While from the mainstream perspective, Gordon Ramsay is best known for his fiery television shows and international hospitality group, the real star of the British chef’s portfolio is Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: An intimate restaurant in a quiet corner of London that, in its 25 years, has held the maximum of three Michelin stars for 22.
In celebration of his flagship restaurant’s 25th anniversary, and the many achievements and accolades that have come in between, Ramsay has released A Story of Excellence – a one-of-a-kind tome that offers a behind-the-scenes insight into the Gordon Ramsay world, written in collaboration with his long-term chef patron, Matt Abé.
Following his training with some of the world’s most legendary chefs, including Albert Roux, Marco Pierre White and Joël Robuchon, Ramsay boldly went it alone, convincing his wife Tana to sell their home to fund his first wholly-owned, namesake restaurant.
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Restaurant Gordon Ramsay opened on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, London, in 1998 and by 2001, had earned three Michelin stars for its lighter take on classic British dishes. For all the commentary that now runs alongside the guide, three stars still acts as one of the most respected measures of fine dining today.
As Ramsay himself writes in A Story of Excellence: “Among chefs, The Michelin Guide has always been the ultimate benchmark of recognition … Three Michelin stars are rarer than hen’s teeth, requiring individuality, consistency and utter perfection at every step. They indicate that a restaurant, wherever it may be in the world, has achieved the pinnacle of excellence.”
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Celebrated with a special lunch and book launch hosted by Ramsay himself – whose real-life character is far more friendly than the television version would have you believe – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay’s 25-year milestone becomes even more remarkable when you consider the number of great restaurants in London and beyond that have shuttered their doors in recent years, not least Michele Roux Jr.’s La Gavroche, which Ramsay fondly referred to in his welcoming speech.
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Ramsay’s latest title offers a unique glimpse into not only his journey over the past 25 years with personal tales and reminisces, but also a series of signature recipes developed in partnership with Abé, including the famous lobster ravioli which has been on the menu from day dot.
It is by no means a recipe book (attempting most of the instructions would take days and more equipment than a single person would even know where to purchase); instead, it reads as an homage to the dedication and skill it takes to run and uphold a restaurant of this caliber for so many years.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: A Story of Excellence, $75, hodder.co.uk
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