Thank you Gordon Brown.
Discussion
Just got back from lunch at the waterside Inn and I'd just like to thank Gordon Browns gov for the Nutrition in pregnancy grant that paid for (some of)it.
Bloody brilliant is what I can say about the meal and the service. Pulled up outside and the nice man helped MrsB out of the car and said leave the keys it will be parked. The slightly nervous feeling about leaving the Porker with a stranger was short lived as the Boxster in front was being moved and, the Turbo behind was stopping.
Wife was escorted to the door with an umbrella and we were greeted in the beautifully decorated reception before being ushered into the lounge for drinks. A G&T and Champagne was ordered and menus obtained, there then occurred the only slip up of the day when our drinks were delivered to another couple, the girl serving looked suitably horrified by her mistake and I hoped this was not an omen of things to come.
Selecting the "Le Menu Exceptionnel" was the easy part, and even at £109 a head looked good value against the a la carte (£32 for soup!).
Moving through to the dining room we were greeted by every member of the extensive staff before being seated at a table in the centre of the room overlooking the river. The room itself, is pleasant if not exciting. The chairs whilst comfy were a little understated and old fashioned, more what I would expect of a generic chain rather than one of the 3 top rated venues in the country.
Starters were promptly delivered, I had a terrine of foie gras and guinea fowl with truffle which melted in the mouth with perfect flavour and texture. Wife had Tuna and scallops, the tuna seared to perfection and scallops fresh and young.
The fish course came next. Opting for the signature turbot was definitely a good decision for me, another perfectly cooked dish which was a delight to eat, delicate flavours of turbot and grape mixing with the rich sauce. The other side of the table went for lobster with white port sauce and ginger which again was a triumph of perfection.
After a quick refreshing sorbet the main course was upon us, a spit roasted duckling carved at the table, and served with spinach puree, potato cubes and the smallest carrots I've ever seen. We had asked for the duck medium (I normally ask for chefs recommendation here) but the dish was for two and MrsB prefers her meat less bloody. She is also 8 months pregnant. It came medium, and the definition here seemed to mean brown at the outside and pink in the middle, a great compromise. This was probably the best duck I have tasted, it melted in the mouth and lingered on the palate. Lovely.
Prior to desert we were visited by the main man, Alain Roux, as, dressed in his chefs whites he made a round of the dining room greeting and chatting to guests. I am always happy when this happens, you know the man who has his name over the door is in the kitchen at least some of the time, if not actually cooking your lunch.
I often opt for cheese and today was no exception. They have a great selection and the portion was generous verging on too much. However, I must say that I still think Chez Bruce in London has the best Cheese board I've ever experienced. Wife also loves cheese but as it was un-pasteurised she opted for the trio of desserts which when when they came made her end up making the same noises as that scene in when harry met sally. Oh and there were 4 desserts.
The 4 deserts thing was typical of the attention to detail in the service we experienced at all times. The cheese board was occupied elsewhere when I ordered so I got a small pre-cheese whilst wife had her 4 deserts. When she started on my cheese the waiters brought her some for herself (pasteurised this time). Water was kept topped up, MrsB always getting sparkling and I getting still. The amuse bouche was modified to exclude shellfish for mrsb because of her condition, we never mentioned this but they notice everything! The final detail that was loved was that my menu had no prices, hers did as she had booked.
I've failed to mention the wine thus far. With MrsB not drinking a bottle or two was out, so I opted for 2 glasses. One red and one white, the choice left to the sommelier based on my food selection. He did very well matching the varied dishes to just two glasses and keeping the costs down to £8.50 for the white and £10 for the red.
With a glass of vintage port with the cheese, tea, coffee and service included the bill was just under £300. Thanks Gordon my 3 star lunch was less than £100!
So overall how did it rate? compared to the fat duck it was better as an eating experience. The FD was wonderful as a total experience but this was a more traditional meal and as such I would go back much sooner than to Hestons flagship.
So that's 2 down and 1 to go. With baby coming next month it may be a while before royal hospital road gets a look in but I can't wait for the full set.
