Good or poor service can make or break a dining experience. How much attention is intrusive and how little is ignorant?
Our visit to Bistro Franc gave us two great surprises - from the warm welcome and gracious service, this place has really got the fine balance right.
The other surprise is that the friendliest Frenchman in the world is currently living in Liverpool, he is their tall, dark and handsome waiter Francois.
Bistro Franc completes a successful trinity of French eateries alongside Bistro Pierre and Bistro Jacques, opened by leading Liverpool restaurateurs Mark Friend and Steve Slater.
Tucked away from the overpowering wind tunnel chic of Liverpool One's terrace at the bottom of Duke Street and Hanover St, the restaurant offers the rare quality of providing diners the choice of seclusion within a bustling atmosphere.
Bistro Franc may be the new kid on the block, but could easily become their flagship with a stunning interior and mezzanine staircase, where you can escape and watch the crowds slurping wine and mussels below. This is one to boast about visiting.
On a cold, mid-week night and the restaurant, which is larger than the Button Street and Hardman Street venues, it was choc-a-block with eager eaters devouring the delights of the generous menu.
There is plenty on offer to satisfy diverse tastes and a lot of thought has been spent to ensure the veggies don't go hungry.
Sampling the Butternut Squash Risotto - finished with a classic sage butter and Moules Basquaise - steamed mussels served in a rich tomato, olive & roast pepper and a mozzarella garlic bread to start.
We were nearly over-faced by the mains, the Roast Cannon of Lamb - carved onto a bed of wilted baby spinach, served with a rich morello cherry sauce and the Panfried Salmon Fillet - topped with a herb crust & served with a lemon hollandaise. Our waiter was tickled that we had room for dessert.
Francois displayed a discerning taste in wine and tried to persuade us away from the Merlot with a mouth-watering description of his favourite Beaujolais, in the end we conceded. He paints quite the picture and we enjoyed a glass to wash down the simply divine Passion Fruit Creme Brulee.
The French audio lessons while you visit the little boys and girls' rooms are a deft touch and complete the ambiance.
For more information and Christmas bookings visit... http://www.bistrofranc.com/ Just make sure you ring before you go to ensure a table on the mezzanine.
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