Got a reservation at The Fat Duck. Flight of wines?
Discussion
Against all likelihood my dear, wonderful wife has managed to obtain a reservation at the Fat Duck on our next anniversary. We've even managed to book accommodation within walking distance.
Whilst I understand it isn't done to spoil the surprise I do have a question of anyone who has been: Did you do the wine pairings? I take it this is a "flight" of wines to match some/all of the courses? I have seen costs of around £155 per head mentioned for this. Sounds OK given the sort of wine it will be. Is this accurate? My source was the Telegraph and it's a bit of a rag these days so you can't be sure that this is right...
Whilst I understand it isn't done to spoil the surprise I do have a question of anyone who has been: Did you do the wine pairings? I take it this is a "flight" of wines to match some/all of the courses? I have seen costs of around £155 per head mentioned for this. Sounds OK given the sort of wine it will be. Is this accurate? My source was the Telegraph and it's a bit of a rag these days so you can't be sure that this is right...
Puggit said:
Sounds about right. Being a high class restaurant there is obviously a sommelier. If you're doing the tasting menu then I would recommend the wine menu with it - yes, it is more expensive than the food!
If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
No, Puggit, budget is not that big an issue. But nor do I order bottles of wine that cost thousands of pounds. I'm eager to take their wine pairings as the sommelier should choose really complementary stuff. But £300 for the two of us is fine. £3000 would not be, imo. Not that the wine wouldn't be great, but that's more than I want to spend. If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
I will take your advice and speak with the sommelier.
I'll report back after we've been, we are indeed doing this "Journey" thing. Should be fun.
sidicks said:
coyft said:
They didn't skimp on the wine when I went, there were a few I really liked and he topped up my glass. Consequently I can't remember the last couple of courses. Then again I guess that's a good excuse to go back!
Has anyone been recently and experienced 'The Journey' ??I'm hoping to book for later in the year, but for practical reasons I'll probably have to drive - my wife will have the wine flight, but I'll be on the soft drinks. I'm not a massive wine drinker, so don't mind missing out on the alcohol, but will this diminish the experience significantly?
sidicks said:
I think they just do this special ticket for 'The Journey' - allegedly 17 courses of amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes - for £255 plus 12.5% service charge.
You can only order 3 months ahead when reservations open on the first Wednesday of each month...!
It took the Missus three months to get a table, trying each first Wednesday. You can only order 3 months ahead when reservations open on the first Wednesday of each month...!
Zeemax_Mini said:
I've been and the wine pairing was just as much of an experience as the food (coming from someone who doesn't drink a huge amount of wine). You won't be disappointed!
Don, I live nearby - are you staying in one of the Bray cottages?
Dom
Yes, we are. They look lovely. Mrs Don is looking forward to that, too...Don, I live nearby - are you staying in one of the Bray cottages?
Dom
AshBurrows said:
How long did it take people to get reservations? Tried to get in for August on Friday or Saturday and sold out within 2 mins?! What the heck.
My wife tried for three months in a row. On the third month she got a Friday 8:40pm table. Just happened to be our anniversary but she was just going for any weekend day...
When you get into wine at stratospheric prices its rarity and exclusivity you are paying for, as well as the quality. Up to a certain point increase in bottle price is explained by an increase in the love, attention and effort expended on the viticulture, subsequent winemaking, storage and so on. There's a massive difference between Gallo's wine factories and the niche wine makers of the Napa Valley, for example.
Rare wines from popular vineyards and winemakers then benefit from market forces. The supply is limited, the demand very great and therefore the price is astronomical.
Same as with anything...
I've paid for "name" wines in the past. Hill of Grace at £400 a bottle. Yes it was great. Was it £350 better that Keynton Estate? Of course not...
IMO you'd buy Heston's priciest wine flight for the sheer hell of it. Not so much that you are expecting a taste sensation that far above his best value one...
Rare wines from popular vineyards and winemakers then benefit from market forces. The supply is limited, the demand very great and therefore the price is astronomical.
Same as with anything...
I've paid for "name" wines in the past. Hill of Grace at £400 a bottle. Yes it was great. Was it £350 better that Keynton Estate? Of course not...
IMO you'd buy Heston's priciest wine flight for the sheer hell of it. Not so much that you are expecting a taste sensation that far above his best value one...
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