Have you ever experienced a tasting menu? Food Co-editor Lucy Campion explains why you should treat yourself to a tasting menu (or ‘degustation menu’ as the French call it) for your next special occasion and why Woodborough Hall should be your destination of choice this autumn.
I’ve been a food blogger for over three years now so I’ve had the pleasure of dining at many different places in Nottinghamshire, but my visit to Woodborough Hall last month has to be the most memorable so far… Dinner by candlelight in the enchanting surroundings of a stunning, grade II* listed country house reminded me how much I enjoy tasting menus and why I always recommend them for birthday and anniversary celebrations.
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The courses are decided for you, giving you the chance to try dishes you wouldn’t typically choose.
There’s something exciting about relinquishing all control when an experienced chef team is making the decisions for you. Yes, this does mean you’ll likely face ingredients you don’t usually love, but tasting menus have taught me that there are very few foods I dislike when combined with the right flavours.
Our meal at Woodborough Hall started with a scallop velouté. I’m normally quite selective when ordering seafood but the scallop was well-balanced with flavours of lemon and chive - a beautiful dish that I wouldn’t have tried outside of this experience.
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Unique flavour combinations that shouldn’t work but do.
A successful tasting menu takes risks and always comes served with a side of surprise. If something on the menu makes me do a double-take, I know it’ll be a highlight of the meal!
Our third course at Woodborough Hall was one of my favourites. Squid ink ravioli with hoisin duck, lobster tail, spring onion and cherry glaze - a flurry of flavours that, on paper, should clash but, when crafted by expert hands, the result was sensational.
Our side of surprise came in the form of herbal tea. I’d never think to order herbal tea in a restaurant but this fantastic blend of honey, lemon and ginger was delightfully sweet. Apparently the chef spent weeks perfecting this tea and the dedication was evident in every sip.
Squid ink ravioli with hoisin duck, lobster tail, spring onion and cherry glaze - a flurry of flavours that, on paper, should clash but, when crafted by expert hands, the result was sensational
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Smaller portions mean there’s always enough room for dessert!
The biggest objection I’ve heard to tasting menus is ‘the portions are too small!’ But while the portions may be small, the courses are plenty and carefully curated to create an ultimately satisfying meal. You don’t have to worry about being too full for dessert either because the menu is designed to make sure you have the appetite to properly enjoy your pudding.
At Woodborough Hall, ‘Nature’s Garden’ was a playful dessert bursting with flavour. White chocolate cream, dark chocolate crumb, matcha sponge and raspberry sorbet. This was followed by smoked cheese and crackers, presented in a flourish of smoke, which really captured the essence of autumn and bonfire night.
Woodborough Hall can be found at 1 Bank Hill, Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6EE. Their new tasting menu is £75pp.
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