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Posts Tagged ‘access’

Sky-High Dining

Friday, October 30th, 2009

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Starting off in Belgium, Dinner In The Sky, which offers fine dining 50 metres above the ground, is gathering a global reputation. These elevated experiences have taken place in such eclectic locations such as the cathedral of Notre Dame in Amiens and during a fireworks display in the centre of Helsinki. For GBP 8000 for an eight hour hire it certainly isn’t a cheap experience, but nevertheless one that will not be forgotten. The reputation of this bizarre idea is being further enhanced by the involvement of world renowned chefs, including Pierre Gagnaire, who has taken to the skies to produce his Michelin-starred food in conditions that even the hardiest chef would find challenging. Up to twenty-two guests can fit around the suspended table which comes complete with waiters, chefs- who prepare the food in front of you during the flight- and there is even the option of having a second platform for extra entertainment if you need some distraction from the terrifying drop beneath.

www.dinnerinthesky.com

Britain’s oldest museum is relaunched for the 21st century

Friday, October 30th, 2009

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The world famous Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is set to reopen on November 7th after nearly a year of renovations. The neo-classical façade of the building remains unchanged whilst inside, the GBP 61 million refurbishment by architect Rick Mather has doubled the available display space. The new layout has been brought completely up to date, and a new exhibition entitled ‘Crossing Cultures, Crossing Time’, emphasises the shared histories of different civilisations and regions of the world rather than highlighting the differences as was traditionally favoured. The faintly stuffy atmosphere of old has been replaced by a truly 21st century innovation.

Of the many stunning new displays, one of the most exciting features Lawrence of Arabia’s robes which can now be shown due to the state of the art environment control system in place. The reopening of the museum also sees the opening of the city’s first rooftop restaurant, which will offer panoramic views of the dreaming spires.

Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1
www.ashmolean.org/

See Venice and die, go to the Met and live

Friday, October 30th, 2009

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Cuisine in Venice tends towards the predictable; hideously expensive, formal and often somewhat prosaic. Therefore, it comes as a pleasure to head somewhere as ambitious and successful as the Met restaurant, where the chef, Corrado Fasolato, has used his El Bulli training to great effect.

Dishes play on traditional ideas of Italian cuisine with wit and intelligence, whether it involves using cuttlefish strips in spaghetti to create carbonara, or serving up beef cheek with horseradish ice cream. Fasolato’s cooking is never heavy with self-importance or pomposity, but instead ensures that a variety of tastes and sensations jostle with one another for effect. The service is charming and polite, ever-ready to suggest a variety of options, such as pairing dessert with some excellent rum, rather than the omnipresent vin de santo, and mention must be made of the spectacular room, which elegantly combines Renaissance portraiture with modern comforts. One of only two Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, its acclaim amongst gastronomes in the know can only increase.

Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice 30122, Italy. www.hotelmetropole.com