Angela Lau

Review of The Fat Duck "Gastronomic Rest...

Went here for lunch as an extra early celebration ...

Went here for lunch as an extra early celebration of a special occasion. We have watched Heston on TV, heard so much from friends and family and was super keen to go to The Fat Duck - dating back to more than three years! We finally made it after a friend posted on Facebook that The Fat Duck will be relocating to Melbourne (Aus) for six months. We didn't want to miss out in case they decide to take The Fat Duck all around the world and not come back anytime soon... So we somehow got a very last minute mid week reservation! The Universe always helps you when you know what you want eh? As a vegetarian going with a full omnivore, we got the vegetarian menu and the original menu. Word of caution to other vegetarians, they do warn you that gelatine is used in some of the dessert courses at the beginning. Personally I was relatively OK with that because well - I know I sound like a hypocrite, but I really didn't want to miss out on any course that I am already going to pay for (literally and figuratively)! So if you are strict, be very clear when making your reservation!

Anyway - as a vegetarian, I don't feel at all like I missed out (i felt really ripped off at Noma's residency at Claridges - but not on every dish). There were 14 courses and many came with a suggested wine. As I am doing DryApril and I don't drink wine, we started with a glass of rose champagne - but I really shouldn't have on an empty stomach, went straight to my head. Although the restaurant was at full capacity, you can't really hear the conversation next to you if you are not trying to hear them. I don't want to spoil the experience for ppl who haven't been, so I will just say, it's at times theatrical, but mainly, it's a gastronomic experience best reserved for a special occasion or for the hard core foodie - as it ain't cheap! Desserts are outstanding.

Note - they will be closed for 6 months (while in Melb) to completely refurb the kitchen (extension). The dining area will also be reduced. So if you want to try the original menu, what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Otherwise, wait - and the new kitchen should enable them to extend their repertoire.