Choc Bloc’s Beetroot salad
The American
www.chopbloc.com
CHOP BLOC C
helmsford. Deep in the heart of Essex. I made my way to Grays Brewery Yard by observing the night sky…and my satnav. Slightly nervous, I walked in, prepared for boisterous blokes and dizzy blondes clad in leopard skin and 10 inch stillies. What a let-down! It was just like Hoxton, only friendlier! The interior is an über cool conversion of an old brewery. 3 floors of exposed brick and designer light bulbs; chairs and banquettes of soft, supple leather. The design is carefully thought out to give maximum privacy to each table while maintaining a feeling of open space. The barstools on the third floor are to die for. That and the wizard behind the bar make this lounge a great place for drinks. We were met at the door by Justin. He made us feel like old friends. Indeed, the entire staff could not have been nicer. Smiling, happy, competent people. Essex was looking better and better.
34 May 2015
Chop Bloc is primarily a steakhouse and the highlight of the menu is grass fed Hereford beef. Our waitress began by showing us the different cuts available and gave an excellent presentation of each one. We chose the prime rib on the bone. £42 for 600 grams for two. That much meat required veggie starters. Beetroot salad and mushrooms with goat cheese, each at £5. Both were excellent. Red and yellow beetroot with greens, celery, feta and a light dressing was simple, tasty and refreshing. The mushrooms were packed with flavor. Bread crumbs gave a bit of crunch and the goat’s cheese did what an appetizer should. Stimulated my appetite. We had ordered a bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape for the beef but it was equally good with the starters. Light, with good fruit and still enough body for meat. The wine list is good and very reasonable: £17.50 – £60 with a nice selection by the glass. No vintages are listed
Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick Left: Dave, Steve & Head Chef Alexander Right: Choc Bloc’s Picanaha
8-9 Grays Brewery Yard, Town Centre, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6QR
though, so if you are serious about wine, you will have to ask. Ours was a 2012 at £52. The meat made its entrance in a piping hot, cast iron skillet. Sensational! Perfectly charred, medium rare as we had ordered, tender and delicious. Couldn’t ask for more. Truffle parmesan fries (£3) were crispy and tasty though the truffle was a bit negligible. Spinach (£4) simply sautéed without fanfare was also a good accompaniment. I knew the prime rib would be a hard act to follow and it was. The dessert menu needs an upgrade. Chocolate brownie and raspberry cheesecake (£6) were neither inspired nor well executed. The rest of the menu is based on good quality food, served simply. The desserts need either the same level of quality or another level of creativity. I believe the kitchen is aware of this and will soon fix this one flaw. Hopefully they will invite me back when the proof is in the pudding. (I really just want another steak!)