Newly Opened Five Alls Restaurant with Rooms near Burford
The Five Alls at Filkins village near Burford has recently reopened after a complete refurbishment.
Duncan Ray, head chef, formerly with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in Bray has taken over together with his partner, Manoli Gonzalez, and is producing new and exciting food which is receiving high acclaim.
Richard Pinder and Susan Pinder of Cotswolds.Info could not resist trying the Five Alls out in view of the connection Duncan Ray has with Heston.
Choice of Starters included Butternut Squash Soup with toasted Hazelnuts and Parmesan; Warm Salad of Cerney Goat's Cheese with Baby Fennel, Pine Nuts and Black Olive; Cumin Scented Scallops with Carrot and Star Anise Puree; Seared Foie Gras with Roast Black Fig and Pickled Apple Tatin.
Choice of Main Course included Roast Wood Pigeon with Celeriac Puree, Beetroot and Spinach; Pan Fried Sustainable Cod with Red Pepper, Palourde Clams, Granny Smith and Potato Crisp; Rib Eye of Hereford Beef withTiger Prawn, Air Dry Ham, Potato Fondant and Local Kale; a vegetarian option was available on request.
We plumped for the Foie Gras and Scallops to start and for mains Wood Pidgeon and Cod. It is clear Duncan has a close attention to detail with underlying subtlety of flavour combinations and technical underpinning e.g. the Cod was quickly seared using Duck Fat which allows far higher cooking temperatures than oil or butter. The meal in its entirety was a delight!
We understand the menu is changed daily and if you stay the night you stand a good chance of getting to talk to Duncan at the bar after cooking has finished and getting some insight on how he cooks and his experiences with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck - Duncan is all too pleased to share details of his recipes!
The accommodation consists of four newly created boutique style bedrooms with modern ensuite rain shower rooms and King Size beds. All the usual refinements have been included as you would expect.
For further information about - The Five Alls
Contemporary British Food in a Traditional Cotswold Inn
Cotwolds.Info - October 2011
