FOOD + DRINK
THE FOOD ISSUE
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD . IN THIS BOUNTIFUL COUNTY OF OURS WE ’ RE LUCKY FOR SO MANY REASONS ; NOT ONLY BECAUSE EVERY TERRAIN FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE TO THE COAST IS SO ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT , AND THAT WITHIN THAT THERE ’ S SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO , BUT LUCKIER STILL BECAUSE THE COMPLEMENTARY CLIMATE AND SOIL , WORKING IN TUNE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK HERE , COMBINE TO BECOME CULINARY WIZARDRY , PRODUCING THE FRESHEST , MOST GRATIFYING PRODUCE FOR OUR DINNER TABLES AND BEYOND . FROM THE JUICIEST OF FRUITS AND CRISPEST VEGETABLES TO TOP-TIER MEAT AND AWARD-WINNING WINE , KENT HAS GOT IT ALL .
We all know food is essential to our wellbeing – yes , it sustains us and helps our bodies function daily , but that doesn ’ t mean our diets have to be bland , basic or boring , which is something Kentish food producers seem to understand better than anyone else . The more exciting and imaginative food is , the more diners want to really understand , appreciate and enjoy it .
Food , therefore , has become an art form , and this county ’ s growers , makers , restaurateurs and producers are artists in their own right . Beautiful displays of brightly coloured fruit and veg entice us to taste – and buy – at farmers ’ markets ; delicatessens overflow with salads , cheeses and charcuterie to be excitedly unwrapped and devoured at home ; and mouth-watering butchery forms the foundations of so many tempting restaurant plates whose chefs combine all of this food sorcery to offer up the most spectacular meals .
Remind yourself that wherever you are and whatever you ’ re eating and drinking in this magical county of ours – The Garden of England , no less – that there ’ s been some serious hard work behind it ; it ’ ll make you appreciate its value , beauty and wonderful taste just that little bit more .
69