insideKENT Magazine Issue 86 - May 2019 | Page 69

FOOD+DRINK FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD WE NEED FOOD TO SURVIVE, BUT IT’S NOT SOMETHING WE REALLY WANT TO THINK ABOUT, IS IT? WE WANT TO THINK ABOUT HOW IT TASTES, HOW IT LOOKS, HOW IT SMELLS… WE WANT TO ENJOY HOW IT MAKES US FEEL, AND WHAT MAKES IT SUCH AN EXCITING, SENSUOUS, EXHILARATING PART OF LIFE. In Kent, we are treated more often than not to this exciting form of food enjoyment. With all the gor geous local produce we have and all the exceptionally talented chefs in the county turning that produce into dishes that tingle on the taste buds and delight the diet in all kinds of ways, we are incredibly lucky. The Garden of England could w ell be r enamed the Allotment of England since it seems to be the ideal place to grow so many fantastic forms of fruit and veg. Then there is the fish caught just off the coast, the meat reared in our fields and how could we forget the beer, wine and spirits that are not only made here, but the ingredients grown in our vineyards and hop gardens? Let’s take a look a t the amazing things w e can do with food in Kent to make us forget that it’s all about survival and remind us how wonderful it can be. 69