insideKENT Magazine Restaurant Guide 2014 | Page 16

THE AMBRETTE With awards and national press accolades galore plus listings in every major restaurant guide, The Ambrette in Margate’s old town is something of a Thanet institution. Chef patron Dev Biswal’s unique culinary style draws gastro tourists from far a?eld and is widely cited as one of the key factors in helping revive the economic fortunes of the area. A second opening just across the county border in Rye in the White Vine House (holder of 5 AA stars in the ‘restaurant with rooms’ category), is proving equally popular. Deft spicing, exquisite marinades and ?rst rate service mean that booking is essential for both lunch and dinner throughout the week. Yet prices are surprisingly modest with the three-course £20 lunch menu offering exceptional value. tender breasts of wood pigeon or Gressingham duck) combined with other more exotic fare such as water buffalo, ?llet of claresse cat?sh or zebra. Dev is a popular ?gure around Thanet, regularly giving cooking demos at farm shops and food festivals, running master classes and judging competitions at local schools and colleges. Sunday nights at the restaurants are often given over to special gourmet nights, sometimes with matched wines or even whiskies, occasionally to musical accompaniment. From the molecular school of gastronomy, Dev still ?nds time to devote to R&D, experimenting with new food combinations. The cooking style is about creating ?avour af?nities with different textures and tastes to combat ‘?avour fatigue.’ Each dish is a piece of visual, as well as culinary, art. Although invariably described a ?ne dining Indian establishment, do not expect to ?nd curry house staples on the menu. Ingredients with high sulphite content such as onion, garlic and ginger are avoided. The Ambrette Restaurant 44 King Street, Margate CT9 1QE 01843 231504 & White Vine House, 24 High Street, Rye TN31 7JF 01797 222043 info@theambrette.co.uk www.theambrette.co.uk The restaurants are named after the Indian ?ower known for its culinary and aphrodisiac properties. Indeed, given 24-hours notice, the kitchen will even prepare a special seven-course aphrodisiac tasting menu featuring an array of carefully crafted dishes known for their positive effect on the libido. @The_Ambrette /ambretterestaurant The eclectic menu changes regularly and draws on locally sourced ingredients (English Channel sardine, - 16 -