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Sep
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Another day, another year older. Despite my protestations, I’m actually less bothered about turning 28 than I am turning 29. At least 28 is the peak age for a top-class football. Once you reach 29, where can you go from there? 30? Whatever.
And despite other protestations that I really don’t like doing anything special, this is the third birthday in a row that’s turned pretty memorable. This year was in no small part due to the fact my lovely girlfriend whisked me off to Jun Tanaka’s Pearl for the tasting menu.
Oh. My. God. That’s all you can say, really. This may well rank as one of the best birthday experiences ever.
It came as a complete surprise. I’d just been told to turn up in Central London looking reasonably smart and that was it. I’d no idea about the sensual treats on offer.
The tasting menu wasn’t just about food. Every course came with a specially selected beer to complement the flavours.This is A Good Thing and can only be encouraged. I know a little about wines. I know a lot more about ales, and these were good ales.
Innis and Gunn I’d heard of, and had been keen to try for a while. The deep, malty toffee flavour was a perfect accompaniment to the lamb. The rest were equally delicious. The Spanish Alhambra Reserve that accompanied the monkfish stood out as a wonderfully rich-yet-balanced beer.
From start to finish the whole thing was magnificent. The pea, feta and mint foam palate cleanser to start through to the chocolate parfait, which lasted all of about 2 minutes, if that.
Inbetween came scallops, duck and watermelon, amazing monkfish, lamb so tender it melted in your mouth and a plum soup. Plus canapes.
I would attempt detailed description, but the different beers take their toll. Suffice to say, everything – from the perfectly cooked monkfish to the beer cocktails to finish – was unbelievable. I’ve eaten at decent restaurants. Nothing quite comes close to what I experienced at Pearl.
I would also provide pictures, but none of the courses hung around on our plates for detailed snaps. Especially not the chocolate parfait.
The only downside… I could easily get a taste for this kind of thing. One day, Fat Duck, I will have donated enough of my body to medical science to be able to afford your tasting menu. By that time, you may just have a table free.
[Although I seem to be making a habit of good food on my birthday. Two years ago, we wound up at The Cricket Inn at Beesands, which served up some of the most delicious, freshest seafood dishes I've ever tasted. Last year I was eating paella in Barcelona. To make up for the awfulness of turning 29 next year, perhaps I should insist on El Bulli and nothing less]
November 7th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Dear Gary
I live in Girona (university city about an hour north of Barcelona), if you like good food and great beer in a magically artistic and medieval city then I would highly recommend Girona as an alternative to Barcelona for a great weekend away for your birthday celebrations. Its smaller and I would say more chic than Barca, with a beautiful Barri Vell and a river running through it. There are loads of places to stay to suit any budget but I would recommend the apartments run by the Hotel Historic, these are in the heart of the old quarter stylish and well kept at around 90euros a night the double bedroomed apartment on Carrer de Ciutadans is a steal if you come with another couple, the owner has a good website which gives you loads of pics so you can choose an apartment that suits you. There are hundreds of restaurants and bodigas, our favourite is Zanpanzar a Basque restaurant where the best dish is Galtas (beef cheeks with foi gras) and El Cercle bar which has lots of tiny rooms, vaulted ceilings and live music. Although we do frequent two of the three Irish pubs, Cafe Irlandes and Excaliber, in the old town just by way of soaking up a bit of old home town culture every now and again. By the way I found your site as I was searching for beer tasting notes as I am doing some marketing for a great new beer shop that has just opened in the heart of Girona, and with your permission am going to use your comments about the Alhambra Reserva and monkfish. Hasta luego
November 9th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Great report, lucky guy! It’d be the ultime step up to finish next year’s at El Bulli – if you can get on the list!! (I saw in the Spanish press recently, Adrià is thinking of doing a lottery-style system to distribute the seats!). Going back to Barcelona, too, though (and not to belittle Anne-Marie’s comments about Girona, either) there are some spawns of El bulli in Barcelona, too – Comerç24 (google it) is his brother’s place in downtown Barcelona, and there are 4 michelin places, too. Mind, you if you’re in London (or closer) I guess you’re equally spoilt for choice! Cheers!