Happy 2020! Now that Christmas is over, we thought things at the Ambrette would calm down, but no, it’s been the complete opposite. During the last week of January we are celebrating our 10th birthday, with 4 nights of a 10-course tasting menu in both Margate and Canterbury. Taking a selection of Dev’s favourite dishes from the last decade, he has created an incredible tasting journey including such dishes as Sesame and Onion Seeds coated Scallops, Crab rice, Kerala Coconut sauce and Duck with Potato Puree, Garlic and Orange Sauce. We also have a new concept, Indian Tapas. The menu is made up of elements from our A La Carte and set menus, but served as small, sharing plates, light and quick to serve, perfect for business lunches or a light lunch.
We had a hugely successful and busy December so I did not manage to get out and about much, more, grab and go and stay plotted! However, I still found time to help some old friends in their fabulous vintage shop, Valentines of Whitstable. They always seem slightly bemused by my enthusiasm to work on my day off, however, there is ulterior motive, Grain and Hearth! This amazing artisan bakery and café specialises in sourdough and vennoiserie (bridge between bakery and patisserie). Hidden behind double gates on the High St. is a delightful patio and bakery, the range of mouth-watering pastries, sandwiches and bread makes choosing very difficult. Thank fully there is always a queue, but still the choice is too much and I tend to end up with a savoury and sweet option. Their cruffins are incredible, filled with different cream patisserie fillings, but my top choice is their BLT! It’s simply divine, the bread is so soft and fresh, the bacon cured to perfection, topped with tasty toms, crisp lettuce and then the most perfect, creamy, mayonnaise!
Another bakery to add a café is The Wild Bread Company in Faversham, they have re-located to Sidlings Close off Jubilee Way. You will find another wonderful selection of breads, coffee and such savoury delights as Spiced Red Lentil Dal served on sourdough plus an ever changing sandwich option. As with many artisan bakeries they are offering bakery courses to pass on their knowledge, tips and ingredients to take home with you and there can be nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread in your own kitchen.
Last weekend on a cold, grey Sunday I headed to delightful Deal and thankfully we stumbled into The Kings Head on the sea front. It’s a proper pub; intimate, cosy, warm, with a great selection of beers, wines and traditional pub grub! We jumped onto the 1st table to become available and I dived into a fish pie. It was full of fresh fish, topped with creamy, buttery mash, obviously freshly made. My lot opted for the sweet potato and spinach curry and a roast. The menu is no nonsense, well cooked, large portions of delicious food. It was that good, we are returning this weekend for another Deal Day!
My last mention goes out to my new craze of podcasts, including my favourite ‘Off Menu’. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Ancaster interview such guests as Jay Rayner, Serge from Kasabian, Joe Lycett to name a few (there has been 42 guests so far) They must choose their favourite starter, mains and dessert. It’s hilarious, with huge deviance from the supposed structure of the Podcast! It’s a LOL and brilliant concept for any foodie, well worth a listen.
Rear Store, 50-52 Oxford Street Whitstable, Kent CT5 1DG
Unit 1C, Sidings Cl, Jubilee Way, Faversham ME13 8GE
9 Beach Street,
Deal, Kent
CT14 7AH
The Kent Foodie
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