Fischer’s
at Baslow Hall is actually the closest Michelin starred restaurant to our home.
It’s one of those places that we have visited previously, enjoyed and keep
saying we will return but don’t seem to get round to doing so. Now that we have
been back… we promise to return more often!
What
Michelin says: ‘Edwardian manor house with impressive formal
grounds and walled vegetable garden. Classically based and accomplished
cooking, with the occasional modern twist, uses much local produce.’
What they say (see
here for Fischer’s website): ‘Head Chef Rupert Rowley’s cooking is
always evolving. He combines classic favourites with more modern combinations
and relies heavily on British produce in season including Derbyshire Lamb,
Scottish Razor Clams, Cornish Shellfish and Yorkshire forced Rhubarb. The
abundance of herbs and vegetables during the summer months at Baslow Hall and
High Ashes Farm in Barlow supplement the Kitchen and create innovative dishes.’
The journey taking a little less time than
expected, we first headed to the nearby ‘Rowley’s Restaurant & Bar’ (see here) that is co-owned by the Fischer’s and their
Executive Chef, Rupert Rowley for a drink (we plan to go back one day for
food.)
It was soon time to take the small journey up
the road and through the impressive grounds of Fischer’s. It was a bright autumnal
day and the gardens were resplendent in
their reds, yellows, browns and greens.
Over some spiced nuts and a drink in the
reception room, we selected to eat from the lunch menu as opposed to the
tasting menu, mainly because I wanted the Venison Suet Pudding.
What we ate:
Breads: the day’s breads were swirled Sundried Tomato & Pesto rolls and a
sliced Treacle and Stout loaf. Both
were delicious, served warm and replenished when I greedily gobbled them up
– an excellent start!
Amuse
bouche: King Edward Consommé – with the
added treat of three light, fluffy potato dumplings lurking in the depths, the
potato skin consommé was stunning.
To start,
my wife selected the Roast Pumpkin
Mousse – Berkswell custard, Pedro Ximenez & grated truffle. The presentation was nothing short
of splendid – the vibrant orange and greens with pops of red amaranth making it one of the prettiest
plates of food I have seen in a while. It didn’t just look good, the fresh
flavours also wowed, set off by the rich Pedro
Ximenez jus and tittles of truffle.
Nasturtium
Cured Salmon – tartar, pickled kohlrabi & horseradish snow. My starter may not have had quite the same
visual impact as my wife’s but the clean lines and vibrant colours matched the
fresh flavours of the tartar, pickled kohlrabi and cucumber. The subtle
horseradish snow and gentle cure on the salmon, working in perfect synergy
whilst adding a lively twist to the dish.
Blade of Derbyshire Beef – there was
a fillet available for at a supplement but I think my wife chose well with the
rich, robust and redolent blade, braised in red wine. Perfect pommes purée and
roasted root vegetables completed the dish.
Venison Suet Pudding – as
mentioned, the suet pudding was the main reason we opted for the set lunch menu
as opposed to the tasting, unfortunately I found it a little dry inside and as
such, it did not quite live up to expectation. I also found the sloe gin sauce
a little harsh.
Warm Chocolate Pudding – my
chocolate pudding with caramelised hazelnuts was very good. The accompanying
damson ice cream was fantastic.
A selection
of British Cheeses – served simply
on a slate with celery, grapes and a fig and almond cake the selection
consisted of: a fresh tasting Bosworth
Ash; the cider washed Celtic Gold; creamy Cote
Hill Blue and a delicious St Oswald
that was similar to my favourite, Livarot.
Tea and Petit Fours – Fresh
mint tea from the garden with Chocolate Truffles; Almonds coated in Raspberry
& Blueberry and Dried Apricots coated in Mango & Yoghurt.
Food high
points: the most memorable dishes were the King Edward Consommé and the
Roast Pumpkin Mousse.
Food low
points: nit-picking, I know, but for me the petit fours could be improved upon
– they were nice enough but felt like they had been made well in advance. A
macaron, some madeleines or other even a little take on the famous local
Bakewell Tart would be a step in the right direction.
Décor /
ambience: classical, formal and old fashioned without being stuffy or dated. A
stroll around the grounds definitely adds to the whole experience.
Service:
faultless.
Verdict
(Would I return?): definitely (and hopefully we will not leave it
quite so long this time.)
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