A Little French Corner

The French revolution started in 1789, toppling the French Monarchy and marking a turbulent time in history. A nation of power and passion, the French strive to do the little things well.

Manly’s resident French restaurateurs Emmanuel and Sonia Deleuze have excelled in every little corner of this magnifi que French menu designed by Hugo Mathieu, the resident chef all the way from Lyon France to The Corner at Queenscliff

Lyon is situated in the region of France known as the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. With its ‘Bouchons’, casual places to eat hyperlocal food, it is often considered the heart of French cuisine.

COVERED. paid a visit on a balmy Thursday night, and couldn’t wait to return to savour the flavours again. With their weekly dinner menu changes to stay up-to-date with what’s fresh in season, you’ll just want to keep coming back for more.

For me it was a simple step back in time, a time when my travels took me to small bistros on the streets of Paris, overlooking the glistening lights on the Eiffel Tower.

This café chic by day space where customers enjoy coffee and fabulous Modern Australian food gets transformed by night into a tranquil relaxing bistro tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Manly.

It’s not French without cheese, so we kicked things off with a board of Comté Camembert and Fourme d’Ambert mild blue which was perfectly paired with the house duck rillette and an incredible, classic ‘French style’ salad dressing on the leafy green salad.

First main was a perfectly roasted, juicy chicken leg, with cauliflower gratin and a jus made with delicate salty moreish flavours that takes years of practice to master.

Second was Risotto Ratatouille, a true French classic, with a twist. The perfect combination of tomatoes, aubergines, peppers with a hint of garlic and onions. Third main was a delicious fillet of salmon, with zucchini noodles and herbs. Yum!

They say that dessert doesn’t go to the stomach, but to the heart and at only $12, you know you deserve it. The chocolate fondant is a crowd favourite and perfectly oozes its chocolate sauce from the crusted cake shell, making for a decadent finish to the evening; not to be outdone by the strawberry salad of mascarpone and meringue of course. The French really do know how to do everything well, with the food being proportionally perfect in every way.

If dining at lunchtime is more your thing, The Corner has select dishes available from their evening menu for lunch. It’s even paired with a glass of wine.

Do yourself a favour and go French in this wonderful space at The Corner, Queenscliff - bon appétit! •