In a word delightful – they take care of you in a way that only places that cost lots of money can – but for a special occasion it is very special.

We arrived early on a frosty November morning and spent half an hour wandering around the beautiful gardens (see flickr for photos) – they grow much of produce served at the tables.

Inside in front on a roaring fire we supped champagne cocktails (I had a Framboise and my mum had a peche – both fruit coulis with Clariette du Die – a french sparkling wine). There were very nice small black and green olive and nuts with our drink and some perfect little appetizers. We were having the 3 course menu du jour – for £47 pounds. We all chose the same starter – the confit and parfait of foie gras served with a quince puree – it was fantastically good with a nice sized portion – not too stingy or too overwhelming – a delicious toasted brioche complimented very well. We chose to accompany this with a half bottle of Sauternes and this worked really well – I must do this next time. The bread and butter was really excellent as well and the setting lovely.

For mains me and my dad both chose the shoulder of pork on a celeriac choucroute – again wow – now I know Mr Blanc loves his pork from reading his books – I think he says that in his village in France the pig is almost worshippped. Superb intensity of flavour and texture with a lovely thin piece of crackling that was crunchy without risking damaging your teeth – tiny little turnips accompanied delightfully! My mum had the halibut and this seem very nice too. A nice bottle of white burgundy complimented very well but was served a little too cool initially.

My mum chose the chocolate pudding whilst me and my dad managed to switch dessert for the cheese board – which was really something special – we both got 6 lovely pieces including Maroilles and Roquefort and some other lovelies that I can’t remember – I had a nice glass of Noval port with.

Finally excellent coffee (slightly nutty) and petit fours.

So where do I put Manoir? in my list it has a got to be in the top three. I will ponder exactly where at a later date.