Ascot Racecourse Ltd. recently hosted a truly imaginative competition that gave two lucky winners the chance to dine in the first ever, horse-drawn Michelin restaurant. The unique dining experience was held April 16 and provided a distinct preview of Britain’s fine, Royal Ascot dining experience.
The no-holds-barred dining experience was the brainchild of twice Michelin-starred chefs: Michael Caines of Gidleigh Park, Devon, and Phil Howard of The Square, Mayfair, who are both hosting restaurants at this year’s Royal meeting in June. They partnered with Steve Golding, the Executive Chef of Ascot Racecourse, to create an unusual, but luxurious, dining experience.
The restaurant, with seating for only two diners at a time, sat inside a lovingly restored Victorian landau carriage. After a gracious welcome from Ascot’s famous Greencoats, the guests, seated at a uniquely crafted dining table, sampled Champagne Bollinger and canapés, which offered just a hint of the culinary creations to come.
The marvelous horse-drawn carriage restaurant was the epitome of a moveable feast. Each course of the three-course meal was served at a designated point along the route that encompassed a tour of London’s Southbank overlooking the River Thames, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and the city of London. The three-course menu, which will be available at Ascot Racecourse, featured a balanced mix of seasonal flavors and luxury wines. Highlights included a warm lobster starter with curried mayonnaise, a chicken terrine, and strawberry cheesecake with elderflower and Champagne. An afternoon tea completed the Ascot experience, replete with a tower of decadence tempting the diners with irresistible scones, savory sandwiches, macaroons, and chocolates.
Juliet Slot, Commercial Director of Ascot Racecourse said, “Royal Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer calendar, because it combines the spectacle of the world’s best horses, with stunning pageantry, amazing fashion, and fine food.
“We wanted to treat people to an early taster of the Royal Ascot experience and we have worked with Michael and Phil to create what we believe to be the world’s first Michelin-starred horse-drawn dining experience.”
Those who missed out on the experience still have a chance to sample the locally sourced and delightfully prepared food at Royal Ascot this summer.
35,000 guests enjoy Fine Dining at Royal Ascot every year, attracted by the combination of internationally revered Chefs, innovative menus, and the unique spectacle of the Royal Meeting.
(Source: ascot.co.uk)