I have before me a receipt from a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant

Del Lardo · 09-11-2009, 01:45

It was Mrs DLs birthday over the weekend, I had originally planned an overnighter in London taking in a show but the predicted problems with the train services from Kings Cross meant that I decided to go for a last minute change in plans.

Mrs DL is a big fan of food and while I would be happy with a burger and chips from a van she has far better taste (so what's she doing with me

) so given I had budgeted quite a bit of money for the hotel and show I decided that somewhere posh was in order.

Now this was a problem for me as most of the posh places in Cambridge are expensive but not actually that good, I contemplated Restaurant 22 but a friend had been there recently and they ended up going for a Kebab on the way home as the portions were tiny so rapidly running out of time and ideas I gave Midsummer House a call.

Having never been somewhere this posh before I was a bit nervous that I would embarrass myself with some faux pas but the staff were very welcoming and our waiter was very friendly putting us at ease very quickly. At no point did he make us feel inferior and was happy to advise on wine choices and how best to eat some of the food, it was quickly apparent that the food and wine were his passion and not just his job. There was a pretty good mix of people in there from people who were obviously food buffs and went there on a regular basis to couples like Mrs DL & I who were there for a once in a lifetime meal.

Mrs DL chose the food and I chose the wine, the wine for me was a revelation, I'm normally a 3 bottles for £10 from Asda chap so drinking a bottle that would normally buy me 15 was a strange but very enjoyable experience and not wanting to take anything away from the food my favourite part of the meal.

The food itself was fantastic, it's very hard to describe as I think it is the combination of tastes that you wouldn't normally experience and a mere mortal would find impossible to replicate. It's also worth mentioning the staff in the kitchen, I got a glimpse into the kitchen as I walked past and there were at least 9 chefs working flat out to cook for 10 tables, 7 of which only had 2 people.

It was a choice of two set menus and Mrs DL decided we were having the Taste of Midsummer which consisted of.......

Paris Mushrooms, Coffee and Ceps
~
Celery, Goats Cheese and Horseradish
~
Sautéed Scallop, Bay Leaf and Pigs Trotter
~
Sweetbreads, Pistachio, Maple Syrup and Mouli
~
Cod and Langoustine
~
Pousse Café
~
Beef, Bone Marrow, Parsley, Garlic and Onion
~
Artisanal Cheese
~
Jerusalem Artichoke, Lychee and Rose
~
Orange Cheesecake
~
Chocolate and Praline

The only course that I was disappointed in was the Orange Cheesecake as I found it a bit bland compared to the rest of the food and it didn't have a biscuit base which is my favourite bit but as a self confessed food heathen I will bow to the better judgement of Mrs DL who loved it (she doesn't like biscuit base).

So in conclusion as I sit here staring at what I can only describe as a terrifying receipt I have to ask myself if it was worth it? The sane, rational part of my brain tells me that spending that amount of money on a meal for two was dumb and I should have gone to somewhere nice and spent the rest on a service for the Mundano but the irrational part of my mind loved the once in a lifetime experience even if it means eating beans/cheese on toast for the next week or so. It's also worth mentioning that in terms of brownie points they are at an all time high though no doubt I will work through them in the next month or so

Mark · 09-11-2009, 02:03

Well, I have to admit that that menu is not my bag at all. I'm a fellow heathen but also have the problem that I prefer to know what I'm eating, and for some of that I don't think I'd want to know. I'd probably starve.

But what the heck - if you can afford it and have the suitable occasion and company to make it worth it, then absolutely go for it. Brownie points will get you everywhere.

PS - The Fat Duck isn't all that far from here. I did at least attempt to read the menu, but that's as far as I went.

Princess Griff · 09-11-2009, 10:38

Me n Jingo have always wanted to have the taster menu at the Fat Duck - I am in awe of Heston! Its not so much just the food that you go there for - but the whole experience! For instance - his taste of the sea dish or whatever its called where ur given an ipod to listen to whilst eating your meal with sounds of the ocean!! crazy!! and who hasnt dreamt of eating bacon and egg ice cream! haha!!

