So, for my 40th (last September) my sister presented me with an amazing gift. She would be taking us to Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck!

Bookings are hard to secure, so it took a while but we finally went there on Thursday.

My report: http://www.kaveyeats.com/2012/01/lardy-quack-quack-kavey-eats-fat-duck.html

IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

Your pictures do look incredible. All so scientific yet beautiful, I am glad you both loved it! At that price, if you had not liked it, it would have been a disaster!!

True!

Blimey!! it looks like pieces of art on the table not to be eaten but admired at or maybe painted in a canvas. Too posh for me i think.

Oh they're definitely designed to be eaten, I promise you that!!!!

And one thing I liked is that, although it's expensive and there is a high staff to customer ratio, it's not at all reverentially hushed like some posh restaurants. In some places, you feel like you should whisper so you don't disturb other diners (or have them listen in on your conversation). I'm not a fan of that at all... one does not need to behave like that in order to fully appreciate the great food one is served... and the room is quite relaxed in decoration too, which contributes to the relaxed vibe.

As usual your pictures and write up are great ! I've always liked Hestons madness... and his new series which had the smoking lemons on last night is making me realise just how good as a normal chef that he is ! He still shows you some mad ideas that he thinks you will be able to do at home (with things like dry ice !?).. but he cooks a chicken stock, makes a chicken and ham pie and they look better than spot on... I'd guess his restaurant is one of those things you should try if you get the chance !

Steve

It looks really good, but I'm with Raj on this - it is too posh for me. Knowing me I'd accidentally smash something. I enjoyed your write up on it - and many happy returns!!

I heard HB say they have 40 covers (place settings) with over 50 chefs (maybe kitchen staff included?), no wonder the place doesn't make a profit, even at those prices!

Yeah a LOT of staff per customer, for sure, both chefs and front of house.

I've eaten in his pub too, a few years back, and yes his "ordinary" food is very good too.

I used my Christmas vouchers to buy "Heston Blumenthal at home." The recipes really are 'classic' from prawn cocktail through to tiramisu (with a Blumenthal twist but no laboratory needed.)

Some interesting suggestions though such as banana & cookies or curry flavoured popcorn!

p.s. I'm not on commission but you can buy it on Amazon for ?18 (RRP ?30) through the Mamta's Kitchen website. I would recommend the need to buy a food thermometer at the same time if you don't have one. The photographs are of course beautiful.