A weekend in Lille

Earlier in the year, I took my better half to Lille for the weekend to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, without the kids, so it was a rare weekend of doing what we wanted, eating what and when we wanted! A little research on the train on the way over and the magic of the internet revealed a trove of venues, almost too much choice for the three nights we were there.

One thing that stood out amongst the many choices as well as the classic French Bistro, of which there are plenty, was that Lille seems to have a strong leaning towards Italian and Burgers.

Focusing on the burgers a second, a favourite FatSteak Club stomping ground, there was a formidable choice from quick and dirty to high-end gastro joints. All options were catered for but they certainly all took it very seriously by looking at the menus and seeing some of the servings. See L’Address below!

So below is a selection of some of the favourite places we went to. I didn’t get loads of photos in each as I may have overdone the local beer on a few occasions and only realised after an empty plate that no photo was taken. To be honest I’m ok with this as, despite impressions, I’m not a serial photo-taker of food when out.

I would thoroughly recommend Lille, very easy on the Eurostar, so much choice and a great place to just walk around, eat drink and generally relax whilst expanding the waistline.

L’Address - Upmarket burger joint

I had to come here having seen the pictures and read the menu. It’s not your standard burger place, more a French upmarket take on how to do really good burgers without the pretence. With a fat bottle of red, burgers cooked to whatever rareness you want and not shy on the size, you won’t be needing dessert afterwards that’s for sure.

So obviously I had the biggest and juiciest thing I could find on the menu, a double beef burger, cooked just past rare with some amazing dressing, French cheese and some other garnishes, including some lightly pickled courgette. My wife had what can only be described as a Chicken supreme burger. Both tasted and worked really well.

All the burgers are served with a jar of boiled potatoes and spinach rather than chips. Whilst potentially controversial, it was a winner. Really clean and made sure you tasted the burger as it was exceptionally tasty.

The only other point of note was this may have been the first burger that I’ve not been able to pick up and eat with my hands. Many have tried to beat me and failed in the past but this one definitely needed a knife and fork.

If you are in Lille and like burgers and have an hour, go here, It’s a pretty unique take on how to do burgers.

 

A Taaable - Classic French boozy bistro

We went there on our first night so after some bubbles before during and after the journey, by the time we ate, photos were limited. This was compounded by the extremely generous hospitality of the owner who loved sharing the local firewater. I tried to buy him a drink back, he didn’t have my tipple so ended up pouring three glasses of champagne for us all. Love it. So due to being somewhat well lubricated and starving the food got eaten to a degree before any good pictures could be taken. No bad thing but not ideal if you want to post it on a blog!

Order of the day was Moules Frite but first some starters. This was my first taste of what seems to be another constant in Lille, homemade terrine. Absolutely top drawer served with excellent bread whilst my wife had some amazing scallops. A great start.

Following this, along with some excellent rouge was the Moule Frite. An extremely healthy portion of small but sweet muscles cooked in a simple yet extremely tasty white wine sauce. Alas, no photo was taken.

I did, however, manage to remember to get the camera out for the creme brûlée. As you would expect, this was ace and lasted about 20 seconds.

This is a great little place though it’s on a road with about another 30 other little bistros which all look extremely inviting. Spoilt for choice on this road alone so a great area to explore.

 

Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vielle - Local Bistro serving Lille classics

After a long morning of strolling around, we found our way back to a little tucked away place removed from the main road. With ample seating outside, a queue for a seat and the sun shining, it was a perfect spot for some late lunch.
Like most places, they serve a good selection of strong local beers. A few of these in the sun and you feel them, as we did. However, this is the perfect place for some solid local stodge to go with it.
I had Welsh which is a local dish right up the FatSteak Club’s alley.

 

Beef - Steak house French style

On the last night, we ended up in an amazing steak house, though carrying an English name, it was very French. The selection of steak was fantastic and it was a done deal when I saw it was served with bone marrow.

All just mouth-watering. The picture says it all. The steak was tender, full of flavour but cooked to perfection, the bone marrow was perfect, a super treat to go with an already great combo. Served again with another bottle of red to go with it and this rounded off the last supper in Lille extremely well.