Truffles
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Truffles, including truffles in my blog, and truffles talk in Folkestone.
Venues:
Italian? 3.38 restaurant food vegetarian italian pizza pasta :: [comment] :: [delete]
Not been yet, have enjoyed this restaurant in its previous incarnations at this same location though, that's probably what the stars are for...
Rate Italian?
Blog / forum etc:
Aug27
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I haven't written one of these reviews for a while and, to be honest, I wondered whether I ever would again. There are only so many times you can be bothered to write something about crap food served by people who don't give a damn about good food or customer service. And, anyway, every time I did write a review of a place I loved it always closed down shortly afterwards.............
Well, it gives me great pleasure to say that Sandbanks is truly stunning. I don't mind admitting that J and I were nervous. The East Cliff Pavilion will be well known to most Folkestoners, probably most famous as a place you came to for tea and cake with your gran on damp March Sunday afternoons. It wasn't, with the greatest of respect, known for its culinary expertise. But, once we got there, we couldn't have been more reassured. Its had a facelift and a redesign inside. The new restaurant and its stylish separate bar area have their own entrance, away from the function rooms at the back of the building. Even if there
were a wedding going on, you would have no idea from the restaurant or bar. The room itself is large, airy, elegantly decorated and with great views out across the channel and harbour.
But all of that is a bonus. What makes this place really special is the food. Its modern british, with a bit of french and italian thrown in as well and its classy. No surprise really when you discover the head chef is Chris, previously from the legendary Truffles in Hythe (now sadly gone and much missed). Locally sourced produce, particularly meat and fish, are transformed into dishes that are simply a level above the competition in Folkestone, Hythe etc. We both had the carpaccio of beef to start and it managed to be both light and gutsy. My main course of turbot with risotto and bacon foam was one of the nicest things I have eaten and J's rack of lamb proved what an interesting but great combination that lamb and black pudding can make. The desserts were pretty special as well. For the gluttonous or simply indecisive, we can heartily recommend the assiette, which is a combination of miniature versions of all of the desserts on the menu - the chocolate teardrop (which I am sure I remember as a Truffles' highlight) is to die for.
Unlike a lot of restaurants, the food isn't let down by a mediocre wine list. There is something for everyone here and a lot of thought has clearly gone in to trying to find interesting wine at a reasonable price that matches the food. For those with even more refined palates and deeper pockets, I understand that there is going to be a "reserve" wine list coming very soon which will feature an even greater selection of special wines for those that are interested. Sounds great.
I cannot speak too highly of this place. Iain, the general manager and Moira, the functions manager, have created an exciting environment and with the proven talents of the head chef Chris, it deserves to do really well. If you are thinking of eating out, just give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Folkestone has waited far too long for a restaurant that is really special. I really hope that people will take the opportunity to support this place and keep it going.
Dominic.
2008 :: Comment / reply
Aug2
From my recent blog posting:
Friday night we had our proper birthday night out, taken out for a meal by Clare's bro and fiance to Truffles. I was a bit apprehensive, as we'd checked out the menu when it first opened (it used to be Panchos and La Bamba) and there was nothing for me, and I'm not usually the type to say "just make me something". Someone else was booking, so they did, and it was FANTASTIC. Shame to not see it busier in there, I don't understand it not being packed to the rafters, I heartily recommend it.
As I say, I wasn't sure about this place beforehand, seeing nothing on the menu at first glance I discounted it. However, the menu has changed since we first looked, and there were a few options to tempt me - throw into the mix the guarantee they'd sort something out for me and I was ready to go.
I'll run through my meal first, as this was the top priority for me, but everyone elses (non vegan) meal looked great too.
My starter was leak and potato soup, though it tasted far more exciting than that might sound. There was an exciting extra taste in the soup, something a bit lively, which gave me the fear that it might be BACON or something, but I am assured everything was good for me to eat. Presentation was excellent. Other starters included scallops in prosciutto, and pigeon breasts in something or other.
My main was butternut squash and othe vegetables in some fabulous flavourings or other - I think it was a bit curried - all wrapped in a "pancake" (more like a tortilla). Pud would have been just fruit, but I went for a glass of Sauterne instead, should have had it with something really.
Price; who knows. We had nearly a bottle of wine each and it came to about thirty-five pounds a head I think, but it was a birthday present so I didn't get too close to the bill.
Heartily recommended!
2006 :: Comment / reply
Jun5
Pictures
The curse of me strikes again, a good reliable Mexican restaurant La Bamba has closed, and is reopening soon as something called Truffles. No idea what kind of food yet, sounds French or Italian though.
2005 :: Comment / reply
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