The Amazing Raymond Blanc
Maz July 15th, 2011
Blanc started out life in the hospitality business as a waiter. He taught himself how to cook and his Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons (outside London in lovely Oxfordshire) has had 2 Michelin stars for 25 years. He now heads up an empire that includes various bistros, TV series, books and a cooking school. But Le Manoir is his focus and he has spent decades renovating the beautiful old buildings and gardens. He is dedicated to producing as much organic produce for the restaurant as possible and in summer has 10 gardeners. Le Manoir itself is set in acres of beautiful gardens and has 32 guestrooms.
Manoir Chef, Bruno, Francis, Me & Raymond Blanc
We had lunch there with Bruno and Catherine Loubet (Raymond Blanc was his mentor) and then stayed overnight. In Blanc’s own words he wants his guests to find perfection in food, comfort, service and welcome. It ticked all those boxes for us and is an experience we will remember for a long time. For more information about this amazing retreat: www.manoir.com