Patrons Advised To Duck Shellfish
It seems that the world has gone crazy for bacon.
Certainly I have always enjoyed it. Perhaps I even indulge in it more than I should. I have no problem sitting down to a plate of bacon with my eggs in the morning. I like it on cheeseburgers and wrapped around scallops.
I also saw that the Wisconsin State Fair was selling chocolate covered bacon this year. That seemed to be a stretch, but I tried it. It tasted like chocolate and bacon. I even came across bacon flavored vodka recently. I didn’t try that, though I imagine it would probably taste; well, like bacon and vodka.
The weirdest bacon laden food I have yet heard of is bacon and egg ice cream. This no doubt delectable treat can be found only the menu of The Fat Duck restaurant in London. Other menu items include powdered pigeon, jelly of quail and salmon poached in liquorice.
Another specialty dish, now off the menu is shellfish ala pickle. According to the Health Protection Agency, the restaurant unknowingly (and, quite innocently) received a shipment of shellfish last February that had been contaminated with norovirus. Unfortunately, five hundred sick patrons caused the restaurant to shut down.
The Health Protection Agency released its final report last month, which noted that a total of 529 diners ultimately reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in the weeks following the start of the February 2009 outbreak. The report also said restaurant employees who had been hit by the virus may also have returned to work before they had fully recovered. With powdered pigeon on the menu, it must have been nearly impossible to keep them away.
In any event, The Fat Duck maintains it is not liable for the outbreak, and also insists it followed all food hygiene procedures correctly. Notably, investigators agreed, concluding there were no breaches of hygiene at The Fat Duck. And, in the defense of the restaurant, it is very well known for the high quality food it serves and also its cleanliness. It has been given three stars by Michelin, and has received numbers awards and accolades.
The head chef, Heston Blumenthal, has also written a letter of apology to those patrons who fell ill and invited them—when the time is right—to come back and give the restaurant another go. He stated in the letter that, "It was deeply upsetting to all of us that your enjoyment of The Fat Duck was not as we had intended it to be, I would be delighted if you would consider returning to The Fat Duck at a time that is convenient to you."
So, on your next stop in London, I would strongly recommend visiting The Fat Duck. Although shellfish may no longer be available, nothing beats the powdered pigeon or jellied quail, capped -- before the check -- with a delectable serving of bacon and egg ice cream.
