Lunch at the Fat Duck - Part 5

And now:

MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY (c.1892)

• Mock Turtle Soup, Pocket Watch and Toast Sandwich
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This is also a classic. At its core it is a mock turtle soup served with pieces of beef, turnip, cucumber, small mushrooms and a mock turtle egg. But that would be too boring for the Fat Duck, so it is served up as a tea party.



First a explanatory "bookmark" was placed before us describing the tea party scene from Alice in Wonderland on one side and the history of mock turtle soup on the other.



Then a teapot with cup was placed before each of us. The pot held hot water and the cup held a beautiful display of different vegetables, miniature mushrooms and beef cubes.

A case containing gold watches was then presented, and one watch was placed in each cup. These clocks are really freeze dried stock covered in real leaf gold. As we sat there twirling our cups, the stock dissolved in the water leaving a beautiful consomme with floating pieces of gold which we then could pour over the items in the teacups.

Since this was a tea party, a mad hatter sandwich stand was also placed before us complete with hats. These miniature sandwiches were really delicious with white bread on top and bottom and crunchy toast in the middle.

The soup was really delicious and refreshing with a nice and deep flavour. Absolutely one of our favourites.