insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 115

“Entente Cordial” in Cannes, but has also honed his skills, talent and passion for modern British cooking working in Michelin star kitchens, under Tom Kerridge at The Hand and Flowers and Stephen Harris at The Sportsman. Joining him is Robert Mantegna, who has worked in some of Kent’s finest dining establishments (Reads in Faversham, Chapter One, The Sportsman and Eastwell Manor), and Tom Dawson (Marquis at Alkham, Wallets Court, The Lodge at Prince’s and The Ambrette) who has been a committed member of The Dog team since day one. The menu fit for a queen (McClurkin has also worked multiple times at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace to serve the royal family including The Queen herself!), typically consists of six starters, six mains and six desserts - including a cheeseboard; as well as daily seasonal specials, and an inspired vegan offering (24 hours notice required for dietary requirements). The experience and flavour influences of the kitchen trio is evident throughout the menu; hints of spices and curry warmth, delicate pasta with rich sauces, and inspired execution of fine ingredients to create stunningly presented dishes. My guest opted for the lobster raviolo, with the most delicious, flavoursome bisque espuma and buttered leeks. My autumnal choice? The corn-fed chicken and cêpe terrine; delicate layers of chicken and mushrooms with autumn black truffle, served with crispy skin and girolle. arrival, three-course à la carte dinner, overnight stay in a luxuriously unique room and an amazingly hearty breakfast in the morning. Mains delivered the barbequed Morrocan spiced lamb rump; packed with flavour and hints of spice served with chickpea puree, black quinoa and feta, and my own 280g rib-eye steak, with a herby garlic butter and keep-your-hands-off triple cooked chips with truffle and Parmesan - just devine! And then to pudding! From bavarois to souffles, panna cotta to cake, every option offers a dessert triumph! Our own plates delivered the gentle wobble of the sharp lemon and raspberry panna cotta; with verbena ice-cream and glorious homemade shortbread, and the exquisite hazelnut and chocolate delice with bitter chocolate crumb and sweet strawberry sorbet, both of which were swiftly devoured. As the dining room emptied we were able to take a cosy seat in the bar for a much deserved digestif (and possibly as we were more than a little in awe of the gin bar….). We’ll learn for next time to book a room and make a proper night of it, complete with a hearty breakfast in the morning! The Dog at Wingham offers a variety of special dinner, bed & breakfast packages from just £149 per person, including a complimentary drink on The Dog at Wingham Canterbury Road Wingham Nr Canterbury Kent CT3 1BB 01227 720 339 [email protected] www.thedog.co.uk dogwingham thedogatwingham dogwingham 115