Brasserie Chez Gerard, Manchester, M2

Brasserie Chez Gerard
Albert Square
2-8 Commercial Union House
Manchester M2 6LW
Tel: 01618 347633

Rating: 2 stars (out of 5) - OK

Hung over and hungry, Peter, Al and myself stumbled out of the Midland Hotel and across Albert Square for an afternoon lunch. I'm pretty sure that we'd all been to a Chez Gerrard in London at least once, it was a safe bet.

We had a friendly waitress, who most importantly plugged my blackberry and charger into the nearest available power point, which was behind the bar. It was her first day and she was eager to help. We were seated by windows on rattan seats with views of the Albert Square. After ordering, we were served reasonably fresh baguette served with a choice of beurre douce d'Isigny and the delicious Beurre d'anchois (anchovy butter).

I had ordered the Salade Poulet - chopped lettuce with chicken, citron mayonnaise, and 2 slices of baguette toast. Unfortunately pretty bland cubes of breast meat over some romaine, little gem and posh lettuce leaves.

My main of Tajine de légumes, a Morrocan Casserole with vegetables and chick peas, served with cous cous was as described. The vegetables weren't overcooked and soggy which was good but the flavour felt incomplete. At least I felt healthier for eating it.

The toilets were a little musty and unpleasant smelling but the rest of the restaurant was clean. At a cost of £8.95 for the two courses, the meal could've been great value if the dishes had been a little more flavourful and interesting.