FOOD + DRINK
MON AMI BRASSERIE: A SUNDAY ROAST DONE RIGHT
MON AMI BRASSERIE IS A FAMILY-RUN SPOT FOUNDED BY THE TRELEWICZ FAMILY, WHO BRING MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE TO THE TABLE. THERE’ S A SUBTLE MEDITERRANEAN INFLUENCE ON THE MENU, BUT WHAT REALLY DEFINES THE RESTAURANT IS ITS WARM, GENEROUS SERVICE AND A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT MAKES A PROPER SUNDAY ROAST WORTH LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR. BY ADAM READY
There’ s something reassuring about a restaurant that knows exactly what it’ s doing and doesn’ t try to be anything else. Tucked along Sittingbourne High Street, Mon Ami Brasserie leans into its strengths. It’ s relaxed, welcoming and built around the kind of hospitality that turns a Sunday meal into a bit of an occasion.
We arrived as a slightly frazzled and very hungry family at the tail end of the weekend and stepped straight into a dining room in full swing. Tables were filled with families and couples. It felt busy but comfortable, the kind of atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
Starters arrived quickly, which is always a good sign. The caramelised goat’ s cheese salad stood out; sweet and balanced with peppery leaves, beetroot and walnuts, it was tied together with a well-judged dressing. The spicy meatballs were rich and warming, while the king prawn cocktail leaned into nostalgia in the best way; simple, classic and well executed, it proffered plump prawns and a creamy, slightly tangy sauce thanks to a welcome hit of lemon.
The mains were where things really settled into their stride. The roast beef was tender and properly rested, served with a crisp Yorkshire pudding and a thick, satisfyingly rich gravy. The half roast chicken was golden, with well-rendered skin sealing in the deep, savoury taste of the succulent meat, and the vegetarian Wellington was hearty, well-seasoned and flavourful.
Our roast potatoes were everything you would hope for- crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle, while the fresh vegetables still had some bite and colour, and a side of cauliflower cheese added a properly indulgent touch with its bubbling, golden top. A generous bowl of pigs in blankets did not last long and quickly became the centre of the table.
By the time dessert came around we didn’ t really need it, but that didn’ t stop us. A shared baklava was sticky, sweet and rich, while the kids happily polished off cheesecake and a chocolate fudge cake, which were both generous portions.
There is an honesty to the cooking at Mon Ami. Chef Mihaly Kallos seems to understand that what people really want is that familiar, comforting roast- the kind you compare everything else to- and he delivers it with consistency rather than fuss.
In a dining scene that often chases what’ s new, there is something refreshing about a place that simply focuses on getting the basics right. Mon Ami Brasserie knows its audience, looks after them well and serves food that does exactly what it should. Sometimes, that is more than enough.
monamibrasserie. co. uk monamibrasserie
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