Summer dining at Chez Mal

Recently we were asked if we would like to visit Malmaison York to sample their new summer menu in the Chez Mal Brasserie. We sent along TopicUK photographers Perrin Read and Lincoln Roth from Roth Read.

Perrin picks up the story. Situated just around the corner from an NCP car park, making it easy to park, the Chez Mal Brasserie is not clearly signposted once inside the hotel, but a friendly receptionist pointed us in the right direction.

Approaching the ‘wait to be seated’ desk, staff greeted us warmly and quickly escorted us to our table, where we were offered water. On first impressions, upbeat music quietly played in the background adding ambience but wasn’t so loud that we couldn’t hear each other speak. The small two-seat rectangle table needed turning around as we sat at the short ends, furthest away from each other. I think our server would have moved us if we’d asked but decided not to fuss. The restaurant was clean and light with some cool lighting fixtures, shame the view of a long building on the opposite side of the street was a bit dreary. The restaurant was busy when we arrived at 7pm, quieter by 9pm but still had a nice buzz.

Our server Tyler was well-informed, helpful, friendly and very attentive from the offset, allowing us to make menu changes with no fuss. He took our drinks order of diet coke and Gin & tonic, after making a choice from an extensive flavour menu, Tyler recommended the zesty lemon Gin and Mediterranean tonic which was refreshing and light. He asked us how quickly we wanted our courses served, which we thought was a thoughtful touch and a question we are rarely asked when visiting other restaurants. Our food arrived in perfect time and Tyler cleared away our plates quickly between courses.

So, what did they choose from the extensive menu that had lots of fish and veggie options as Perrin is vegetarian?

For our starter, Lincoln chose grilled sea scallops served in their shell. These were a good size and nicely presented across three shells. They may have been frozen, not seared but hot. I had the Cobb salad. Chopped up and tossed in a small bowl so every forkful had flavour. A delicious combination of avocado, aubergine, peppers, charred corn, courgette, squash, and crisp gem, covered with ranch dressing and parmesan.

Plates quickly cleared and mains were served. Lincoln chose the Ribeye steak that was served with buttered garlic, fries, cherry tomatoes, and a small handful of leaves. The steak was perfectly cooked, ordered medium rare and the fries were tasty and hot. I chose seared sesame tuna, bok choy, chilli, soy, and lime dressing. Tyler recommended the tuna medium pink which was very helpful. Often tuna is dry, but this was juicy and tender with a delicious dressing. The garnish was tasty and complemented the steak. I would recommend including a few fries or another side (I just pinched Lincoln’s). If I visit again, I will order the same again.

Time for dessert. Lincoln chose hot Valrhona chocolate molten pudding, and peanut butter centre served with salted caramel ice cream. He said it was altogether delicious, spongy with a soft chocolate warm centre and creamy caramel ice cream. I chose a S’mores sundae, vanilla ice cream, crackers, marshmallows & fudge sauce. Delicious.

The verdict. Lovely, the food was delicious, and we would definitely return next time we are in York.