We are really lucky to live less than 45 minutes away from the Trafford Centre. Such a variety of shops, with free parking and no need to get wet or cold as it is all under cover (I cannot STAND being cold & wet!) Obviously, after a hard shopping session (in my case, that translates as 2 shops) we need to eat. This food blog would not be where it is without us being greedy hungry creatures!
We were invited a couple of weeks ago to visit Cafe Rouge in the Trafford Centre and let them know what we thought. They didn’t want my opinions though, they wanted Tara to review. All part of the Kids Dining Guide at the Trafford Centre.
Now, we have eaten at the Trafford Centre hundreds of times but have never made it into Cafe Rouge. We mistakenly thought it was light snacks, like salads and baguettes instead of full meals – No idea why, when we hadn’t even consulted the menu. We’ve even seen Cafe Rouge at Center Parcs and thought the same. Big mistake!
So we arrived at Cafe Rouge to be greeted by Ben, our waiter for the evening. Straightaway Tara took to him – If you visit, tell Ben we sent you – He is a complete natural with kids. Yep, it was his idea to feed Bunny some carrots sticks in a ramekin!
Both Tara (Aged 5) and Violet (Aged 10) ordered from the children’s menu for their main course but on Ben’s advice chose the Garlic Fougasse (Fougasse A L’Ail) to share for starter. It was ENORMOUS! But still disappeared. So fresh and tasty but not too heavy on the garlic for little ones. Really good value at £5.
Time for the main course and it was Beef Burger all the way for Tara. Served in a most delicious Brioche Bun (I’m loving the trend for Brioche and burgers – so much more interesting than a plain old white bread roll). What Tara really loved was that her salad came separately instead of being stuck inside the bun (Am I being really Northern calling them a ‘bun’?) And just look at the pile of crispy, hot fries that accompanied the burger. Huge portion sizes.
The Children’s menu is great value for £6.95 – We really liked that the drinks menu did not just include fizzy drinks either. Tara’s milk was a great addition.
You can just about see some of my Poulet Breton (Chicken Supreme with courgettes and mushrooms) that was totally divine – I love a creamy chicken dish but so often they are full of cheese. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
A vast selection of French dishes for all the family – Dermot & Millie shared the most enormous Cote de Boeuf as a special treat – at the recommendation of Ben. A price of £45 may seem extravagant but for 2 to share and plenty for the rest of us to test, we felt it was good value when we saw the actual size of the dish. Really brought back wonderful memories of our yearly holiday in Biarritz – The closest we have come to getting in the holiday spirit in this country.
Both girls were delighted to be served their first ever Babyccino – I fear Ben has now started a trend amongst my children that they ask for a Babyccino wherever we go! Dessert was the obligatory ice-cream served with sprinkles and chocolate popping candy that they could serve themselves with. Bunny finishes off the greens!
Many Thanks to Ben, the staff from Cafe Rouge and the team at the Trafford Centre for our visit. We are so pleased to have found a new (to us) restaurant and highly recommend the food and the service. We had a really relaxing, family meal and will definitely be back.
Disclosure: We received our meal in exchange for an honest review from Tara.
We love Cafe Rouge. My favorite is the moules! The kids love them too ad they citron presse is delicious. Sarah #TriedTested
We’re hoping to go back very soon – I can imagine we will be trying the moules too!
Sounds like a great restaurant and great food. x
It really is, Emma. I cannot believe we thought it only sold salad & sandwiches for so long!
I did’t know you were in the Manchester area too!
Unfortunately we did not have a great experience at Cafe Rouge there. We sat down and waited 15 minutes for someone to bring us a menu and they still didn’t, so we left. I am sure it was a one off though, so I would like to give them another try.
Maybe we will meet up one day Dannii! Sad that you didn’t have a great experience the first time – That is the sort of service that has put me off in other places before though.
I have only eaten in a Cafe Rouge once, and the food was nice, but it was a quick in and something to eat and out as we were on a time limit, but would like to visit again another day x
I would highly recommend another visit – We were so pleased with our choices and the service.
This is really sweet! I’ve been to Cafe Rouge a few times and have always enjoyed my time there.
I cant believe we misunderstood what sort of place it was for so long!
I haven’t been to a Cafe Rouge in such a long time, the Garlic Fougasse looks amazing. I’d definitely demolish that x
It really was delicious Rhian – Nice and light but crispy enough where you want it to be.
I love that they do Babyccinos there as my girls love them. Nice to see bunny ate the greens.
Oh yes, bunny had an awesome time! I think we are slightly addicted to Babyccinos now!
Wow – like you I didn’t realise there was so much choice at Cafe Rouge. It looks fab for kids. I’m going to check them out x
It really was fab for the girls – We are so hard to cater for all of our ages but Cafe Rouge was spot on!
I am a big fan of cafe rouge. I find the restaurants really child friendly- plus I like ordering the snails 😉 x
This looks like my kind of place.
I have walked past before as didn’t think I would like it, but I am so giving it a go next time we go!
I have not been to Cafe Rouge in ages – it used to be somewhere I loved going for a nibble I must check where our nearest one is. x
This sounds like such a nice place to eat with the family. It would be fun to try some of their French dishes.
I am usually around Trafford Center. I will check out this restaurant when next I am out there.
We love Cafe Rouge and they’re great with children. Ieuan is always given a pot of strawberry jam to go with his chicken goujons. How the staff keep a straight face I’ll never know!
People can be funny about chains, me especially, but we’ve been to that cafe rouge a couple of times recently and I can’t fault it. The fixed price menu is great value for two courses and we found some really tasty dishes on there. Carluccio was our Trafford centre go to but this has pipped it!
I’m not sure I’ve ever been to Cafe Rouge but the food all looks great! I see them everywhere, will have to stop in next time!
sounds like a pleasant experience. i haven’t been to cafe rouge in years! i loved the food there
I love cafe Rouge and always have their croque Madame at lunch or eggs benedict at breakfast. I never tire of visiting them!
I love the excitement that Babyccino can give. Haha. And the desserts are just perfectly served at Cafe Rouge. 🙂
I havent been to Cafe Rouge in absolute years, the food looks amazing and from memory they did amazing eggs benedict x
I have never been to Cafe Rouge before but it definitely looks like it is worth a visit. The garlic Fougasse looks amazing as does all of your meals. Will add it into my list of places I need to try out.
I haven’t been to Cafe Rouge in years. The food looks amazing and fresh and – oh my God – that Garlic Fougasse!!! I’m not surprised it all disappeared… x
Lovely review, the food looks delicious. #Smiggle
We live only 15mins from Trafford centre, so regularly visit café rouge, its a family favourite #Smiggle
My 7 year old daughter loves Cafe Rouge at the Trafford Centre too #Smiggle