World cuisine has turned not only to innovative techniques and avant-garde fusions but also wants to maintain culinary traditions with current perspectives. Concrete evidence of this trend is the two Michelin stars awarded to London’s Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which since 2011 has become a celebration of Britain’s culinary legacy.
The main room at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
Chef Heston Blumenthal—a genuine alchemist of the kitchen—climbed to the top of the international culinary scene thanks to the molecular gastronomy he serves in his restaurant The Fat Duck, which earned him three of the six Michelin stars he now boasts.
“Dinner” opened in 2011 at London’s Mandarin Oriental hotel. Blumenthal, the maximum authority in contemporary British cuisine, opted for that name because the meal called “dinner” in the UK was historically the most important of the day when the most elaborate recipes were prepared and enjoyed. Initially, it took place around to 5 pm, before sunset, when the man of the house returned home after a long working day and met with his family around the table to enjoy a delicious meal.
Heston Blumenthal & Ashley Palmer-Watts.
The menu at “Dinner” is based on traditional regional dishes, many of which have historical references. For example, Beef Royale is made with wagyu steak (Japanese beef), served with a side of beef tongue, grilled onions, carrots and sauce cooked with red wine and truffles, inspired by the recipe used in 1793 at the coronation banquet of King James II.
The kitchen prepares extraordinary dishes rooted in British culinary traditions.
The Executive Chef at Dinner is the renowned Ashley Palmer-Watts, who, along with Blumenthal, has created a menu where every dish is a surprising blend of flavors that inspired by tradition rather than innovation.
The signature dish of the house is the Meat Fruit, a delicate creation that consists of stuffing made with chicken liver pate covered by a mandarin jelly and accompanied by toasted French bread; a subtle dish reminiscent of ancient traditions.
Interior views of the restaurant.
The dining room is simple and modern, in keeping with the 5-star hotel where it is located, but its main attraction is the glass enclosed kitchen with an unusual system of pulleys and the towering windows overlooking Hyde Park.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a celebration of British tradition that delivers an insightful look at the enormous wealth of its cuisine. Read more about Michelin starred restaurants in London. ■
