Coquilles St. Jacques Épices Douces for my daughter. This combination of beautifully plump scallops and a light Thai spice is amazing. So amazing I’ve had it quite a few times. It’s perfect with the obligatory basket of frites and a light green salad. This time I had cod with chickpeas, full of flavour served with chorizo, black olives, fresh baby tomatoes and spring onions. Crispy skin on the cod cooked to perfection. Two very clean plates.

For me, this was accompanied by a glass of very good beautifully chilled white Cotes du Rhône from Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

No room for anything else apart from treat five. Some petits fours.

We could not have picked a better place for our girl day out. All so reasonably priced too. If you are good, and we weren’t, and stick to the Prix Fixe: 2 courses are £21.50 and 3 courses £25.50. Carrie Bendall