Tipped

Foodie Pilgrimage

February 15, 2008

Yes, with the amount of press/reviews around the Fat Duck, and Heston creating his perfect creations all over the TV on midweek nights, you probably already feel that you've eaten here!
Although I went here last year, it's telling that I still remember every single dish of my meal.
Yes it's expensive, but it's worth every penny. I've don't think I've ever been so mesmerized by food.
Nestled in the ye olde village of Bray, you'd never guess that this place was a where food meets the science experiment. Tucked inside a house off the quaint high street, the neutral room itself is small and hushed. No drunken antics here. There is a very high ratio of staff to customers but they never impose and sweep gracefully and quietly through the room.
We opted for the tasting menu - which I highly recommend for the "full experience". From the vat of liquid nitrogen wheeled over to our table for the amuse bouche, to the palate cleansing sherbet fountain to the "breakfast" dessert (small bowl of parsnip cereal, bacon and egg ice cream) - every dish was like a quirky piece of art.
Don't get me wrong - this wasn't a meal of huge plates with small smears of food where you leave ravenous and have to rummage through the mini bar back at your hotel afterwards- we were completely stuffed. This is innovation at its best. If you're a foodie, you should make a pilgrimage here at least once (as well as Alain Ducasse in Paris and El Builli). After Oohing and Aahing our way through the sitting we left thoroughly content – and extremely excited by all the brilliant ideas.
We also opted for the matching wine with our tasting menu, but personally I would advise against this unless you don't mind drinking sake and sherry (alongside reds and whites) as these were paired with some of the earlier dishes.
Note: Reservations are taken 2 months in advance, so be ready to hit speed dial early in the morning to secure a table.

Tags: innovation, science, haute cuisine

Can it get more expensive?

November 01, 2007

Super dooper pricey. Good, but Heston Blooming-marvellous is not quite worth £300 for lunch for 2 people with a glass of shampoo each.

To be honest, you have to go to say you have. Or at least you did when it was renowned for being 'the best in the world' or even 'second best in the world'.

Don't get me wrong - it was a totally ace experience, mustard ice cream sounded terrible but every course was incredible - bright flavours and invetive cuisine - it was impressive. But still, over-priced.

Kids do not belong in resturants like this and I didn't go for idea that it's okay to being your toddler complete with train-set to a place like this 'just because you can afford it'. Don't. Other people come for special occassions and would prefer not to see or hear your kids.

A great place for a weekend night out in Bray but be prepared to spend a lot of money. If that doesn't bother you, you will enjoy the culinary experience.

Otherwise stick to London for amazing nights out, really this place is just showing off.

Tags: expensive, bizarre, showing off