Ooh la la – a touch of French gastronomy is generating a frisson of excitement in Sunninghill. When old school friends and next-door neighbours Rachid Noui and Franck Jourdon – both from the same village in South West France – teamed up with chef Laurent Malnuit three years ago to conceive The Carpenters, an intimate and charming bolthole was born. You’ll find it festooned with a plethora of Gallicthemed paintings and original Parisian furniture, including several comfortable chaise longues – the perfect perch for unwinding with a glass of wine.
Pouring his heart and soul into his cooking, Laurent seduces the beguiled diner with prime ingredients, which manifest themselves in voluptuous foie gras or Perthuis asparagus dipped in rich, creamy cocotte eggs. Escargots, duck confit and slow-cooked daube de boeuf are sure to woo, before eagerly anticipated crêpes Suzette or timeless tarte au citron complete this culinary love affair.
As well as taking delivery of French produce, every month Laurent and Rachid head to markets across the Channel to stock up on supplies and get inspiration for new creations. Already a well-travelled chef, Laurent uses these trips to supplement his culinary style. So, instead of hopping on the Eurostar for a trip to Paris, why not sample its traditional cuisine on your doorstep?