I know its a stupid amount of money, but I would absolutely love to go!! I think a restaurant in Bristol has just been awarded a michelin star - so when im feeling flush we might have to investigate!!

Matblack · 09-11-2009, 11:20

Looks nice, I've been to a few of the top places in the country, I can appreciate the artistry involved in that kind of cooking as a one off although I'd not want to eat that style all the time.

MB

Flibster · 09-11-2009, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess Griff

Me n Jingo have always wanted to have the taster menu at the Fat Duck - I am in awe of Heston! Its not so much just the food that you go there for - but the whole experience! For instance - his taste of the sea dish or whatever its called where ur given an ipod to listen to whilst eating your meal with sounds of the ocean!! crazy!! and who hasnt dreamt of eating bacon and egg ice cream! haha!!

I know its a stupid amount of money, but I would absolutely love to go!! I think a restaurant in Bristol has just been awarded a michelin star - so when im feeling flush we might have to investigate!!

The Fat Duck is absolutely fantastic, but... the meal price doubles is you want wine.

I prefer Hestons other restaurant though *no, not the Little Chef...* The Hinds Head, literally just across the road. It's a pub that does traditional english food and also isn't overly expensive. For me and Kim it cost £80.

Ooooh... I want one of their geranium chocolates now...

Glaucus · 09-11-2009, 15:41

Glad you liked it. Taster menus like that sound fab if you eat out a fair bit.
But for one offs I would prefer a proper menu. I've been to La-trompette twice now and can't recommend it enough. Michelin star posh food, but stuff you can recognise. http://www.latrompette.co.uk expect around £70-100 per head with wine. But I think that's pretty good for an evening of that calibre. I can easily spend 60-100 on a night out in Bristol and for what a hangover.

ohh which restaurant in l has michelin? is it du-vin or what ever it's called? Also that Italian restaurant was on the F-word. Lost but still to get that far must be good. Think it's called perseco.

Jingo · 09-11-2009, 16:17

It's Casamia of Westbury-on-trym (http://www.casamiarestaurant.co.uk/home.htm)

Have you been there AH2?

I think it's difficult to gain much from the menu's on the website, but I am sure that the entire dining experience would be a fantastic evening to remember

edit: One of their suppliers is Murrays of Clevedon - just up the road from Maison Jingriff - a beautiful deli/restaurant with some of the most gorgeous hams I have ever enjoyed!*

*funny how such thin ham weighs so much in your wallet!

Glaucus · 09-11-2009, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jingo

Have you been there AH2?

Nope, but it's now on the list of things to do.

Will · 09-11-2009, 17:03

I love treating myself to expensive cuisine... or "pretentious" cuisine which isn't pretentious at all but a marvel of gastronomy - it is like an art form, and is very much that, with talent that surpases so many levels that people are used to.

I have been to places where the somelier did look down his nose, or the maitre'd did seem incredulous to me being there... however it never detracts from the quality of the food (if it's good). Obviously there are over priced places which serve average food, like the Ivy for example - and since a celeb would have to sit on me before I'd notice them it's not as though I'd go to these places for the celeb spotting.

However on the most part every place I've been to, as long as you're well presented, polite and look as though you belong there (i.e. with confidence and a slight swagger of "belonging" - which I do very well as it's more my style, just wish I was as rich as my upper class roots allowed me to be

), they'll treat you well and the food and experience is very enjoyable and everything you'd expect from expert cuisine from masters of their art. Food is an art form for me (though when I pay for it, I'm not an artist in any way shape or form) and if it is made into such an art form it's worth every penny.

What I think is slightly outrageous is paying through the nose for good wine. In principle I never pay more than £30 for a bottle unless it is a rather spectacular wine, so I get a bit cross when average wines are priced unreasonably (i.e. £40+ when I know I can get them from a specialist wine store for £20 or less).

