The Fat Duck
So my reasons for running off to the UK were actually motivated by a boy. Yes, I really travelled half way across the world for a boy, and we never even ended up seeing each other. There were a few tears, but after a long chat with my very good friend Lauren McGregor, I realised that everything I wanted to achieve, see and experience in London, I still could… even if the boy was no longer in the picture. So, I did what every strong willed woman with a love for food would do – I called Fat Duck and asked if I could spend a day in the kitchen to watch the team at work.
Everyone that I tell that story to finds it very amusing, but I think that is just me. I truly believe that if you don’t ask, you will never receive what you want. There was no way I could afford a dinner at The Fat duck and since I had no knight in shining armour to take me to dinner, I worked for it.
I was so nervous, I wanted to cry. For the first two hours no one talked to me as they all started prepping for the lunch booking.
The Fat Duck is located in Bray; a train ride away from central London. On offer is a 14-dish tasting menu that will blow your mind. Currently under renovation, I can only imagine what the new menu will be like.
The Menu
What’s on Offer…
Heston and his team create a mind-blowing sensory experience, bringing some incredible dishes to life. Their signature dishes ‘Sound of the Sea’ and ‘Snail Porridge’ where delicious.
You receive a shell and an iPod to listen to… yes you guessed it… the sounds of the sea 
as you enjoy each mouthful, creating an out of this world tasting journey. The sand is actually tapioca maltodextrin, which I’ve seen the contestants of Master Chef Australia use that makes me a tad jealous – this stuff looks fun. I found the recipe on www.starchefs.com… take a look and maybe, just maybe, you can try it at home.
Snail porridge… yes, it sounds bad, but these are not Spur snails, these are snails braised for 3-4 hours if done at home. What I remember was the Chef telling me they are sous vide in butter for 12 hours… but I stand to be corrected. Either way, these are so tender and melt in your mouth, pairing perfectly with parsley butter, oats, Parma ham and a fresh and crunchy fennel salad.
I watched and watched and the most impressive thing about the kitchen is how tiny it is and how efficient the team is – they work non-stop through lunch. My feet were killing me and I was just standing and watching. Each dish is perfect and I truly loved the ‘Botrytis Cinerea’.
The various elements of the dessert represent the deconstructed flavours of Chateau d’Yquem. Each ‘grape’ on the plate had a different texture and flavour. It was one of the most creative dishes I’ve ever seen, and visiting the Fat Duck was one of the most creative food experiences of my life. I was truly motivated and awakened to think out the box and create a one of kind dining experience back at home.
On the train ride home, I started thinking of dishes and ideas… I can’t wait to someday cook up my very own crazy Heston inspired down the rabbit hole menu!
Always Remember
…FOOD IS LOVE…
