his is the short version: At the weekend we sampled one of the best three course dinners we have had in Liverpool for a good while.

It was in the intimate surroundings of The Orchard, on Blundell Street. The service and the ambience was warm. Candles glowed and the flickering of light on the walls adorned with colourful oil on canvas, by local artists, got us all happy and fuzzy, as did a bottle of excellent, steely British wine, Bacchus, that gave that New Zealand Cloudy Bay favourite a run for its money.

The food? It reminded us of a style that has long been absent in Liverpool for some time. Then it clicked. In the kitchen was Dave Roberts, the man who ran the long lamented and wonderful L'Alouette in Lark Lane.

But this was no time to look to the past. Dave is back, the menu has been completely revamped and for the Orchard that means simple French classics are coming home to Liverpool.

For a limited time only, Confidential readers can enjoy a real treat from The Orchard: A three course dinner, with a glass of wine, for just ｣19.99. It's available Wednesday through to Saturday for the whole month of March.

And it really is something to tell your friends about.

Here's the longer version. We sampled the lot, beginning with a stunning cheddar and onion soup, a deliciously savoury mushroom tart topped off with poached egg and hollandaise, and a simple asparagus dish drizzled with a warm herb dressing and adorned by quails eggs and cherry tomatoes.

his being The Orchard, fruit is never far away and pears feature in the starters as well as desserts: A rocket salad with pears poached in red wine was given creamy texture from marscapone and savoury bite from Gorgonzola.

Roasted best end of Welsh lamb with a reduced, reduced (and reduced again) mint and redcurrant jus was text book in its execution, as were the indulgent and plentiful Dauphinoise potatoes and sweet French beans tied in a twist of smoked bacon.

Sea bass was seared on the skin to perfection. Two generous banging-fresh fillets that were expertly enhanced by a creamy Pernod sauce and grilled fennel. It set sail upon a beautiful pea green risotto.

For lovers of the Med, and/or non meat eaters, try the lively roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Risotto which was excellent – and the waiter's favourite.. And here's something else, aubergine crisps, the staple of every Cypriot cafe, here bringing sunshine to the plate.

A cracking and crackling crème brulee was faultless (he's done this before this bloke, remember) and more pears, this time poached and stuffed with Armagnac prunes and granache and a sweet and pretty crème anglais. English cheeseboard: Full flavoured big wedged of a good cheddar, a good Stilton and ditto a Somerset brie.

That was the long version. In short, this is a Strictly Confidential deal that we think you would be crazy not to try.

All the ingredients are there. The food, the surroundings the friendly service, not to mention the quite unbelievable tag of £19.99 for Confidential readers.It's only available by booking online and paying a small deposit to secure your reservation. And it must end 17th April.

This limited time offer is sure to be popular, so book right here, right now and discover this promising little restaurant for yourself. 
The Orchard, 57 Blundell Street, Liverpool L1 0AJ.

View Article