Yesterday I had the chance to have dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (thank you Jules!). The chef, Ashley Palmer-Watts, was previously the Executive Head Chef for the Fat Duck group. With this new restaurant, the idea was to revisite recipes from the 16th century, with his hight experimental skills.
On the menu, you will find the source of each recipe, it is a real journey through the Middle Ages.
One of the most famous dishes is the Meat Fruit: chicken liver parfait disguised as a perfect-looking mandarin. It is soft, tasty, and a marvel of technology.
Meat Fruit Mandarin (C. 1500), Chicken Liver Parfait, served with grilled Bread.
source here
The pigeon and duck we had were perfectly cooked, simply accompanied by a few vegetables (you can add as many side dishes as you want and they are very affordable: 4£ each). I like the fact that they did not try too hard: you can actually guess what is in your plate and enjoy every flavor. I particularly liked the perfectly smoked artichokes in a heavily-reduced ale sauce.
Spiced pigeon (C. 1780), served with Ale sauce and Artichokes.
source here
At the end of the meal, after deserts, we were served an earl grey ganache with caraway biscuits. Just the touch of sweetness you need to end a very delicate meal.
White Chocolate and Earl Grey Tea Ganache with Caraway Shortbread.
source here
I have to say that the service was a real good surprise: the waiters are friendly and smiley. We even got the chance to have a tour of the kitchen and had a good chat with the staff.
The only regret I would have is the interior design. I was not the only one thinking that it did not match the concept of the historical recipes. Despite the show kitchen that was a real delight for the eye, the room was too modern and too bright I thought.
Nevertheless it was, is and will stay one of the best evenings of this year, that is for sure. The historical references, the lovely staff, the amazing wines, and the bunch of great people made it a memorable experience!
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Open from Monday to Sunday
Click here for more information.
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