Divine date night

Celebrating its fifth decade of service and over 17 years of retaining a Michelin star, L’Ortolan continues to be a beacon of Berkshire’s fine dining restaurant scene. The Reading restaurant offers a luxurious and timeless style and impeccable attention to detail in its dishes and service.

Families magazine had the chance to visit Reading’s only Michelin-starred restaurant and it certainly lived up to its enviable reputation. A cocktail in the bar – the French martini was a hit – was followed by a sumptuous five-course tasting menu. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted even better, with carefully thought through, seasonal ingredients that created a treat for our tastebuds. We particularly enjoyed the restaurant’s signature dishes, which included Goose (goose liver parfait, coconut and mango), Salmon (confit with beetroot and horseradish) and Halibut (poached with orange and nasturtium). The staff were very knowledgeable and welcoming, and catered happily for my pescatarian diet. The wine list was extensive so say the least, so we were relieved to hand the responsibility to the sommelier for choosing the perfect Cotes du Rhone to complement our meal. Children over the age of three are welcomed, although I’m not sure my toddler would appreciate the fine dining experience! It’s the perfect venue for an adult-only treat or to celebrate a special occasion – date nights don’t come any better! If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you could splash out on the ‘The Kitchen Table’ dining concept, offering 2-4 diners seated at the heart of the stove with a personal chef preparing, cooking and serving eight courses. Or the Chef’s Table sees you seated right by the pass, in full view of the final plating and flourishes of dishes.

Next on our wishlist is an exclusive cookery experience, led by Head Chef Tom Clarke and his team, where you learn to produce Michelin-star quality dishes. Participants learn the tricks of the trade to perfect their cookery

skills at home from a selection of masterclasses.

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