For my birthday as a special treat, Ashley took me for a fine dining taster menu at Midsummer House https://midsummerhouse.co.uk/
Midsummer house is a 2 Michelin star restaurant on the river in Cambridge owned and run by chef Daniel Clifford.
From the moment you walk through the door the experience begins, and what an experience!
Met at the door by a very professional and smart looking young lady, who took our coats and led us up the stairs in an old but beautifully decorated Victorian house and into the bar for drinks over looking the river.
Obviously drinks came a few nibbles and once our table was ready we were escorted to the dining room to our table. Where they had left a birthday card for me - nice touch
The sommelier came over and we selected our first glass and we were off.
Each course had multiple items of perfectly created food which were in equal parts delicious and creative.
The selection of bite size tasters were amazing, all very different flavours and textures. From Salmon, to their take on cheese on toast, rabbit bonbon (centre) Mac and cheese and a chicken wing in smoked candy floss.
And this was just the first course!!!
The mains were this fabulous fish dish and pigeon which I have never had before.
with every dish came a full description of what was in them the list of ingredients was immense.
I have had taster menus before but this experience was something else.
Each course came with a wine carefully selected by the sommelier and paired perfectly. You could tell he not only knew his wine but also knew details of the regions and vineyards that they were from.
Deserts were equally as fantastic and decadent, with 4 different desserts
I cannot talk about Midsummer House without talking more about the staff.
The staff were very professional but also very friendly and knowledgeable.
We had interactions with each member of the front of house staff at some point during our meal. They were all very attentive but not busying around too much.
I went to the bathroom at one point again impeccably clean and well decorated.
When I got back to the table there was a gift waiting for me. It was a signed copy of Daniel Clifford's book
Which is well worth a read.
It is part cook book part biography.
While I was away from the table Ashley had been talking to the waiter and had arranged for me to go and visit the kitchen at the end of service.
So I got to go in and say hello to all of the kitchen staff which was lovely.
All in all it was a lovely day and experience they even sent me home with a bag with some lovely little carrot cakes and a copy of the menu.
Overall an amazing day, and we very much needed the walk back to the train station. I would recommend to anyone wanting a special treat or just looking for an amazing experience.