In news just in this morning, British celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has announced that he will be relocating the Fat Duck, his three-Michelin starred restaurant, to Melbourne for six months while the UK venue is undergoing renovations.
One of the top chefs in the world, Heston Bluementhal made his name with his food creations popularly tagged as “molecular gastronomy”. He openly hates the term though and very much prefers to call it a less extravagant “modernist cuisine”.
Voted Best restaurant in the world in 2005 and omnipresent among the top 10 list, the Fat Duck is a HUGE coup for the Melbourne dining scene and the big boost for Melbourne’s already glowing international reputation. Just another reason why Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city !
In a huge bonus, Heston has announced that he would bring his entire British staff and even parts of the Fat Duck restaurant to Melbourne ! That’s right – same quality of food, same staff / service and even a similar environment !
The new restaurant will open in the Crown Casino entertainment complex with Crown chairman James Packer saying this move will be a fantastic win for the resort and the Victorian tourism industry.
Heston Blumenthal Sound Of The Sea
One of Heston’s signature dishes – The Sound Of The Sea
“To attract an internationally renowned chef and innovator of Heston’s calibre is a reflection on Melbourne’s culinary reputation,” Mr Packer said.
“The relocation of the coveted restaurant will be a big boost for local tourism, attracting interstate and international guests to Melbourne so they can experience a once in a lifetime dining opportunity.”
Melbourne triumphed for many reasons but not surprisingly with Heston a frequent visitor to Melbourne and with a good relationship with Crown over the years.
Heston Blumenthal said he would bring the Fat Duck’s tasting menu to Melbourne. “It’s somewhere between 12 and 18 courses, it’s four hours of eating and it’s pure, total theatre – like falling down a rabbit hole into a wonderland.”
After six months, The Fat Duck will return to Britain and the Melbourne site will permanently become a branch of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – two-Michelin-starred London restaurant that specialises in British food – at the Melbourne site.
Bookings for the Fat Duck Melbourne will open in September. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I can get a booking !
BON APPETIT !
