Topic: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread

[kavah]

Anyone got any recommendations for Vancouver, Seattle, Portland or San Francisco?

Did you make it to Portland? I'm interested in what you made of it (I lived there for a couple of years and I'm in love with the place and its stellar food and beer and wine culture)

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

Did you make it to Portland? I'm interested in what you made of it (I lived there for a couple of years and I'm in love with the place and its stellar food and beer and wine culture)

Bloody loved it mate.  The missus and I both agreed that of all the places we visited on the West Coast we would feel most at home in Portland.  Laid back, cool without trying, friendly, great food, even better beer.  Lots of bikes, good bars, gigs...  Coast or mountains just a short drive away.  Spot on.

[kavah]

Bloody loved it mate.  The missus and I both agreed that of all the places we visited on the West Coast we would feel most at home in Portland.  Laid back, cool without trying, friendly, great food, even better beer.  Lots of bikes, good bars, gigs...  Coast or mountains just a short drive away.  Spot on.

oh good, I'm glad you liked it. I'm in Saigon now, which is of course a culinary mecca, but I did like it in the American North West.

[Ziltoid]

Followed by butternut squash soup with blue cheese ravioli and toasted hazelnut.  Vegetarian?  Me?  With my reputation?
Astonishing dish, beyond amazing about 23/10 stunning.

That does sound good, maybe not sure about the hazelnut though!

Dear God, I've just seen the price!!  Tell me you splurged on the wine as well??!!!!   

[TepidT2O]

Followed by butternut squash soup with blue cheese ravioli and toasted hazelnut.  Vegetarian?  Me?  With my reputation?
Astonishing dish, beyond amazing about 23/10 stunning.

That does sound good, maybe not sure about the hazelnut though!

Dear God, I've just seen the price!!  Tell me you splurged on the wine as well??!!!!   

The hazelnut gave an even nuttier taste and a lovely texture difference.

Saved up big style for it, for a significant birthday! I'm not really a big drinker so only got through a bottle of wine.  I'm not qualified to comment on wine really, if I'd had the tasting menu for that I would have been unconscious and bankrupt.

[hassinator]

For the seafood lovers on here, Rex & Mariano in Soho London is worth a visit, esepcially for the raw red prawns

http://www.nomface.co.uk/2015/01/rex-mariano.html

loved it.  going again next thursday.  the site seems to be cursed though - so many restaurants have come and gone there over the years and, despite the ace reviews, rex and mariano empty nearly every time i pass.  this is daily as my office is in soho square.  if you play your cards right they will send you free courses. my friend sam was there yesterday and she bagged a lobster ceviche.  everything i've had there is delicious but special props for the raw red prawns - so sweet - and the rustling zucchini fries which are absolutely boss.  i would like if they did more daily specials as they have all the fish for a superlative seafood risotto.

[hassinator]

Went a few years back, the smoked eel was superb

smoked eel seems so en vogue these days.  wife is from denmark so we've been eating it on xmas day for years as part of the smoerbrod.  i like it with a horseradish cream on toasted rye bread.

[hassinator]

Don't know about Nagano to be honest, but sea urchin from Hokkaido is one of the best things I've ever eaten. To be more specific, sea urchin on Rishiri island, eaten fresh on the island itself. So cheap too.

love sea urchin.  have you ever had them in risotto?  seems a very greedy way to enjoy them. 

[Party Phil]

If anybody is visiting Riga I would recommend this place:
http://www.restorans.lv/lv/

Excellent food, creatively presented and a reasonable price (in my opinion)

[yes]

Going down the smoke for three days next month and been in turmoil deciding where to eat, yeah I know #firstworldproblems. Had to get it right because it's unlikely me and the wife would be able to go down there together on our own for a while.

Eventually went for Yauatcha, Dinner by Heston and the Ledbury. Marc from Fraiche *cough* namedrop *cough* encouraged me to pick Ledbury. He said it's a must and it was already on my shortlist anyway. Sort of thinking I should have gone down the Jason Atherton route somewhere along the line but there we go. Restaurant Story was another that I was on the verge of booking as well.

A 3-star would have been nice in bucket list terms, but I wouldn't go to the Dorchester out of principle and Gordon was fully booked anyway.

Anyone been to any of the three I've plumped for?

[The Evil One]

Going down the smoke for three days next month and been in turmoil deciding where to eat, yeah I know #firstworldproblems. Had to get it right because it's unlikely me and the wife would be able to go down there together on our own for a while.

Eventually went for Yauatcha, Dinner by Heston and the Ledbury. Marc from Fraiche *cough* namedrop *cough* encouraged me to pick Ledbury. He said it's a must and it was already on my shortlist anyway. Sort of thinking I should have gone down the Jason Atherton route somewhere along the line but there we go. Restaurant Story was another that I was on the verge of booking as well.

