Franck Raymond to open Augustine Kitchen in Battersea this month

French chef Franck Raymond is this month opening a new bistro in Battersea called Augustine Kitchen.

The 60-cover restaurant, which is named after Franck’s grandmother, will serve French-style Tapas as well as some classic dishes from the area with a focus on ingredients from the region of Evian where Franck was born.

Franck worked as Head Chef at Covent Gardens’ Mon Plaisir from 2003 and has always brought his passion for French food to his kitchens. Before beginning his spell in London, Franck achieved two Michelin stars during a three-year stint as Head Chef of Le Marignac in Geneva before setting up his own restaurant, Le Cheval Blanc, in Evian.

Having sold up in France, a move to England beckoned as Franck began working for Marco Pierre White at the Oak Room and Titanic as Executive Sous Chef and then Head Pastry Chef at Kensington Palace.

Included on the menu at Augustine Kitchen are: Cassolette of snails with garlic and parsley butter; French onion soup glazed with bleu de termignon and Reblochon and green apple fritters.

Mains will include: fillet of sea bream bouillabaisse; slow cooked pork shank with flageolets and sage jus and roast duck magret with spicy poached pear and timut pepper sauce.

Desserts will include:  Dark chocolate mousse with chocolate and caramel sauce and passion fruit sorbet; Coconut floating island with lime and vanilla custard and rice pudding, pink pralines and pistachio.

Highlights from the tapas menu, available in the bar, will include: black pudding and apple tartelette; duck rillettes and Reblochon and bacon gougères.

To ensure the best quality ingredients, Franck has hand-picked his own suppliers including charcuterie from Monsieur Colliard and chosen fourth generation fisherman Monsieur Mouchet Anyhy sur Leman to provide to his fish.

Designed by Franck, there is set to be a real family feel about the restaurant with rustic oak tables lit with candles, black and white family photographs and on display open wine racks to add to the French charm.