So I was one of the very lucky few who got their name randomly picked for a table at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck. The minute you walk down into the restaurant Heston immediately takes you into the rabbit hole that is his world. The lunch consisted of 16 courses and lasted 5 and a half hours. So many people have asked me how was it? And the only way I can describe is, it was like being in a theatrical show that I wouldn't have traded for the world.
For our first course we had Aerated Beetroot, I cannot tell how delicious this little ball of happiness was
Next we had nitro poached aperitifs, there was a choice of Vodka and Lime, Gin and Tonic, Tequila and Grapefruit. I chose the G+T, which a lovely gentleman made the meringues using liquid nitrogen at the table.
The minute I popped this bad boy in my mouth I had smoke coming out of my nose and mouth, I really wish I had captured that moment.
Next up we had a Red Cabbage Gazpacho with a Pommery Grain Mustard Ice Cream, sounds strange but surprisingly refreshing.
Now this dish was my favourite, the first lolly from the left was a Waldorf Rocket salad, followed by the Salmon Twister, finishing with the classic Golden Gaytime which consisted of a magnificent pate.
Next Course consisted of Jelly of Quail, Marron Cream, Cavier sorbet, Oak moss and Truffle toast. Sitting on the moss were "Fat Duck Films", you would usually assume that it would have been a mint of some sort but it had a oaky-mossy type flavour (not that I've ever ate moss before)
I realise the black blob in the bowl may remind you of Tar or anything revolting you can think of, but I thoroughly enjoyed this course soooooo much. I know some of the other girls had struggled with the texture but could still appreciate how tasty it was.
The dry ice certainly gave the moss a real theatrical look, but what surprised us all the most was the smell it radiated. It really smelt as if we were deep in a rainforest, heading out on a hike (although let's face it I'm shocking at exercising).
Next course was Snail Porridge with Joselito Ham and Shaved Fennel. Let me tell you eating the snail was a challenging task for me, especially staring at it in its whole form surrounded in bright green porridge. But I figured if the french can do it I can do it too!
Iv'e got to admit, it wasn't my favourite course but I gave it a crack.
Next course was the Roast Marron with shiitake, Confit Kombu and Sea Lettuce. Oh My Goodness, the Marron was so soft and tender I scoffed it down in the most ladylike manner I could muster.
Next course is Heston's most iconic dish, The Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
We were presented with a Teapot filled with hot water, sitting on a teacup which we were to make Mockturtle soup.
The waiters then presented us with gold ticking pocket watches, which we then use to create our soup
Of course, you can't have Mockturtle soup without some Mad Hatters Toast sandwiches!
The next course was aptly named "Sound of the Sea", we were given shells with an iPod hidden in them playing sea sounds (even right down to the seagulls squawking in my ear). Everything on our plate was edible, even right down to the sand. The foam had quite a strong "beach smell", really making you feel like you sitting on the beach with the sand in between your toes.
I won't lie, as theatrical this course was........ it seriously tasted like I was eating the beach. You know the typical beach day when the wind blows sand in your face and you end up eating some if it or when you swim and you accidentally drink some of the sea water.
Not my favourite but still fun nonetheless, its more fun to watch each others reactions when eating it.
Next course was Salmon poached in a Liquorice Gel. I was excited for this one as I genuinely love liquorice (especially coated in chocolate). The salmon tasted of just a hint of liquorice, it wasn't overpowering as I expected it to be. But the star of this dish had to be the little vanilla blobs, oh my they were little blobs of heaven on the plate which tied this whole dish together.
Last savoury dish for the afternoon was "The Duck", with Blood Pudding, Chicory and Green Coffee. Now Ive got to admit, this was easily one of my favourite mains, I'm just sad that I couldn't finish it being so full!!!!
For our palette cleanser we had a Hot & Iced Tea, which is literally what it is. As you drank it, it was hot and cold. I have no idea how they are able to do it but either way it was damn tasty.
And finally the dessert experience begins, this dish was called "Botrytis Cinerea", out of curiosity I googled what it means............ Grape Fungus. Lord knows why Heston felt the need to call his dish grape fungus, but let me tell you this dish was a stand out. In true Heston form, we had no idea what to expect and each of these little balls had a different flavour and texture. It was more comical listening to the girls say "try the red ball" "no try the grey ball it has popping candy" "no the yellow balls my favourite", such an inspiring conversation over balls.
Next course commenced "The Not-So-Full English Breakfast", to start our "Breakfast" we had vegetable cereal with parsnip milk. In each box was a puzzle piece to represent our time here at the Fat Duck (I've popped the picture of the puzzle at the start of this blog post).
I was extremely anxious about trying this as I really hate milk, I don't like it in Milkshakes, Milo, no amount of chocolate can make me enjoy it. But this was on another level!
We all had our mouths open listening to the crackling of the popping candy the cereal was laced with.
Next up was Egg and Bacon ice-cream on French Toast
As usual in true Heston form, we watched the waiters crack eggs into the saucepan and use dry ice to create it into ice-cream.
I have to admit the ice-cream was not my favourite, only because it genuinely tasted like eggs, bacon and maple syrup!
What entrigued me the most is how they were able to get the smokey bacon taste into the ice-cream.
To go with our French Toast, we had Orange with Earl Grey Marmalade, and of course the lid is edible.
Next we had Whisky Wine Gums, won't lie I enjoyed this thoroughly.
And to finish off we were given "Like a Kid in a Sweet Shop" goodie bag and some Green Tea to help digest the enormous amount of food consumed.
There was one more sweet in this bag but i totally forgot to take a photo of it and ate it :) oops!
At the end of our meal, the staff kindly gave us a tour of the kitchen and explained to us that some of the elements that we ate take a couple of weeks to make and set, which is insane!
Despite the fact that yes it was a crazy amount of money to spend on food, I had the most incredible time. I couldn't believe how quickly 5 1/2 hours flew, the food was amazing, the staff were impeccable and not only was it fun to experience with my friends but it was fun to see the other diners reactions to Heston's concoctions.
Unfortunately The Fat Duck was only in Melbourne for 6 months but I feel so privileged to be able to have experienced his crazy world once. If you ever curious to try it and have the opportunity to go, I definitely recommend you go.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post
Love Effie
(Your-Not-Quite-a-Domestic-Goddess)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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