A 3-star would have been nice in bucket list terms, but I wouldn't go to the Dorchester out of principle and Gordon was fully booked anyway.

Anyone been to any of the three I've plumped for?

I've done Yauatcha and Ledbury. Yauatcha is fine but being Chinese and used to dim sum it didn't really blow me away.  The Ledbury on the other hand was amazing with the mackerel starter and pigeon main being the standouts. I've also tried Pollen Street Social but Ledbury beats it hands down for me.

[yes]

I've done Yauatcha and Ledbury. Yauatcha is fine but being Chinese and used to dim sum it didn't really blow me away.  The Ledbury on the other hand was amazing with the mackerel starter and pigeon main being the standouts. I've also tried Pollen Street Social but Ledbury beats it hands down for me.

Cheers, yeah I'm yet to hear anything bad about Ledbury and I get what you're saying about Yauatcha. I think it was a decision based upon variety as much as anything else.

[CHOPPER]

The Mons Ł5.95 carvery is to die for.  La Jus est C'est Magnifiquee, like.

Get ye tits on it.

[yes]

Quick summary - The Ledbury was outstanding, some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life and I'd make a point of going back. Dinner by Heston was very very good (Meat Fruit in itself was worth the admission) but would rather try other places before returning. Yauatcha was different and clearly many levels above any Chinese in Merseyside, but same again, I'd want to go to other places before going back.

If anything, the one thing that has struck me from the whole London experience is how lucky we are to have Fraiche on the doorstep. I'd honestly say it's on a par with Ledbury in terms of style and quality, and from a personal point of view I actually prefer its intimacy (but I can understand why some don't). And ironically, it's easier to get a table at any of the top London joints than it is Fraiche these days, although I did manage to get a booking in for May.

[Rouge]

Quick summary - The Ledbury was outstanding, some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life and I'd make a point of going back. Dinner by Heston was very very good (Meat Fruit in itself was worth the admission) but would rather try other places before returning. Yauatcha was different and clearly many levels above any Chinese in Merseyside, but same again, I'd want to go to other places before going back.

If anything, the one thing that has struck me from the whole London experience is how lucky we are to have Fraiche on the doorstep. I'd honestly say it's on a par with Ledbury in terms of style and quality, and from a personal point of view I actually prefer its intimacy (but I can understand why some don't). And ironically, it's easier to get a table at any of the top London joints than it is Fraiche these days, although I did manage to get a booking in for May.

I live literary around the corner from Ledbury but never think of it as a place to go, outside my mainstays of Hawksmoor (air st) and Ottenlenghi (soho), I have to say Brasserie Chavot is currently my favourite, yes its very old fashioned (prob because of its location in Mayfair), but the food is amazing, the soft shell crab starter and the Pork with mustard and honey is superb.
Silver service at its best - highly recommend it
http://www.brasseriechavot.com/restaurant/
 

[yes]

I live literary around the corner from Ledbury but never think of it as a place to go, outside my mainstays of Hawksmoor (air st) and Ottenlenghi (soho), I have to say Brasserie Chavot is currently my favourite, yes its very old fashioned (prob because of its location in Mayfair), but the food is amazing, the soft shell crab starter and the Pork with mustard and honey is superb.
Silver service at its best - highly recommend it
http://www.brasseriechavot.com/restaurant/

Aah mate if I lived around the corner from it I'd be skint in no time, I wouldn't be able to resist. It actually had a very 'local restaurant' vibe to it and I got the feeling that we were the only first-timers in there, but even so the staff made sure we felt very welcome.

It sounds like you prefer classic style and I'd pretty much want to give as many places as possible a go including all you mention there. For this visit though I wanted to try places where I'd have no chance of being able to recreate in my own home (without about Ł10k worth of equipment) or out of the ordinary.

I absolutely appreciate all types of good food cooked well, but I suppose when it comes down to it I'm a sucker for modern and can't get enough of little cubes of yuzu jelly or dehydrated pistachio sponge on my plate.

[MichaelA]

Just booked in for lunch at Locanda Locatelli - my missus has a significant birthday next month, and this will kickstart the celebrations!!

[The Evil One]

Enjoyed a hell of a week dining in Bangkok and Hong Kong in the last week.

Among the various street food and local restaurants I tried both Gaggan and Nahm in Bangkok, the reigning and former no 1 restaurant in Asia according to San Pellogrino.

Gaggan is molecular Indian which was different with the proprietor having had a stint in El Bulli. Thoroughly enjoyed with a 20 course menu.

Nahm is a refined Thai restaurant serving up Thai food like I've never had before, excellent flavours with dishes served family style all at once.

