Getting inspiration (and a recipe!) from new Executive Chef at Gravetye Manor
We’ve visited Gravetye Manor on a handful of special occasions since we were married in the early eighties, but our most recent visit was nothing short of extraordinary!
The Michelin star set lunches & dinners remain much as we’ve always known them—celebrating the very best local meats and produce freshly harvested from their gardens—but this time, the experience for me was elevated to a whole new and unforgettable level!
The meal began with delicate, melt in the mouth amuse bouchés. Then came the selection of home made breads and butters. The starters were followed by something they called “essence of the garden” a tomato consommé, served at blood temperature in a wooden goblet. The flavour and aroma was unforgettable! Even the garden summer salad with salad cream, another “in between” course, was transformed into something I’ve never tasted before.
After the main there was the highlight of the soufflé service: one waiter to place it, another to gently pierce the surface, and a third to insert the perfect quenelle of silky smooth ice cream. It was a small performance in itself.
Yes, the experience comes at a price, but compared to many overrated London establishments, it is worth every single penny. The combination of service, creativity, and ingredients was truly inspiring. In fact, the Executive Chef, Martin Carabott—who only joined the team a few months ago—was generous enough to share the recipe which makes 5 litres of tomato essence! I clearly will need to scale that down slightly before attempting to make it.
I’m disappointed I don’t have photographs to share. I was far too immersed in the whole experience to even think of taking any—but perhaps that is a testament to just how absorbing the visit was.
If you’ve been considering a visit to Gravetye Manor, I strongly recommend going soon—before the inevitable second Michelin Star arrives and prices begin to climb.
More inspiration …. Champagne tasting & French cooking
a few pics of a short trip to Reims and a night at the Opera in Paris
A compact, five day trip via Eurostar to Gare du Nord, then on to Reims – arrived in time for lunch. A beautiful city. Inspiring food – my best dishes – a lavender flavoured Crème Brûlée and a simple Caesar salad (pictured above). A day trip to the Champagne capital, Epernay visiting small, family run houses the first tasting at 10:08am Tuesday morning and the sun was shining!! Bliss. Later we strolled up and down Avenue du Champagne where the world famous, prestigious houses show their wealth (much prefer the family run affairs). Day 3 – Notre-Dame de Reims (very impressive) and a bit of exploring and shopping. Next day, back on the train, heading for Paris. Oh, the shopping was a dream – we visited Printemps Haussmann – fashion, luxury goods, beauty products, home furnishings etc etc – all spread across three interconnected buildings. Stunning architecture, stunning views across Paris from the rooftop gallery.
In the evening, the highlight of the trip – opening night of La Boheme – surely a bucket list type of event?? AND, I read a synopsis beforehand so knew it was set 19th Century Paris and that it was a tragic love story. When the curtains opened and revealed the inside of a spaceship, surprise was an understatement!! Truly a memorable evening. Not what I was expecting but I will never forget it (or, in fact, understand it!!!) We had a meal afterwards and talked to various couples (mainly from the States) who were also in a state of confusion.
Smiley, Happy People
look at this lovely lot!!!
Thank you for making this inevitable ageing milestone extra special ………. Tuuli
We appreciate so, so much the food, ambience (& drink!) Barbara. Thank you for a special way to celebrate …… Maria
Thank you for a very unique and wonderful birthday celebration – great food, great wine and great company and conversation …… Clare
What an absolutely super, smashing, wonderful day! THANK YOU SOOOO VERY MUCH!! Oh and PLEEEEASE, can you point me in the direction of the ceviche recipe ……. Jos
New edition to the Garden
The beautiful owl on the left is the latest piece to add to my collection of birds made by talented sculptor, Mandy Flynn! She sits patiently at the end of the path (in the hope she’ll scare off the squirrels) on the stump of an apple tree we recently lost. She’s made of recycled, galvanised wire mesh and is part of a large collection of animals from garden birds, chickens and foxes to life size sheep and deer. I first met Mandy at the Hever Castle Craft & Design Fair about five years ago and purchased the robin. A couple of years later, I went slightly bigger and purchased the blackbird. You can see how talented Mandy is if you visit her FaceBook page.
The children are settled back at school so can I mention Christmas??
CHRISTMAS TEA BY THE TREE @ Second-Helpings (a very special treat) – from mid November – menus out soon
St Peter & Paul’s Christmas Fair – Saturday 15th November
Charter’s Village Christmas Fair – Friday 28th November
If you have a special occasion coming up that you want to share with friends & family in style please give us a call!
Private Dining needn’t be expensive and here are just some of the advantages …
You pay no VAT or other hidden charges
The venue is yours for the day, no time restraints or other distractions to worry about
You can bring your own wine, very low corkage applies
Calm and relaxing atmosphere with no background noise
Well behaved dogs & children are very welcome
And the food’s not that bad either!!!