That menu sounds great Paul - I love tasting menus they often provide a good range of specialties and skills from the kitchen. Furthermore it gives you the ability to taste different flavours and foods that you'd not think of eating.

Sounds like a great treat to me. Can I be your girlfriend?!

Will · 09-11-2009, 19:31

It may sound pretentious but that's exactly what fine dining is about, art in the form of food.

I guess some people just don't "get" it.

09-11-2009, 01:45	#1
Del Lardo Absinthe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cambridge Posts: 2,539	I have before me a receipt from a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant It was Mrs DLs birthday over the weekend, I had originally planned an overnighter in London taking in a show but the predicted problems with the train services from Kings Cross meant that I decided to go for a last minute change in plans. Mrs DL is a big fan of food and while I would be happy with a burger and chips from a van she has far better taste (so what's she doing with me ) so given I had budgeted quite a bit of money for the hotel and show I decided that somewhere posh was in order. Now this was a problem for me as most of the posh places in Cambridge are expensive but not actually that good, I contemplated Restaurant 22 but a friend had been there recently and they ended up going for a Kebab on the way home as the portions were tiny so rapidly running out of time and ideas I gave Midsummer House a call. Having never been somewhere this posh before I was a bit nervous that I would embarrass myself with some faux pas but the staff were very welcoming and our waiter was very friendly putting us at ease very quickly. At no point did he make us feel inferior and was happy to advise on wine choices and how best to eat some of the food, it was quickly apparent that the food and wine were his passion and not just his job. There was a pretty good mix of people in there from people who were obviously food buffs and went there on a regular basis to couples like Mrs DL & I who were there for a once in a lifetime meal. Mrs DL chose the food and I chose the wine, the wine for me was a revelation, I'm normally a 3 bottles for £10 from Asda chap so drinking a bottle that would normally buy me 15 was a strange but very enjoyable experience and not wanting to take anything away from the food my favourite part of the meal. The food itself was fantastic, it's very hard to describe as I think it is the combination of tastes that you wouldn't normally experience and a mere mortal would find impossible to replicate. It's also worth mentioning the staff in the kitchen, I got a glimpse into the kitchen as I walked past and there were at least 9 chefs working flat out to cook for 10 tables, 7 of which only had 2 people. It was a choice of two set menus and Mrs DL decided we were having the Taste of Midsummer which consisted of....... Paris Mushrooms, Coffee and Ceps ~ Celery, Goats Cheese and Horseradish ~ Sautéed Scallop, Bay Leaf and Pigs Trotter ~ Sweetbreads, Pistachio, Maple Syrup and Mouli ~ Cod and Langoustine ~ Pousse Café ~ Beef, Bone Marrow, Parsley, Garlic and Onion ~ Artisanal Cheese ~ Jerusalem Artichoke, Lychee and Rose ~ Orange Cheesecake ~ Chocolate and Praline The only course that I was disappointed in was the Orange Cheesecake as I found it a bit bland compared to the rest of the food and it didn't have a biscuit base which is my favourite bit but as a self confessed food heathen I will bow to the better judgement of Mrs DL who loved it (she doesn't like biscuit base). So in conclusion as I sit here staring at what I can only describe as a terrifying receipt I have to ask myself if it was worth it? The sane, rational part of my brain tells me that spending that amount of money on a meal for two was dumb and I should have gone to somewhere nice and spent the rest on a service for the Mundano but the irrational part of my mind loved the once in a lifetime experience even if it means eating beans/cheese on toast for the next week or so. It's also worth mentioning that in terms of brownie points they are at an all time high though no doubt I will work through them in the next month or so

09-11-2009, 10:38	#3
Princess Griff Buns'o'Steel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maison Jingriff in North Somerset Posts: 600	Me n Jingo have always wanted to have the taster menu at the Fat Duck - I am in awe of Heston! Its not so much just the food that you go there for - but the whole experience! For instance - his taste of the sea dish or whatever its called where ur given an ipod to listen to whilst eating your meal with sounds of the ocean!! crazy!! and who hasnt dreamt of eating bacon and egg ice cream! haha!! I know its a stupid amount of money, but I would absolutely love to go!! I think a restaurant in Bristol has just been awarded a michelin star - so when im feeling flush we might have to investigate!! __________________

