FOOD + DRINK
THE Food ISSUE
“ One cannot think well , love well , sleep well , if one has not dined well .” VIRGINIA WOOLF , ENGLISH WRITER
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 awe-inspiring to look at , and also offers 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 create 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 mouthwatering 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 that there ’ s been some serious hard work behind it ; it ’ ll make you appreciate its value , beauty and wonderful flavour just that little bit more .
THE FERRY HOUSE www . insidekent . co . uk • 63