An Aston Martin DB6 and Raymond Blanc's cooking all the on the same day, things don't get much better than that. So lets do this in order. Firstly the DB6. I've always been a big fan of the Touring of Milan bodied DB's cars so when this kind gentleman gave me the keys to the 1965 silver with red leather example in the photos I was a bit nervous. First thing that strikes you is how big they are, the bonnet seems to stretch all the way to the horizon and you also sit with about as much car in front of you as you do behind. The second picture shows how narrow it is compared to a new DB7 (it was lucky coincidence that someone had a DB7 at the Le Manoir for comparison) which makes for some interesting handling. But it isn't until you drive a car this old that you realise how lazy modern cars have made us, the brakes mean you have to give yourselves about twice to three times the space to slow down and cornering is a more sedate affair. Despite this it's a fabulous car to drive, the 4.0 litre straight six making the most amazing rumble that drops a couple of octaves when you floor the go pedal. And the looks...stunning! Few cars have every looked this good and I'm guessing none ever will, it borders on automotive art. I haven't and probably never will drive such a beautiful car again. Luckily for us Raymond Blanc was in that evening cooking at Le Manoir, Mrs C and I spotted him in his chef whites touring the vegetable and herb garden. The hotel is superb and the sevice excellent just as you'd expect. But as great as the room and the service is what you come for is the food and that was simply amazing, those two Michelin Stars Monsieur Blanc has had for the last nine years means this is the culinary premier league. Probably you'd expect it to be fussy, but it wasn't. Yes there's a few things on the menu that the meat and two veg crowd might find a little too 'avant garde' but if you're willing to be a lttle more adventurous then it's a foodie version of heaven. We had the seven course fixed 'Menu Gourmand' which gives you a chance to try a lot of different small dishes. The wine menu needs a mention because it's bewildering in it's choice, every decent wine growing regoin in the world was mentioned but as you can imagine the bias is towards France. Besides a good French wine is still in a league of it's own. The final word has to go for Mrs C for organising such a fabulous few days to celebrate my forthcoming birthday milestone. I really am a lucky chap.