insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 35

FOOD+DRINK ROMANCE is in the air Food and romance have had a long history together, coupling up cosily for dates, anniversaries, special occasions, and 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 – love can actually be tasted. But what is better than cooking food for someone you love? Going out to a romantic restaurant with them, of course. And Kent has more than its fair share of places to enjoy a bit of alone time – just you, your partner, and some fantastic food. Rocksalt Rocksalt, Folkestone There’s something about listening to the waves of the sea that makes any dinner for two instantly more romantic. And thanks to the gorgeous terrace that Rocksalt is so rightly proud of, you and your loved one can sit in the open air and enjoy that sound, as well as stunning views. Even if the weather and the season aren’t conducive to a meal outside, the interior of this restaurant and bar has lovely low lighting and exquisite décor. With a wide range of cocktails, locally sourced ingredients (that make dishes such as apple cured Rye Bay scallops with celery and fennel and whole Dover sole grilled with hollandaise or pan-fried with brown caper butter), and rooms for an overnight stay, Rocksalt has romance in hand. www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk Five Bells Inn, Brabourne The Five Bells Inn is special. There is romance seemingly built into the brickwork, letting anyone who enters know that this is a place that they can relax in, indulge in, and enjoy. Candlelit dinners for two are a specialty here, and the food is ambitious, delicious and locally sourced wherever possible. Examples of the food on offer at the Five Bells Inn include minted lamb chops with chargrilled vegetables, sweet potato chips, and a yoghurt, spring onion and coriander salad; the Five Bells fish platter; and the intriguing and delectable chocolate indulgence. But you can stay for more than dinner at this wonderful, rustic, romantic restaurant and pub. There are rooms for an overnight stay which – with large, freestanding copper baths and open fires, and the chance to come down to breakfast and the smell of freshly baked bread – make any occasion all that more special. www.fivebellsinnbrabourne.com 35 Amici, Ashford Ashford’s Amici is a family-run Italian restaurant that offers its diners authentic tastes from all across Italy. The chefs are both Italian, and the restaurant itself is cosy and intimate, offering a romantic place to eat where all you need to think about is each other – and what food you might want to choose. The choice is a great one, and everything is fresh and cooked with passion. Try the arancini al salmone affumicato (homemade Sicilian smoked salmon and peas with rice balls and an arrabbiata sauce on the side); the linguine all’astice e gamberoni (lobster and king prawn linguine with tomato, chilli, garlic, and lobster bisque); or even the risotto frutti di mare (carnaroli rice with tiger prawns, calamari, mussels, clams, garlic, chilli and cherry tomatoes flavoured with Sardinian saffron in a tomato based sauce). www.amici-ashford.co.uk