1. British/International: Frog by Adam Handling



We started with a bang at Frog by Adam Handling.  It seemed appropriate to start this exercise with a truly international cuisine.  This was to celebrate my birthday and we got the expected blowout, having been several times since just after it opened, watching as Adam's reputation grew until achieving a Michelin star in 2022.  This is simply the best restaurant we know, anywhere.


We were treated to a tasting menu of spectacular courses (listed as seven but with many little treats between on the way, and an edible birthday candle at the end!).  You don't get a menu, just a map showing where in the British Isles the ingredients are sourced.  So each course is a surprise and presented in unusual and spectacular ways. I won't spoil the surprises therefore by describing the dishes, but the flavours and look are out of this world!  All washed down with their recommended wine pairings for each course, described with great enthusiasm by their young Welsh sommelier.  In fact all the staff are friendly and eager to explain - there is none of the stuffiness and formality I associate with top end restaurants, nor is the presentation so overblown that it gets in the way of appreciating the food.


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