Lastly I was lucky to try the only 3 Michelin starred Chinese restaurant in the World, Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong. The standout signature dish was the abalone and diced chicken puff which melted in the mouth topped with luxurious succulent abalone.

[TepidT2O]

The fat duck is undergoing extensive refurbishment whilst they have 6 months in Australia.

Covered in scaffolding and windows full of decorating equipment...

[Alan_X]

Just back from a great time on Skye & Lewis. Some great local produce but the highlight was fresh hand-dived scallops with Stornoway black pudding. We bought the scallops direct from Dave Smith the diver who hand picks them off the sea bed. His wife Julie shelled them for us and then a five minute drive to where we were staying and straight into the pan.

I've never tasted scallops that fresh before and they were amazing.

http://www.hebrideanhanddivedscallops.co.uk

[Dr. Beaker]

Just back from a great time on Skye & Lewis. Some great local produce but the highlight was fresh hand-dived scallops with Stornoway black pudding. We bought the scallops direct from Dave Smith the diver who hand picks them off the sea bed. His wife Julie shelled them for us and then a five minute drive to where we were staying and straight into the pan.

I've never tasted scallops that fresh before and they were amazing.

http://www.hebrideanhanddivedscallops.co.uk

If they ain't fresh they ain't worth having in my opinion, but when they are fresh they are the ultimate seafood with a totally unique flavour. Got to be cooked just right though - I like to butterfly them if they're really thick.

[monkeyharris]

Bump..
Got a table at Noma this Friday
Only number 3 in the world now..bah
Will post review

[Claire.]

Anyone recommend anything in Paris that we could book a table for on a Saturday in November? It will be a one-off so money isn't a real issue.

[killer-heels]

Anyone recommend anything in Paris that we could book a table for on a Saturday in November? It will be a one-off so money isn't a real issue.

Steaking is a very nice restaurant if you like your steak and meat. Also as cheesy as it is the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel tower was also very nice.

[meady1981]

Anyone recommend anything in Paris that we could book a table for on a Saturday in November? It will be a one-off so money isn't a real issue.

My friend up until last year was a head chef at a place called Frenchie. Was very good and popular amongst locals, I'm sure it probably still is if you can get in
http://parisbymouth.com/frenchie/

[diaspora]

Anyone recommend anything in Paris that we could book a table for on a Saturday in November? It will be a one-off so money isn't a real issue.

If money is really not an issue then then a few months back my daughter ate at Epicure in the Hotel Bristol. She claims no other meal she has ever had comes close to it. Expensive but she claims more than worth it

[yes]

Anyone recommend anything in Paris that we could book a table for on a Saturday in November? It will be a one-off so money isn't a real issue.

It depends on how you get your kicks but if you're a genuine foodie with a no-limit budget then Gagnaire's would be my vote. Otherwise there's loads of 'really nice' and 'lovely setting' places to pick from, but come on, YOLO and all that.

[ConorYNWA]

Does anybody have any recommendations for Los Angeles?

[The Evil One]

Some pictures of my meal from Gaggan, progressive Indian as the Chef calls it

http://www.nomface.co.uk/2015/08/gaggan-bangkok.html

[Only Me]

Not been on here for many months, but just wanted to mention that if anyone is in the Rome area at any time, then restaurant 'La Pergola' is astoundingly good.

Went in May on a Tuesday night to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary.

Its on the top floor of the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri hotel, and its worth every one of its 3 Michelin stars for the view alone.

Very pricey, but an unforgettable place for a special occasion. The food is magnificent, the service is friendly and unstuffy, and the dining room is beautiful.

Went for the 7 course taster menu with accompanying wine by the glass. Everything was fantastic to be honest, but the house speciality pasta dish, "fagotelli la pergola" was mind blowing.

The "Grand Dessert" consisted of 3 cold desserts, then 3 warm desserts, then a silver chest with 12 drawers full of handmade sweets/chocolates. They also presented us with a small chocolate gateaux for our anniversary.

Couldn't walk for about 3 days afterwards. No way would we have managed the 9 course offering.

Cannot recommend the place highly enough. Unforgettable night.

The Cavalieri hotel itself is magnificent too. Loved our 6 nights there [especially the 2 "bonus" nights we had due to the major airport fire the night before we were due to come home!]

Like I say cost a few bob, but I finally made good on the 25 year promise to Mrs OM to make up for our [aborted early due to its shiteness] 2 day honeymoon in a little caravan in rainy Rhyl. I told her I'd make it up to her if we made it to 25 years, and thanks to this place, I finally did.

[Raul!]

Gentlefolk, going to be in London for a bit in April and the plan is to go around the houses a bit for a spot of good food.  Could I ask for a few recommendations of what is good at the moment. Bit of fine dining will be great, as also will be just really good unpretentious food. Seafood and fish recommendations welcome.

