Author Topic: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread  (Read 166131 times)

Offline killer-heels

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #160 on: March 25, 2009, 11:07:35 am »
As I said in the London thread, Momo's is a brilliant restaurant for those who love North African food!

Offline Stussy

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #161 on: March 25, 2009, 01:52:46 pm »

This isn't a facetious question Hassinator.

But on the occasion after visiting Mr Blumenthal's establishment when you answered the call of nature, could you sense a difference in the quality of that relief, in relation to the financial value and artistic originality of the ingredients consumed at chez Blumenthal?



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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #162 on: March 30, 2009, 02:45:56 pm »
Going to The Three Fishes tonight in Mitton, Ribble Valley. Been twice before and its superb pub food for good prices I think (£10-£20 for a main). Locally caught fish and locally farmed meat

http://www.thethreefishes.com/

Menu: http://www.thethreefishes.com/download/3-fishes-main-menu.pdf
 
Quote
THE THREE FISHES 100% CHAR-GRILLED MINCED RIBBLE VALLEY STEAK, ENGLISH MUFFIN, REAL CHIPS COOKED IN DRIPPING, TOMATO RELISH AND PICKLES
The 2007 Best Dishes were selected by Craft Guild of Chefs and the Restaurant Magazine and Richard Upton Head Chef of The Three Fishes won the category for “UK’s Best Burger”
The Three Fishes 100% Char-grilled Minced Ribble Valley Steak, English Muffin, Real Chips cooked in Dripping, Tomato Relish and Pickles
Nigel comments “ As part of our regional menu, it was important to include a good burger, as its such a popular dish in the casual dining market.  But we needed to research exactly what makes a quality burger, obviously it’s got be the best beef, and we use local Bowland rump steak, the secret to the success of our burger is the ratio of beef to beef fat, after that there are no other ingredients except seasoning with salt and pepper”
Quote
THE THREE FISHES WAS PLACED 5TH THIS YEAR IN THESE TOP NATIONAL AWARDS.
400 pub food experts, including chefs, restaurant critics and food writers voted for their top five pubs. Among the voters were Raymond Blanc, James Martin, Anthony Worral Thompson, Lloyd Grossman and Times critic Giles Coran.
Jo Bruce, editor of Pub Chef, said: “In the past decade gastro pubs have moved from being a radical invention to a high street staple. [/]
"Gastro pubs have had an impact everywhere from M&S to Manhattan and are loved by the British public as they offer them a more informal and accessible place to dine out.
"With gastro pub chefs’ often strong focus on regional and local produce, gastro pubs re-connect people with produce and recipes from their area.”
Nigel Haworth comments “ It’s always fantastic to be recognized with awards, especially when they are voted by your piers in the industry , and to be placed 5th in a list of establishments that are predominantly from the South. The term gastro pub is often debated, I do feel that our pubs are great traditional food pubs, with a  commitment to our roots regional produce, whether that’s classed as gastro, the debate continues!  , however, we are in great company here on this list of the top 30 gastro pubs. And great to see the Highwayman our 2nd pub at Kirkby Lonsdale placed on the list at 26th, after it’s first 6months of opening.”[\quote]
 

 
« Last Edit: March 30, 2009, 02:48:00 pm by WorldChampions »

Offline hooded claw

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #163 on: March 30, 2009, 03:27:28 pm »
This isn't a facetious question Hassinator.

But on the occasion after visiting Mr Blumenthal's establishment when you answered the call of nature, could you sense a difference in the quality of that relief, in relation to the financial value and artistic originality of the ingredients consumed at chez Blumenthal?

So... more facetious than faecetious?

Offline Ziltoid

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #164 on: March 30, 2009, 03:38:57 pm »
I'm toying with the Star Inn for the wife's birthday, but cash is a little tight at the moment.

http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/

Offline Veinticinco de Mayo

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #165 on: March 30, 2009, 03:51:14 pm »
I'm toying with the Star Inn for the wife's birthday, but cash is a little tight at the moment.

http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/

We stopped at The Star a few years ago for our wedding anniversary, it was lovely. 
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Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #166 on: March 30, 2009, 05:08:43 pm »
This isn't a facetious question Hassinator.

But on the occasion after visiting Mr Blumenthal's establishment when you answered the call of nature, could you sense a difference in the quality of that relief, in relation to the financial value and artistic originality of the ingredients consumed at chez Blumenthal?






sorry for delayed response  stussy.  i noticed nothing different in my movements though perhaps a little darker than normal which i would put down to the copious amounts of red wine.

the facilities on site are wonderfully maintained and decorated in the contemporary minimal idiom of all super swish boutique hotels.

