Business before pleasure

After the culinary frenzy that was Chez Young some weeks ago, with Mrs Y up to her elbows in seasonal ingredients garnered from hedgerows and shops, it seemed only right to treat ourselves to some relaxing foodie recompense, while, of course, continuing the Kent investigation.

So, we have been out and about on Sunday lunch jaunts ‑ in my case followed by a peaceful slump on the sofa with the papers. You may remember from a posting or twain ago, first off we took ourselves to the Three Mariners at Oare and splendid it was too. A menu in a Modern English idiom featuring a fine selection of Kent sourced fish, all taken with a glass or two of Sheps' finest elixirs.

Next up was The Sun in West Street. A menu out-and-proud about its Kent ingredients, explicitly telling punters the beef, lamb and fish were all from the county. Oddly enough the food here was also washed down with a glass or two of Sheps' finest ‑ is a theme beginning to emerge for you?.

The latest Sunday lunch out was at The Plough at Stalisfield, where my pork terrine starter was simply fab and we both had Seasalter salt-marsh lamb.

All three places featured an added bonus, pleasant, efficient and hard-working service from front-of-house teams mainly comprising local youngsters. Occasionally a bit ditsy I have to admit ("Excuse me, you seem to have forgotten the cheese and bix I ordered"), but totally compensated for by charm and enthusiasm.

Also, all three menus were well balanced and well-presented with clear explanations of what was what, avoiding impenetrable neo-Frenchisms. I have a lurking scepticism about English eating houses presenting their menus entirely in obtuse French. Generally speaking all it means is the bill is going to be 10% greater than if the menu had been written in English.

As the Young budget is not bottomless Sunday excursions have ended for some weeks, but if you have suggestions for other nosheries which feature local ingredients do let me know. I'll add them to my action list.