Heston Blumenthal

Self taught maverick and triple Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has been cooking seriously since the mid-90s and has made regular appearances on our TV sets since 2005. The author of many books, including The Big Fat Duck Cookbook and the recent Heston at Home, Heston has also presented many TV shows including In Search of Perfection and Heston’s Fantastical Feasts. Famous for imaginative dishes served at the Berkshire-based Fat Duck, such as snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, and for the pioneering of modern cooking techniques (so called molecular gastronomy) at his nearby Research and Development kitchen, Heston was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science for his commitment to the exploration of culinary science. Heston Blumenthal recently made the move to central London with the opening early this year of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. This caught the public imagination, with first reviews featuring in the national press. Food on offer here is of a new style, influenced by old English cookery. The centre of the restaurant features spit roasting pineapples and signature dishes include Rice and Flesh (from c.1390) composed of saffron, calf tail and red wine and the much discussed Meat Fruit (from c.1500), that looks like a mandarin, but is actually chicken liver parfait with grilled bread. Prices at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal are fairly accessible, with a three-course meal with wine costing on average £70. Again, a terrific set lunch is available for £32 for three courses before wine. Dinner has been awarded a star in Michelin’s 2012 Travel Publications.Contact: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA. 020 7201 3833 www.dinnerbyheston.com