Offline manifest

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #167 on: March 30, 2009, 05:39:31 pm »
This isn't a facetious question Hassinator.

But on the occasion after visiting Mr Blumenthal's establishment when you answered the call of nature, could you sense a difference in the quality of that relief, in relation to the financial value and artistic originality of the ingredients consumed at chez Blumenthal?





so after a once in a lifetime meal, are you recommending keeping a stool sample on the mantlepiece as a conversation piece?
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Offline fudge

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #168 on: March 30, 2009, 05:57:05 pm »
Had this little bad boy last week with the rather cheeky Blumenthal inspired dish

http://www.rockpool.com.au/sydney/rockpool/flashblocks/data/downloads/Rockpool_Tasting-Menu_b.pdf

to quote Python "i'm fucking stuffed"
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Offline ABZ Rover

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #169 on: March 31, 2009, 01:37:04 pm »
Going to The Three Fishes tonight in Mitton, Ribble Valley. Been twice before and its superb pub food for good prices I think (£10-£20 for a main). Locally caught fish and locally farmed meat

Great on the couple of occassions we have been down that neck of the woods.  Do they still do the Lancashire White Beef steaks?  Absolutely fabulous.

The Inn at Whitewell is also pretty good in that area.
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #170 on: March 31, 2009, 01:40:05 pm »
Great on the couple of occassions we have been down that neck of the woods.  Do they still do the Lancashire White Beef steaks?  Absolutely fabulous.

The Inn at Whitewell is also pretty good in that area.

Didn't see it on the menu.

Was great. Got blackpudding and small cumberland sausages with mustard sauce, whitebait with lemon jelly with some spicy sauce and deep friend cauliflower with some sort of curry sauce to share as a starter.

I had the fish and chips which is the best I have ever had and my bird got braised beef with horseradish mash. It had fried marrow bone on it though which was disgusting but was only small on the top so was easily removed!
 
Was like £40 so not too bad really either
« Last Edit: March 31, 2009, 01:45:56 pm by WorldChampions »

Offline Veinticinco de Mayo

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #171 on: March 31, 2009, 01:47:17 pm »
If you want to go the whole hog then try Northcote Manor for the full-on Nigel Haworth experience.  I'd like to go again but it's had a refurb and all the rooms are far more expensive than when we stopped. Will do it again sometime soon though.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2009, 04:14:48 pm by Veinticinco de Mayo »
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #172 on: March 31, 2009, 01:50:48 pm »
VDM are you on about the one in langho near blackburn?

Offline Jookie

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #173 on: March 31, 2009, 03:00:13 pm »
Not been to many fine dining places but the best meal or eating experience I've ever had was at David Bouley's 'Danube' in New York about a year ago (think it is called Secession now). Went for the tasting menu and it was truly stunning -  based on Austrian/ central European cuisine. The matched wine tasting menu was great as well though I was well on my way by the end of the night! Cost me an absolute fortune though -  reckon it was about $500 for me and the missus.

Off to one of Michael Caine's places next week - pretty optimistic that it will be decent even though it's not Gidleigh Park!
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Offline ABZ Rover

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #174 on: April 13, 2009, 04:06:54 pm »
VDM are you on about the one in langho near blackburn?

Aye that's the one, just of the roundabout on the A59.  I can fully 2nd VDM's recommendation of Northcote.
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Offline WorldChampions

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #175 on: April 13, 2009, 06:09:07 pm »
Aye that's the one, just of the roundabout on the A59.  I can fully 2nd VDM's recommendation of Northcote.

My bird lives right by that. Heard its pretty expensive but I will go at some point. Got a £20 off voucher too but would feel a minge bag pulling it out at somewhere like that ;D

Offline TheKid.

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #176 on: April 13, 2009, 09:27:18 pm »
Think it's a repeat but been enjoying Heston trying to overhaul the Little Chef :)

Offline ABZ Rover

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #177 on: April 17, 2009, 10:03:02 am »
My bird lives right by that. Heard its pretty expensive but I will go at some point. Got a £20 off voucher too but would feel a minge bag pulling it out at somewhere like that ;D

In the current economic climate take every penny you can get.  Plus 20 quid is not going to put much of a dent in your bill!!

Well worth it though.
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Offline hooded claw

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #178 on: April 17, 2009, 10:26:26 am »
Is this thread open for non 'turbot with a tumescence of cauliflower' type stuff now?  i.e. a damn good feed at non-celeb venues?

If so, have a good 'un when I get back from the gym.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2009, 10:29:41 am by hooded claw »

Offline ABZ Rover

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #179 on: April 17, 2009, 01:32:26 pm »
Is this thread open for non 'turbot with a tumescence of cauliflower' type stuff now?  i.e. a damn good feed at non-celeb venues?

If so, have a good 'un when I get back from the gym.


No, do one you Oick  ;D ;D
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Offline fudge

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #180 on: June 28, 2009, 01:33:05 pm »
If you want to go the whole hog then try Northcote Manor for the full-on Nigel Haworth experience.  I'd like to go again but it's had a refurb and all the rooms are far more expensive than when we stopped. Will do it again sometime soon though.

Went to the three fishes ,another one of his a few weeks back which was brilliant, really laid back

Off to have the tasting menu at Northcote in a couple of weeks.

And on the subject had a bit of Mr Creosote style blowout last weekend down in London.

Did Nobu , with a selection of Alaskan Crab and Wagyu beef and great selection of sushi and sashimi. Well recommended.

Then did the Greenhouse in Mayfair, classic french cusine very good with the best cheese board i've ever seen and troughed through.

On the Saturday , did Bentleys Oyster bar for lunch which i absolutely love as its really relaxed. Recommend the Thai Soup

At night did the tasting menu at Benares and it was unbelievably good.

This was all as a prelude to the sunday where i was lucky enough to do the master class session with Atul himself and that was just great to see him in action and we were chuffed to see him making the soft shelled crab and the John Dory goujons that he did on Great British Menu.

Its taken me all week for my pudgy fingers to lose enough weight to be able to type again.....
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Offline TheRedBaron

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #181 on: June 28, 2009, 01:36:42 pm »
Jesus christ how much did all that set you back!!
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Offline fudge

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #182 on: June 28, 2009, 05:27:35 pm »
Jesus christ how much did all that set you back!!

my credit cards still in denial

It was roughly

180 for Nobu
270 green house
130 bentleys
250 Benares

luckily though I'm an evertonian so I don't need to save for any european trips
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Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #183 on: June 29, 2009, 03:52:27 pm »
fudge that is quite a weekend.  i would have to spend the next four weeks on a diet of super food salads to atone.  i'm currently in abstinence mode to get down to my fighting weight after a winter of pigging out - its just too hot to be fat today.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2009, 07:28:44 pm by hassinator »

Offline Veinticinco de Mayo

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #184 on: June 29, 2009, 03:58:46 pm »
That is some effort fudge, for sheer intensity it puts my planned three week pig out in France to shame. 
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Offline fudge

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #185 on: June 29, 2009, 07:58:38 pm »
fudge that is quite a weekend.  i would have to spend the next four weeks on a diet of super food salads to atone.  i'm currently in abstinence mode to get down to my fighting weight after a winter of pigging out - its just too hot to be fat today.
That is some effort fudge, for sheer intensity it puts my planned three week pig out in France to shame. 

what can i say, i take my obesity extremely seriously

one more wafer
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Offline hassinator

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Offline Walshy nMe®

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #187 on: July 4, 2009, 02:50:06 pm »
Anyone going to go to Clink?

http://www.theclinkonline.com/

Offline Veinticinco de Mayo

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #188 on: July 4, 2009, 05:02:34 pm »
Anyone going to go to Clink?

http://www.theclinkonline.com/

Do they do Heston's snail porridge?
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Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #189 on: July 4, 2009, 06:51:25 pm »
Do they do Heston's snail porridge?

i was thinking more apple surprise with the surprise being a hack saw blade hidden in the apple.

is the food supposed to be good?  i haven't been able to find any reviews online

Offline Raul!

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #190 on: July 7, 2009, 08:28:32 am »
Anyone in Paris? 

Just saw the Kandinsky exhibition (fantastic) at the Centre Georges Pompidou.  Extremely civilised with the exhibit itself open till 11pm, which is really grown up.  It is on the top floor of the Centre, so when we went up the sun was still out, though on its way down, so we go to see many of the sights of Paris bathed in a beautiful late evening sunshine.  By the time we finished with the exhibition, it was dark and the all lights on - stunning.  What's the point of all that in a food thread, I hear you say?

Well on the same floor, is the Restaurant Georges, a smart but not starred or pretentious establishment with an amazing terrace to take in the view and a damn fine menu.  Our bottle of Pouilly Fume was accompanied by an entree of raw tuna carpaccio, with a drizzle of a Japanese inspired miso sauce and a few sprigs of coriander.  For mains we had cod poached in champagne with a caramelied red onion crust on the one hand and onthe other, the mandarina crispy duck, a confit de canard type bird with a light orangey sauce.  Duck a l'orange, I hear you say?  Not in the least.  Fluffy, crunchy glazed duck with a hint of orange.  Fantastic.  We skipped dessert as we had eaten some rather nice steaks for lunch.

So great art, wonderful views, good wine and excellent food - what more could you ask for?  Loads of long legged pretty hostesses?  At least a dozen, scattered around the place.

Nice.
« Last Edit: July 7, 2009, 08:30:27 am by Raul. »

Offline Veinticinco de Mayo

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #191 on: July 7, 2009, 09:16:56 am »
Alright mate, I've eaten lunch there and it was very nice indeed.  Just round the corner from CGP there is a little restaurant called Au Gamin de Paris that I'd heartily recommend.  In some ways it doesn't really belong in this thread, Mr Claw would approve though.  They quickly turn round simple but beautifully executed dishes, snails lathered in unctious garlic butter, big fat steaks with pommes dauphinoise and a tarte tatin soaked in liberal quantities of Calvados.

Service is friendly but quick, and you will be expected to make your table available to those queuing at the bar rather than lingering long over a brandy or a second bottle of red.
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Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #192 on: July 7, 2009, 09:18:41 am »
its always been rammed when i've been in paris.  here's a wee link if anyone wants to check it out:

http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompidou/Communication.nsf/0/C802434866E91C8CC1256D9800513026?OpenDocument&sessionM=3.8&L=2

Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #193 on: October 18, 2009, 10:34:36 pm »
fuck me its hard to find old threads on here.

i'm off to my friend's restaurant in whitstable for his 40th in a couple of weeks.  his brother is the chef and they won their first michelin start this year as steven was voted number one up and coming in the country and apparently its now been ranked 12th best in the uk.

check it out here:


http://www.thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk/

and here's an example of the taster menu if you can't be arsed with the website:

Tasting Menu

This is an example of our tasting menu. At the moment the menu must be pre-ordered (just let us know when you book) and is only available Tuesday to Friday (lunch and dinner inclusive) for a maximum of 6 people. Ingredients will vary.

For more information call 01227 273370.

Pork scratchings, bread, home-churned butter (unpasteurized when possible) and Seasalter Sea Salt
Mussel and bacon chowder
Salmagundi
18 month salt cured Seasalter ham
Brill tartare
Braised brill fillet with a smoked herring roe sauce
Roast Monkshill Farm Lamb
Pear ice lolly and ginger cake-milk
Jasmine tea junket and rosehip syrup

steven is a real attention to detail man down to making their own salt. 

has anyone else been before?
« Last Edit: October 18, 2009, 10:37:36 pm by hassinator »

Offline SalisburyRed

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #194 on: October 19, 2009, 12:10:22 am »
My aunt and uncle live in Whitstable, so I might potentially be able to work in a visit to that restaurant when I next go and stay with them.

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #195 on: October 19, 2009, 05:41:55 pm »
My aunt and uncle live in Whitstable, so I might potentially be able to work in a visit to that restaurant when I next go and stay with them.

i've only been just after it opened for the midfield general's first album launch party.

they did whole fish baked in salt with a delicious tapenade.

otherwise i disgraced myself by having a fight with alan davies on the way home.

i still insist he is a total cock.

Offline Jookie

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #196 on: October 21, 2009, 10:37:15 pm »
fuck me its hard to find old threads on here.

i'm off to my friend's restaurant in whitstable for his 40th in a couple of weeks.  his brother is the chef and they won their first michelin start this year as steven was voted number one up and coming in the country and apparently its now been ranked 12th best in the uk.

check it out here:


http://www.thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk/

and here's an example of the taster menu if you can't be arsed with the website:

Tasting Menu

This is an example of our tasting menu. At the moment the menu must be pre-ordered (just let us know when you book) and is only available Tuesday to Friday (lunch and dinner inclusive) for a maximum of 6 people. Ingredients will vary.

For more information call 01227 273370.

Pork scratchings, bread, home-churned butter (unpasteurized when possible) and Seasalter Sea Salt
Mussel and bacon chowder
Salmagundi
18 month salt cured Seasalter ham
Brill tartare
Braised brill fillet with a smoked herring roe sauce
Roast Monkshill Farm Lamb
Pear ice lolly and ginger cake-milk
Jasmine tea junket and rosehip syrup

steven is a real attention to detail man down to making their own salt. 

has anyone else been before?

I've been a couple of times mate. It's pretty good to be honest, probably th best place in Kent I've been to (maybe Reads in Faversham is up there as well). It's in the top 50 places in the Good Food guide as well.

The food is brilliant but so is the location in my eyes. Really like the fact that it's a weather beaten pub, right on the coast in the middle of nowhere. Service is brillant in there as well and they were really helpful with regards to wine etc..

Have you been to The Sportman's sister restuarant, The Granville? That's good as well, though maybe not quite at the lsame evel but good all the same.

Enjoy it any way mate and let us know what you reckon about the place.

« Last Edit: October 21, 2009, 10:59:05 pm by Jookie »
I think Jookie might just be the best fisherman on this thread.

Offline hooded claw

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #197 on: October 23, 2009, 09:59:18 am »
Our fave local Indian has just been included in the Good Food Guide for 2010, and been named in the top 100 UK restaurants in Restaurant Magazine’s National Restaurant Awards 2009 (only one other Indian place included, apparently). It's sublime.

http://www.mintandmustard.com/menu.html

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #198 on: October 23, 2009, 11:32:59 am »
i went to fino for lunch yesterday and had some very up market tapas:

http://www.finorestaurant.com/

pick up of the bunch was the braised oxtail with some fresh coriander giving it a real zing.

special mention for the sea bass with jerusalem artichoke and the scallops with cauliflower puree something i first had when gordon ramsey did it as a two star chef back in the aubergine days.

i'm hitting their sister restaurant barrafina today:

http://www.barrafina.co.uk/

it does much cheaper takes on the same dishes but you can't book and have to queue.  its probably my fave place in london so if you're in soho i suggest getting there about 2pm for lunch as the main crowd has thinned and they serve until 3 but let you order desert and sit there drinking all afternoon if you like.

dinner wise its a bit trickier but go early - 5.45pm - to beat the evening rush.

jookie - glad you liked the sportsman.  i haven't heard for the granville but will get a match report when i'm down there next weekend.


EDIT: it was delicious.  stand out was the brill with jerusalem artichoke and red pepper puree.  they did it with sea bass in fino but its nice enough to sit outside in london today which made everything twice as nice.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2009, 03:54:41 pm by hassinator »

Offline hassinator

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Re: The Fat Duck & Fine Dining Thread
« Reply #199 on: November 3, 2009, 11:10:13 am »
I've been a couple of times mate. It's pretty good to be honest, probably th best place in Kent I've been to (maybe Reads in Faversham is up there as well). It's in the top 50 places in the Good Food guide as well.

The food is brilliant but so is the location in my eyes. Really like the fact that it's a weather beaten pub, right on the coast in the middle of nowhere. Service is brillant in there as well and they were really helpful with regards to wine etc..

Have you been to The Sportman's sister restuarant, The Granville? That's good as well, though maybe not quite at the lsame evel but good all the same.

Enjoy it any way mate and let us know what you reckon about the place.



jookie - i though it was off the scale.  we went for dinner on the saturday night and kicked things off with rock oyster and chorizo - a wee fried slice of their home made spiced sausage dropped in just before serving adds a wonderful depth to the briney taste.  for my starter i had a slip sole which appeared to be a skinned fillet cooked in seaweed butter.  simple, succulent and delicious though if i went again i would opt for the blackened mackrel which is marinated in mirn and soy before being bbq-d and served with a simple garnish of apple and horse-radish.

for my main i had steamed sea bass with a mussel tartar and then we shared a tart tatin for desert which came sprinkled with some powdered malic acid to intensify the flavour though the vibe was still classic brasserie rather than heston blumenthal.

we went back on the sunday for the general's 40th and 20 people got stuck into the same menu.  this time i kicked things off with the home cured whisky smoked salmon on their own soda bread and their own (again home made) butter which was suitably comforting after a late night on the sauce.  we followed up with the best roast pork i've ever eaten.  a thick slice of loin fillet served with a single rib and a large slice of armour plated crackling on top of some mash potatoes, some home made apple sauce - malic acid again ramping up the intensity - and runner beans.

there wasn't really room for a desert but i plumped for an apple sorbet served with a crust of space dust so it crackled on the palate.  it came with a burn cream or creme brulee depending on your perspective and a chunk of home made short bread which i think was the only part of the meal that disappointed.

chi-chi its not with the restaurant being a converted pub with old pub toilets but to focus on that kind of thing misses the point.  this is seriously good food well worthy of a trip down from london in itself. 

five dancing men.