Chef's Menu at Le Champignon Sauvage

So, in November, The Chap decided to take me out for a surprise celebratory dinner (you can read the reasons why in my previous post). I knew we were going out, just I didn't know where, but he assured me that I should probably wear a dress as we weren't going to Nando's.*

*FYI, we never go there. EVER. 

The Chap and surprises don't usually go hand in hand; probably because I'm a pretty good guesser - at least I like to think so - and the fact that he's a rubbish liar. Terrible in fact. He usually has a grin on his face before he's even finished his fictitious statement, and I can spot it a mile off.

This time, however, he was arrogantly keeping it a secret - not a peep - and I even had to get ready and put my coat on before he'd give me a clue. It was obviously somewhere near as it was getting rather close to the 7.30pm table booking he'd instilled in me, and there was no mention of a taxi. Plus he'd prompted me to wear heels; he knows that he'd never hear the end of it if I had to schlep across town in uncomfortable shoes.

The clue was his downfall though; too easy. As soon as I saw the Googled image of a crooked little mushroom, I knew... Le Champignon Sauvage!

I was spoilt by being taken there for a birthday lunch in June, and had since been saying how lovely it would be to go back for dinner some time, but I was certainly not expecting it to be so soon... Especially as we'd only just been to The Hand & Flowers the previous week! The Chap did good. Very good.

We were welcomed with a glass of champagne and some pre-dinner nibbles whilst we looked through the menu. I could've eaten everything. How are you meant to choose? We decided that as it was a special occasion, we'd abandon making a la carte choices and go for the Chef's Menu (which basically meant I would eat everything!).

I won't go into detail; you just have to see it..

Dexter Beef Tartare and Corned Beef, Wasabi Cream, Pickled Shimeji Mushrooms. I could happily eat beef tartare all the time; the addition of wasabi and salty sharp mushrooms made this one one to remember.

Woodpidgeon Breast, Pigeon Pastilla, Beetroot, Pistachios, Beetroot and Rosehip Purée. This, I'm going to say, was the prettiest dish of the night in my eyes. Beetroot makes everything more beautiful.

 

Dived Scallops with Confit Chicken Wings, Baby Parsnips, Woodruff. I don't think I'd ever had scallops and chicken paired together; what have I been doing?!

Next, we were treated to a complimentary lobster and pear dish. So generous of David and Helen, and so delicious.

Pave of Zander, Roasted Lettuce, Sesame Purée, Globe Artichoke. Zander's not a fish I'd ever encountered before - I'd never even heard of it - though The Chap informed me that it wasn't a very pretty fish. Pretty or not, it sure tasted good.

Partridge, Pumpkin Purée, Pickled Butternut Squash, Black Pudding and Chocolate Ganache. Game birds, black pudding and chocolate will always be a perfect match. Possibly my favourite dish of the night... Possibly... I can't choose!

Mango, Thai Spiced Cream, Thai Green Curry Sorbet... Yep, you heard right, THAI GREEN CURRY SORBET. It was a dream.

Chocolate Delice, Milk Ice Cream, Beurre Noisette and Butterscotch. After the last dessert, I wasn't sure how this could top it, but boy was I wrong. Dear Delice, I'm sorry I had my doubts, you were the best ending to an incredible dining experience.

With full tummies and rosy red wine cheeks, the pair of us left with a definite feeling of smugness; we're lucky to have such an outstanding restaurant right on our doorstep. I only wish we could visit more often.

The Chef's Menu is priced at £85pp; 7 courses, plus canapés, an amuse bouche, bread, and a pre dessert. Worth every penny. 

Here's to 2015...

2014 has been quite the year.

Firstly, I joined the magnificent Vinspire team, writing about all things drinks related. I also went on a Hobbs House bread making course, which changed my life forever; I'm still nurturing my beloved sourdough starter and churning out loaves every weekend - yesssss. I've made numerous trips to London for foodie fun times, and I finally made the trek up to Scotland, where I discovered a love for whisky and ate in some Glasgow greats.

2014 has also been the year where I managed to get a table at Tom Kerridge's Hand & Flowers - phwoar - and I visited a firm favourite, Le Champignon Sauvage, not once but twice! (we'll get to that second trip in a bit..)

The biggest news of this year has to be down to Beards Jewellers. Back in September The Great Diamond Rush descended on Cheltenham; ten diamonds - each worth £1000 - were hidden around the town, and keen hunters had to purchase special treasure maps in order to locate the gems. Celebrating 200 years in business, Beards organised the event, and all the money raised went straight to Maggie's Cancer charity. The Chap and I fancied our chances, and after hours of raiding various venues, and almost admitting defeat, it seemed our luck was in. Nestled in a leafy trellis outside Crazy Eight's at 131 The Prom, there it was, and my lovely man found it!

As exciting as that was in itself, it got better... When we returned to Beards to have a look at our sparkly diamond, The Chap only bloody proposed! Eek! Obviously I said yes, it would've been pretty awkward otherwise. Cotswolds TV have a wonderful video of the event and the moment it happened, which you can view here. We celebrated over a late lunch and an AMAZING bottle of fizz; a 1998 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs. I still dream of those biscuity bubbles.

Two months later, after numerous design ideas, it was time to pick up our diamond rush ring, which had generously been paid for by Beards themselves. The date was set for a Saturday, and The Chap had booked a surprise dinner for the night before to mark the occasion. That surprise turned out to be Le Champignon Sauvage, where we ate the Chef's Tasting Menu; dear Lord it was good, and I'll fill you in on the details in the next couple of days.

The surprise didn't stop there though did it; I really should have seen it coming. The sneak had only gone and got the ring early, and when I came home - thanks to the help of his mum - there it was with a huge bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champers.

It was EVERYTHING I could have hoped for and more. Sophie at Beards has done such a wonderful job in designing it. Both Scott and I couldn't be happier with the result; it's PERFECT. Yey!

To round these series of events off, we organised an engagement party/unveiling of the ring back at the scene of the crime, Crazy Eights. We had a gorgeous dinner with family and close friends, then celebrated with many more chums and more wine that I care to mention! It was spectacular.

I'm not sure how 2015 will top all of this, but I'll most certainly try. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!