Nat S Review of The Fat Duck "Gastronomic Rest...
I have my own sort of classification of Michelin-S...
I have my own sort of classification of Michelin-Starred restaurants. Michelin recommended ones tend to have "safe" familiar tasty food. One-starred restaurants are similar, but have some interesting twists. Two are interesting food for the sake of it, and three-starred restaurants are an experience.
I am not the most adventurous food lover and therefore tend to dislike two-star restaurants. I noticed some people who have reviewed here were disappointed because they did not know what to expect of this class entirely, an honest mistake-- I hated my first two-star experience because I just couldn't anticipate it. In all honesty, if I wanted to go to a place with the tastiest food to me I would get fast food chicken fingers (I love almost nothing more).
But, I didn't go to The Fat Duck to eat food I'm familiar with or even like. It is a complete sensory experience where food is not just made as a means to get you full and satisfied (though we were stuffed at the end). I ate a foam that tasted like sea water. It was not to my liking but it was necessary- it evoked vivid memories of mine at the beach. It goes without saying that these are extremely talented chefs and masters of basics. The first bread my sister and I received was the best bread both of us have ever had. Most good chefs, though, could get bread right with the head chef's recipe. However, the core of The Fat Duck is the pure talent the chefs (and storytellers) have of turning an otherwise unassuming room full of adults into one full of smiles, laughter, joy and childlike wonder.
There were multiple personal touches throughout the meal which made it a true marvel. My storyteller, Ellan, was an absolute star. My sister and I will never forget the joyful experience she took us through from course to course.
To fully enjoy The Fat Duck, you have to go with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. It is one of those experiences where you get out what you put in. If you go in wanting them to entertain you based on cost you might not fully enjoy or understand the experience.
To all prospective diners-- don't look any spoilers up! Half the fun was not knowing what whimsical thing would happen next. It was a one-of-a-kind experience we will remember forever. Thank you to The Fat Duck team- and to the amazing Ellan!
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