WITH the sound of Edith Piaf warbling in the background, diners were treated to an extravagant menu of classic dishes at Yale College’s Rendezvous restaurant.

Students had worked hard to plan and prepare the special French themed evening, which included a range of Gallic delicacies.

Chef de Cuisine, Wayne Hatenboer, told the Leader last week that the students were using the event to show off their skills and the gastronomes from across the region who came to try it out won’t have been disappointed.

Beginning with an aperitif and canapes of mushroom duxelle and pan fried snails tossed in garlic and madeira, the meal comprised no less than eight superb dishes.

Though well presented, Grenouilles allie - breaded frogs legs with a garlic and parsley sauce - were met with looks varying between curiosity and apprehension.

The looks were, however, followed by murmurs of surprise and satisfaction.
Next up was a Consomme Grande Duchesse  - a light and delicious clear chicken soup.

The plat de poisson - Fillet of sole with a prawn butter sauce and macaire potatoes - was one of the highlights of the evening, preceding the impressive main course of beef cooked three ways - bourguignon, medallion and oxtail.

A duo of goats and blue cheese with oat biscuits followed by a beautifully presented and delicious trio of desserts, coffee and petit fours, rounded things off.

Chef Hatenboer hailed the evening a great success.

“The students worked very well in the kitchen and front of house,” he added. “I spoke to the diners after the meal and there were compliments all round and one lady actually went into the kitchen to compliment the students personally. It was a big meal, with lots of different things going on and I think we had a lot of happy diners.”

The bistro in Yale has been running for a number of years, being extensively refurbished and then rebranded as Rendezvous two years ago.

It is fully licensed and is open to the public at lunchtimes (Tuesday to Friday noon to 1.30pm) and on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.

Other special events being planned include a Mediterranean evening and an Asian evening.

For further information and bookings visit www.rendezvous-yale.co. uk or call 01978 316457.