La grenouille modeste
Times are changing as The Arrogant Frog relocates and becomes The Arrogant Frog Brasserie
Rosario Guarneri has been a name on Brighton’s food and drink scene for many years now. Some of us met him at La Noblesse, some at Victor‘s and some at Le Petit Pain. Always a vivid and vital character, Rosario has a passion for food and service that is hard to beat. That passion drives him on; the man is undefeatable.
In 2006, when the coffee shop market seemed flooded and his sale of Le Petit Pain fell through, Rosario decided to return to his first love, gastronomic cuisine and fine wine. The decision was taken to make Christmas Eve 2006 the last day of trading, close down and refurbish. The Arrogant Frog was born! The success was great, customers came far and wide for the food and wine – but the credit crunch has bitten restaurants hard.
Rosario, however, has never been afraid of change and is always prepared to ‘move on’ when that is what is called for. ‘‘Sometimes you have to look around you, realise and accept that something new is needed.’’
Ever mindful of ‘times they are a changing’, Rosario dreamt up the idea of The Arrogant Frog Brasserie. ‘‘The country, indeed the world, in economic crisis means that the majority of people are spending less money on eating out. However, without compromising quality, presentation and service, it seemed obvious to us to move back from an unfortunately ever-quietening suburb, into the centre of Brighton on the seafront where customers would find ‘The Frog’ more readily.’’
Now offering a more mainstream menu, to appeal to all ages and pockets, the doors were opened without announcement. A fantastic start will be built upon – more gourmet events will follow, themed evenings and the introduction of ‘Special Dishes’ on the blackboards, will ensure that Francophiles will not be disappointed.
“Rosario’s passion is for dining with family and friends and that is the atmosphere that he always creates”
Now TEACH (The European Academy of Catering and Hospitality), the project Rosario created and championed, has government backing, and will commence in 2010. Rosario and his wife and business partner Frances fully intend that The Arrogant Frog Brasserie will be the first location in Brighton and Hove to recruit the talented young stars working on this course at City College Brighton and Hove.
With education always close to Rosario’s heart, he will continue to offer his services for voluntary work with Brighton and Hove City Council, working with young people in local schools and the new talent who will become the apprentices training within TEACH.
In fact, this is very much a family concern and both Rosario and Frances are putting everything into this re-incarnation. And as a family business it is very much a family restaurant catering for children and adults and certainly welcoming family groups. Rosario’s passion is for dining with family and friends and that is the atmosphere that he always creates.
The menu is now full of very affordable lunchtime and evening dishes, some classics, some nouvelle, but all of them made with the usual Gallic passion and generosity that his customers have come to expect. And in the kitchen the chef will not be restrained, given free licence to create delicious daily specials that will reflect the brands roots in classic French cuisine.
The Arrogant Frog Brasserie also has a full bar licence and will serve coffees and soft drinks throughout the day.
Now with a new central location and a menu at prices that are hard to beat, The Arrogant Frog Brasserie is destined for success. But watch this space – The Arrogant Frog restaurant will no doubt return and have its day! To them all bonne chance et bon appetit!
The Arrogant Frog Brasserie 64, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NA. 01273 721488 reservations@thearrogantfrog.com