Many thanks

[BarryCrocker]

Gentlefolk, going to be in London for a bit in April and the plan is to go around the houses a bit for a spot of good food.  Could I ask for a few recommendations of what is good at the moment. Bit of fine dining will be great, as also will be just really good unpretentious food. Seafood and fish recommendations welcome.

Many thanks

Seafood wise when I'm in London I love to visit Golden Hind (Marylebone) for my fish & chips and J Sheekey (Covent Garden) for a nice meal.

[MichaelA]

Hawksmoor tonight. Excited.

[hassinator]

Hawksmoor tonight. Excited.

did you have the marmalade martini?

[hassinator]

chipped back in because wanted to post this story on the sportsman.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/jun/28/grotty-pub-uk-best-restaurant-sportsman-kent-menu

seven years ago i started this thread after a visit to the fat duck but barrafina and the sportsman have probably been my most recurrent posts.

very nice to see stephen harris get the attention he desereves, a good egg and an excellent chef.

[OOS]

Looking at a decent restaurant to have our anniversary by the South Bank. Our hotel is by London Euston. Any suggestions?

Cheers

[BarryCrocker]

Looking at a decent restaurant to have our anniversary by the South Bank. Our hotel is by London Euston. Any suggestions?

Cheers

Haven't been in ages but if you can score a window seat at OXO Restaurant its worth the occasion.

http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/the-oxo-tower/restaurant-menus/#tab_3

[BazC]

Hawksmoor tonight. Excited.

How did you like it? I've always preferred Goodman to Hawksmoor, but both are very good. I think Goodman is corn fed beef, and Hawksmoor grass fed, apparently it makes a difference!

Had the Hawksmoor breakfast once, wasn't amazed. As an aside to the aside, best breakfast in London; Dishoom (though I'm not a fan of going there for the 'normal' menu).

My favourite restaurant at the moment is probably Hoppers. It's Sri Lankan food, and from the same people that brought us Gymkhana - the pricing is cheaper, the food as amazing. It's a bit more relaxed, and you can't book. But turn up an hour before you want to eat, put your name down, then go and grab a drink in one of the nearby pubs/bars until they text you. I went last week, I'm going again on Friday ha.

Got to a few amazing restaurants and a load of not so amazing ones in the last year - Hoppers is my favourite. Hu Tong in the Shard my least favourite - didn't enjoy the atmosphere, and the view's good, but hey, it's not worth the premium - the food didn't really stand out, and at those prices, it should do. Restaurant Gordon Ramsey was a highlight this year - absolutely fantastic in every way.

[SalisburyRed]

As an aside to the aside, best breakfast in London; Dishoom (though I'm not a fan of going there for the 'normal' menu).

I've not had the breakfast there yet -- although I've consistently heard good things -- but I really rate the lunch/dinner menu. I work about five minutes away from the one in King's Cross and it's a pretty regular haunt. The main downside is that you can only book at lunchtimes, but not in the evening. The queue, particularly in good weather, is usually well out the door.

On a different note, I went to Macellaio RC in Exmouth Market the other day. The sides were so-so, but I was very impressed with everything else.

Great to see this thread again, by the way.

[BazC]

I've not had the breakfast there yet -- although I've consistently heard good things -- but I really rate the lunch/dinner menu. I work about five minutes away from the one in King's Cross and it's a pretty regular haunt. The main downside is that you can only book at lunchtimes, but not in the evening. The queue, particularly in good weather, is usually well out the door.

On a different note, I went to Macellaio RC in Exmouth Market the other day. The sides were so-so, but I was very impressed with everything else.

Great to see this thread again, by the way.

Yeah I've been to the one in King's Cross for breakfast, and the one in Shoreditch for dinner. I hate the fact you have to queue for the place - I don't mind if it's in the bar, or you can put your name down and they buzz/text you once they have a table but physically queuing for that initial 10-15mins until you can get to the bar annoys me, because I don't think the food's worth it. Hoppers would be - although they let you put a name down and you can go to one of the many bars in the area until the table's free. Good system.

The reason I didn't like it for Dinner was because I remember their version of a childhood favourite was a travesty. And they didn't do a good black dal. Also, from a pricing perspective, it's not a million miles away from Gymkhana, so would rather go there if I wanted Indian food done a bit up market.

I love the breakfast though - it's just a shame that they stop serving it at midday, as there have been many an occasion where it would have been the ideal brunch/lunch type food.

If you did enjoy Dishoom dinner, I definitely recommend Hoppers. Great place for meeting up with mates - couple of pubs around the corner for that pre drink, or if it's a date - Archer St, Hamyard Hotel and Hix about 5mins away for a more 'civilised' drink