09-11-2009, 11:20	#4
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	Looks nice, I've been to a few of the top places in the country, I can appreciate the artistry involved in that kind of cooking as a one off although I'd not want to eat that style all the time. MB __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

09-11-2009, 15:41	#6
Glaucus Absinthe Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,855	Glad you liked it. Taster menus like that sound fab if you eat out a fair bit. But for one offs I would prefer a proper menu. I've been to La-trompette twice now and can't recommend it enough. Michelin star posh food, but stuff you can recognise. http://www.latrompette.co.uk expect around £70-100 per head with wine. But I think that's pretty good for an evening of that calibre. I can easily spend 60-100 on a night out in Bristol and for what a hangover. ohh which restaurant in l has michelin? is it du-vin or what ever it's called? Also that Italian restaurant was on the F-word. Lost but still to get that far must be good. Think it's called perseco. __________________

09-11-2009, 16:17	#7
Jingo Smother me in chocolate and eat flapjacks with it! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Somerset Posts: 1,854	It's Casamia of Westbury-on-trym (http://www.casamiarestaurant.co.uk/home.htm) Have you been there AH2? I think it's difficult to gain much from the menu's on the website, but I am sure that the entire dining experience would be a fantastic evening to remember edit: One of their suppliers is Murrays of Clevedon - just up the road from Maison Jingriff - a beautiful deli/restaurant with some of the most gorgeous hams I have ever enjoyed!* funny how such thin ham weighs so much in your wallet! __________________ Last edited by Jingo; 09-11-2009 at 16:22.*

09-11-2009, 02:03	#2
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Well, I have to admit that that menu is not my bag at all. I'm a fellow heathen but also have the problem that I prefer to know what I'm eating, and for some of that I don't think I'd want to know. I'd probably starve. But what the heck - if you can afford it and have the suitable occasion and company to make it worth it, then absolutely go for it. Brownie points will get you everywhere. PS - The Fat Duck isn't all that far from here. I did at least attempt to read the menu, but that's as far as I went.

09-11-2009, 17:03	#9
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	I love treating myself to expensive cuisine... or "pretentious" cuisine which isn't pretentious at all but a marvel of gastronomy - it is like an art form, and is very much that, with talent that surpases so many levels that people are used to. I have been to places where the somelier did look down his nose, or the maitre'd did seem incredulous to me being there... however it never detracts from the quality of the food (if it's good). Obviously there are over priced places which serve average food, like the Ivy for example - and since a celeb would have to sit on me before I'd notice them it's not as though I'd go to these places for the celeb spotting. However on the most part every place I've been to, as long as you're well presented, polite and look as though you belong there (i.e. with confidence and a slight swagger of "belonging" - which I do very well as it's more my style, just wish I was as rich as my upper class roots allowed me to be ), they'll treat you well and the food and experience is very enjoyable and everything you'd expect from expert cuisine from masters of their art. Food is an art form for me (though when I pay for it, I'm not an artist in any way shape or form) and if it is made into such an art form it's worth every penny. What I think is slightly outrageous is paying through the nose for good wine. In principle I never pay more than £30 for a bottle unless it is a rather spectacular wine, so I get a bit cross when average wines are priced unreasonably (i.e. £40+ when I know I can get them from a specialist wine store for £20 or less). That menu sounds great Paul - I love tasting menus they often provide a good range of specialties and skills from the kitchen. Furthermore it gives you the ability to taste different flavours and foods that you'd not think of eating. Sounds like a great treat to me. Can I be your girlfriend?! __________________ *No No!*

09-11-2009, 19:31	#10
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	It may sound pretentious but that's exactly what fine dining is about, art in the form of food. I guess some people just don't "get" it. __________________ *No No!*