Partner Article

Bdaily visits The Brasserie, at The Sage Gateshead

Bdaily was recently invited to The Sage Brasserie, where we were treated to an excellent three-course dinner. Tucked away between two of the Sage’s concert halls, the Brasserie is a sleek, minimal restaurant, just out of view from the main throng of the foyer.

We were seated by an exceptionally polite waiter, who promptly delivered the menu, offering a choice of three starters and three mains. This limited choice was actually a welcome change, making for a deliberation-free stab at the menu and a gentle push away from any ‘safe’ options. In all honesty, we would have happily chosen any of the dishes on offer, but decided on a mackerel salad, and pork and apricot terrine with onion marmalade as starters; followed by pan fried snapper and roasted potatoes, and grilled chicken with a black olive dressing. A quick consultation of the wine list, and we realised our fancy for a chianti was somewhat out of kilter with the food choices. Nevertheless, with little finesse, the order was made, and without so much as a bat of an eye from our friend the waiter.

The starters arrived, and were beautifully presented. We were furnished with a bread roll and got stuck in with little delay. The terrine was juicy; wrapped with bacon and topped with the sweet, caramelised red onions. The mackerel salad was fresh and zesty, with tasty strips of fish laid over citrus sprinkled leaves. After a top up of bread on the side plate, we were soon looking at our mains. The pan fried snapper was presented atop a mound of greens, and surrounded with tiny pebble-like roasted potatoes. Across the bottle of red and looking equally tempting was the chicken breast. Naturally, the reviewer reserved rights to sample each dish, and the chicken was succulent with a light seasoning.

Between courses, the gentle sounds of a women’s choir rehearsal provided a soft background to our conversation, as did the chitter-chatter of evening concert goers, out in the foyer.

Desert was an easy choice for both of us, with the extremely tempting Northumberland cheese board; constituting a mild soft blue, apple smoked and nettle, served with oak cakes, celery and miniature jar of onion pickle. We also encountered a nice surprise towards the end of the meal, lurking in the delicious raspberry and coconut chocolates accompanying our coffee: a scattering of popping candy that gave this dinner a little fun edge, adding to what was overall a fantastic meal in a niche setting.

There’s plenty going on at The Brasserie too, with a Jazz Cafe to be held every Friday evening between July 27 and August 31. Sunday lunch is also available for £8.95 per head until August 31, and at the same time you can listen to local artists play music at free Sunday lunchtime performances. If you’ve got the kids, a free child’s meal will be provided with every adult main course until August 31.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .