Lunch at The Fat Duck

The Fat Duck, Bray
Tasted Saturday, June 23, 2012 by Yme with 532 views

Introduction

After 18 months of trying, we finally managed to get a reservation at Heston Bleumenthal's The Fat Duck. The tasting menu was the only option available though they were very accommodating with dietary preferences. There were 2 wine tasing menus to match the food.

Flight 1 - Aperitif (2 Notes)

2 white & 2 rose champagnes were offered by the glass and we chose the following 2. It was nice and refreshing though it did not clear the palate was well as the 1st course which was Nitro Poached Aperitifs - egg white cooked in liquid nitrogen before being flavoured with choices of Vodka & Lime Sour, Gin & Tonic and Campari Soda.

Flight 2 - 2) Red Cabbage Gazpacho 3) Jelly of Quail, Crayfish Cream, Chicken Liver Parfait, Oak Moss & Truffle Toast (1 Note)

This wine was for both the 2nd & 3rd courses. It was more minerally when matched with the gazpacho and became smoother with the fruit and floral notes coming to the fore with the 3rd course.

Flight 3 - Snail porridge with Iberico Bellota Ham and shaved Fennel. (1 Note)

The wine was very elegant and matched the creaminess of the porridge very well.

Flight 4 - Roast Foie Gras, Barberry, Braised Kombu and Crab Biscuit (1 Note)

The sweetness of the fruit came to fore with the dish and the acidity help to cut through the richness of the foie gras.

  • 2010 Prophets Rock Pinot Gris 87 Points

    New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago

    Straw coloured. Summer floral nose. Dry though flavours of pear, citrus and a little honey gives impression of something sweeter. Moderate length.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 5 - "Sound of the Sea" (1 Note)

The oilyness of the sake matched the seafood whilst the acidity helped to clear the palate.

Flight 6 - Salmon Poached in a Liquorice Gel, Artichokes, Vanilla Mayonnaise and Golden Trout Roe (1 Note)

A very interesting match. The salmon did not taste like salmon and being smoked with liquorice made it match the earthy tones of the wine.

Flight 7 - Lamb with Cucumber (1 Note)

The perfect combination of lamb with claret. The addition of cucumber was interesting - it should not go but somehow it just does.

  • 1998 Château La Croix-Toulifaut 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Deep red with very little bricking. Black fruits, oak and a hint of tobacco on the nose. Tannins are still present and wine felt a little acidic. Flavours were a bit muted but opened upwith some coaxing. Cherries, black current, smoke and a little earth on the palate. Moderate length.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 8 - Macerated Strawberries with Olive Oil Biscuit, Chamomile & Coriander Jelly and Ice Cream Cornet (1 Note)

I was waiting for this the whole meal. The d'Yquem was just so right and when drank with the dish, my mouth exploded with flavours. Absolutely lovely.

  • 1996 Château d'Yquem 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    Our first d'Yquem. Heavenly nose of apricots, jackfruit, cinnamon with floral notes and a touch of citrus fruits. Nectar like palate with honey, dried apricots, stem ginger and cinnamon. Good balance between the acidity and sweetness of the fruits. Very long length. Lovely.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 9 - The "BFG" Black Forest Gateau (1 Note)

The big and bold cherry flavour in the wine went along with the cherries in the deconstructed black forest gateau.

Closing

There were a few other courses without wine. There were 14 courses in total. We were in the restaurant for 4 1/2 hours and we enjoyed every single moment. The food, wine and service were faultless. Definitely an unforgettable experience.

×
×