FOOD + DRINK
The Curlew, Bodiam
The Gingerman Restaurant, Brighton
La Locanda del Duca, Eastbourne
Romantic Restaurants
IN SUSSEX
Food and romance have long shared a unified history, coupling up cosily for dates, anniversaries, special occasions, and, well, just because. The term‘ made with love’ has never been more apt than when linked to gorgeous food and studies show that dishes made for and by a loved one actually taste better to those for whom they are intended; it seems love can actually be tasted.
But, what’ s even better than cooking food for someone you love? Going out to a romantic restaurant with them, of course. Sussex has more than its fair share of places to indulge in a bit of gastronomic alone time – just you, your partner, and some fantastic food.
The Curlew, Bodiam www. thecurlewrestaurant. co. uk
Once upon a time, The Curlew was a coaching inn, and was a particularly unromantic place where weary travelers would stop for the night on their way to and from London. But times have changed, and what was once a pretty, but purely functional establishment has now become one of the most romantic places to eat in Sussex. The Curlew sits neatly amidst some of Sussex’ s major towns including Hastings and Brighton, and it is close to the atmospheric and really rather lovely Bodiam Castle. Combine this sense of history and setting with a menu that consists of local delights such as wood pigeon with salt baked beetroot and pistachio; stone bass with burnt cauliflower, parmesan gnocchi and roast chicken; and the most decadent treacle tart you’ ll have tasted, and The Curlew has all of the ingredients for a romantic meal out.
The Gingerman Restaurant, Brighton www. gingermanrestaurant. com
The Gingerman Restaurant in Brighton’ s Norfolk Square is intimate and cosy. It’ s the ideal place for a couple to enjoy an evening out together. The food here is uncomplicated and locally sourced; created by a chef that understands that food needs to taste as good as it looks. Divine dishes include ballotine of rabbit with a duck liver parfait and poppy seed cookie; monkfish with purple potatoes, leek puree, Jerusalem artichoke and a red wine sauce; and blueberry parfait with lemongrass ice cream, pain d’ epice and a coconut crisp. The Gingerman is the kind of place where a romantic ambience is encouraged through soft lighting and atmosphere – and it’ s exactly where you should head for a midweek date night.
La Locanda del Duca, Eastbourne www. la-locanda-del-duca. com
Although perhaps not much to look at from the outside, La Locanda del Duca is a hidden gem and proof that you shouldn’ t judge a book by its cover. This authentic Italian restaurant offers an enchanting place for lovers to be together in comfort, serving fantastic food and offering some of the most memorable dishes you could ask for – and for all the right reasons. Traditional, fresh Italian fare served up in this Eastbourne restaurant include gamberi con salsa piccante- king prawns deep fried in a light batter with chives and lemon zest and tossed in a spicy tomato sauce and chilli caramel; fegato alla griglia con pancetta- calves liver grilled to order with thin slices of Italian dry cured bacon; and bigné al cioccolato- indulgent profiteroles filled with chocolate patissiere and topped with chocolate sauce. Bliss.
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