London: Hand and Flowers

For our final stop, we went to London's only two-star Michelin pub, Hand and Flower, for their traditional Sunday Roast.  Cynthia had to book this reservation six months in advance.  I LOVED it.

Cotswolds: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

We stayed in the Cotswolds because we wanted to eat at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.  Disappointment does not capture how we felt about the experience.  A Michelin two star represents a place you should go out of your way to visit - from a culinary standpoint.  Here, the ingredients were univentive, the service unsatisfactory and the atmosphere unimpressive.

Cynthia will be writing a letter.

Cotswolds: Chipping Campden

On the third day we bought a few provisions from a local wine and whisky store, rented a car, and headed to the Cotswolds, a beautiful area in south central England comprising the Cotswold Hills.

Two hours later we arrived at our homeway in Chipping Campden a small town known for its market hall dating from 1627.

   

The old market hall sat right across the street.

We found a great little store with gourmet food right next door.

So we decided to stay in and enjoy our cottage.

London: Restaurant Gorden Ramsay

The second day we went to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, a three star michelin, for lunch.  We arrived early to explore the beautiful neighborhood, and then settled in for a four hour extravaganza. The head waiter, an elderly Frenchman, made our experience by taking us on a tour of the kitchen after our meal.

Starter

Pressed Foi Gras

Ravioli

Poached Halibut

Braised, Confit and Roasted Herdwick Lamb

Soup

Cheese Plate

 Sorbet

Apple Tarte

Extras

An unexpected tour of the kitchen where we got to meet the chef!