insideKENT Magazine Issue 79 - October 2018 | Page 128

FOOD+DRINK
New Kid on the Block:
MARCO PIERRE WHITE
STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL, FOLKESTONE
WHENEVER A NEW RESTAURANT POPS UP IN FOLKESTONE, MY MIND GOES THROUGH
THE SAME PROCESS: WOO, FOLKESTONE! THIS WILL BE GREAT FOR THE TOWN…I
MEAN, MY BELLY. DO THEY HAVE A NICE DRINKS MENU? SOMETHING CHOCOLATE
FOR DESSERT? I MEAN, YES, THIS WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE FOLKESTONE
DINING SCENE (AND MY BELLY). by Donna Martin
I’m a bit selfish when it comes to food – it
might be my very favourite thing in the
whole wide world (apolgies to my children).
So when a new eatery opens its doors close
to home, I have a hard time not thinking of
myself and what it will do for my tastebuds. the 8oz grilled centre cut fillet, and when I
first stuck my fork into that glorious hunk of
melt-in-my-mouth meat, I knew it would be
the highlight. You just know, don’t you?
When you can almost cut a fillet with your
fork, it’s write-home-about material.
When I got word that there would be a new
steakhouse on the block – and not just any
steakhouse, but an MPW Steakhouse – I was
chomping at the bit to get in there and sink
my fork into what was on offer. I ate as slowly as I could manage, savouring
every bite, almost ignoring my sides of
French beans with toasted almonds, and
crispy triple cooked chips (which were
fabulous by the way, just trumped by my
steak).
Unassuming from the outside, the MPW
Steakhouse is tucked inside the Clifton
Hotel across from The Leas, and has a
contemporary, minimalistic interior with
clean white tablecloths, dark navy walls and
simple decorations. Nothing overly fancy –
the steaks are the focal point here.
We visited on a Thursday evening, and it
was packed, which is usually a good sign
(especially on a weeknight). There was a
nice buzz about it – friendly staff, friendlier
diners – an all around a good vibe.
Now, back to the subject at hand: steak. The
steaks at MPW are spectacular. Although our
starters of baked Camembert with fresh
herbs, and seared sea scallops with black
pudding were delicious, our steaks were the
stars of the show. I went all out and ordered
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My fellow diner opted for the 10oz grilled
35-day aged ribeye, and what can I say?
Exactly what you think I’m going to say: it
was perfect – exactly what you’d hope for in
a steakhouse ribeye – gorgeous marbling,
flavourful and tender. The sides of creamed
cabbage and pancetta, and baked macaroni
cheese (yum), were just the right
companions.
If you’re not a steak lover, don’t fret; there are
plenty of options that will tickle your fancy,
like the poached pear and Alex James’ Blue
Monday salad with endive, walnut vinaigrette
and extra virgin olive oil; or the confit duck
leg à la Parisienne with Béarnaise sauce,
pommes frites, salade verte and truffle
dressing.
The menu is exclusively curated by Marco
himself, so you know you’re in for a treat.
The British and French influences are
immediately apparent, and right on form,
Marco mixes the two beautifully. As the MPW
website says: “Marco’s ethos is all about
classic dishes, simply cooked using the best
locally sourced ingredients.” In this case,
classic, simple and local = a damn fine meal.
Thankfully, this new addition to the local
dining scene is not only a great thing for
Folkestone, but I can firmly say it met the
expectations of my selfish appetite for good
food. And yes, they do have a nice drinks
menu and something chocolate for dessert.
I will definitely be back.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
The Clifton Hotel
1-6 Clifton Gardens
Folkestone
CT20 2EB
01303 251107
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