Maison Blanc for a late breakfast (if early afternoon can count as breakfast!). We ordered tuna niçoise sandwiches made with crusty French bread and a tomato tart to share. The tuna niçoise sandwiches were filled with all kinds of nice things – tuna, olives, egg, anchovies – and we added a little of the mustard dressing; although my personal preference is not to use French bread for sandwiches as you always end up with too much bread compared to your filling! Nevertheless they tasted good. The tomato tart was delicious, slice upon slice of juicy tomato. The coffee was good too – and you think you’re just buying a coffee but it comes with a square of chocolate on the side, nice! Also, for all the chocoholics out there, Maison Blanc is fab because you can buy a couple or seven of their chocolates to have with your meal!
Maison Blanc feels quiet, and a nice place to sit and chat or read the paper. There weren't many other people there while we were eating, but the tables are spaced out enough that I don't think it would ever get loud or feel crowded in there.
There seem to be several French café chains springing up at the moment and it’s a trend I definitely approve of. Paul and Maison Blanc are a decent alternative to the plasticy American coffee shop chains, as they seem to give good food (not exceptional, but definitely good) at reasonable prices. And it seems not so long ago that the only cheap, non-restaurant places that you could sit down and eat were MacDonalds or Wimpy – this is sooo much an improvement!
Maison Blanc, 27B The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN
www.maisonblanc.co.uk/richmond.html
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