Bloody brilliant is what I can say about the meal and the service. Pulled up outside and the nice man helped MrsB out of the car and said leave the keys it will be parked. The slightly nervous feeling about leaving the Porker with a stranger was short lived as the Boxster in front was being moved and, the Turbo behind was stopping.
Wife was escorted to the door with an umbrella and we were greeted in the beautifully decorated reception before being ushered into the lounge for drinks. A G&T and Champagne was ordered and menus obtained, there then occurred the only slip up of the day when our drinks were delivered to another couple, the girl serving looked suitably horrified by her mistake and I hoped this was not an omen of things to come.
Selecting the "Le Menu Exceptionnel" was the easy part, and even at £109 a head looked good value against the a la carte (£32 for soup!).
Moving through to the dining room we were greeted by every member of the extensive staff before being seated at a table in the centre of the room overlooking the river. The room itself, is pleasant if not exciting. The chairs whilst comfy were a little understated and old fashioned, more what I would expect of a generic chain rather than one of the 3 top rated venues in the country.
Starters were promptly delivered, I had a terrine of foie gras and guinea fowl with truffle which melted in the mouth with perfect flavour and texture. Wife had Tuna and scallops, the tuna seared to perfection and scallops fresh and young.
The fish course came next. Opting for the signature turbot was definitely a good decision for me, another perfectly cooked dish which was a delight to eat, delicate flavours of turbot and grape mixing with the rich sauce. The other side of the table went for lobster with white port sauce and ginger which again was a triumph of perfection.
After a quick refreshing sorbet the main course was upon us, a spit roasted duckling carved at the table, and served with spinach puree, potato cubes and the smallest carrots I've ever seen. We had asked for the duck medium (I normally ask for chefs recommendation here) but the dish was for two and MrsB prefers her meat less bloody. She is also 8 months pregnant. It came medium, and the definition here seemed to mean brown at the outside and pink in the middle, a great compromise. This was probably the best duck I have tasted, it melted in the mouth and lingered on the palate. Lovely.
Prior to desert we were visited by the main man, Alain Roux, as, dressed in his chefs whites he made a round of the dining room greeting and chatting to guests. I am always happy when this happens, you know the man who has his name over the door is in the kitchen at least some of the time, if not actually cooking your lunch.
I often opt for cheese and today was no exception. They have a great selection and the portion was generous verging on too much. However, I must say that I still think Chez Bruce in London has the best Cheese board I've ever experienced. Wife also loves cheese but as it was un-pasteurised she opted for the trio of desserts which when when they came made her end up making the same noises as that scene in when harry met sally. Oh and there were 4 desserts.
The 4 deserts thing was typical of the attention to detail in the service we experienced at all times. The cheese board was occupied elsewhere when I ordered so I got a small pre-cheese whilst wife had her 4 deserts. When she started on my cheese the waiters brought her some for herself (pasteurised this time). Water was kept topped up, MrsB always getting sparkling and I getting still. The amuse bouche was modified to exclude shellfish for mrsb because of her condition, we never mentioned this but they notice everything! The final detail that was loved was that my menu had no prices, hers did as she had booked.
I've failed to mention the wine thus far. With MrsB not drinking a bottle or two was out, so I opted for 2 glasses. One red and one white, the choice left to the sommelier based on my food selection. He did very well matching the varied dishes to just two glasses and keeping the costs down to £8.50 for the white and £10 for the red.
With a glass of vintage port with the cheese, tea, coffee and service included the bill was just under £300. Thanks Gordon my 3 star lunch was less than £100!
So overall how did it rate? compared to the fat duck it was better as an eating experience. The FD was wonderful as a total experience but this was a more traditional meal and as such I would go back much sooner than to Hestons flagship.
So that's 2 down and 1 to go. With baby coming next month it may be a while before royal hospital road gets a look in but I can't wait for the full set.
Edited by Bullett on Saturday 24th October 21:04
The Rouxs are incredible. Interesting that both sons of both brothers have ended up at the helm of both flagship eateries.
http://www.waterside-inn.co.uk/Index.aspx?Id=1
http://www.waterside-inn.co.uk/Index.aspx?Id=1
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