Two sips in and I’m trying to figure out what that delicious flavor is. Three sips in and I realize I’ve made a pretty significant mistake.
As a vegetarian, I somehow completely missed the description on the menu which, on double checking, quite clearly states chorizo ​​- aka good old meat. Do I stop and spit it out in disgust?
No I don t want. For a penny, for a pound, I laugh at all. I have some morals, huh?
But it was actually reddish and I hadn’t experienced a smoky flavor in years, so I tried to get a hint of what a delicious ingredient it was during those first few bites. Sometimes I miss meat, I can’t deny that.
Am I sitting here feeling guilty now? I’m not. It was, after all, in crumbly form for a dressing on an extremely eye-catching bowl of scallops. And I doubt the scallop was too enamored of being caught and pan-fried more than the pig that contributed the chorizo.
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But I digress.
I’m sitting on the outdoor terrace of a modern, tastefully decorated bar and bistro right on the promenade in Westgate-on-Sea – a nice little place just outside Margate and usually best known for its fabulous old school cinema which comes with old school prices (£4 a ticket! ).
The weather is nice, the crowds are light (it’s a Wednesday afternoon) and I’m about to explore The St Mildred’s Bay restaurant.
I’m not here for the first time. I came not long after it opened in 2022 and was totally impressed with its snail service and such food.
It was disappointing because its location – just a few meters from the sandy beach – makes it one of the most picturesque in the county.
However, two years have passed and he has clearly pulled his socks up.
Within seconds of walking into its warm and inviting main indoor restaurant – with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Blue Flag Bay, from which the restaurant takes its name – we are greeted by friendly staff.
Given how hopeless the summer has been so far, it seems a shame not to sit outside on the rare occasion the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, so we take a seat at one of the massive, bolted-on wooden tables. of which sit under a row of giant parasols. Useful for people like me who don’t want to accidentally burn their bald spots.
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When we arrive we are the only ones there – within 30 minutes there are a bunch of others, including a big guy who was sitting with a dog almost as big as him. My dining companion and I quickly discuss what to do when the dog rages and attacks. We formulate a complete plan. Fortunately, such evasive action is not necessary and the dog does not look.
As with all restaurants these days, prices aren’t what they used to be. And I quite understand that. So instead of the ‘big plate’ bowl which cost around £18 we opted for the smaller one.
Cheaper. But not cheap.
I order the pan-seared scallops with cauliflower puree, grilled asparagus, chorizo ​​crumbles (you see, it couldn’t be more obvious), parsley oil, apple cider vinegar and micro herbs (tiny versions of your classics). It’s £12.50.
My companion opts for the calamari with garlic aioli and baby herbs for £9.50.
We’re not sure how ‘small’ their ‘small plates’ are, so order a side of large chips to share just in case. Steep for £5. And all washed down with two Diet Cokes (£2.60 each).
When the food arrives we are absolutely amazed by the presentation. The scallops – all three of them – sit in herbs and grilled asparagus and look as tasty as can be, despite being thin. Looking back at the photo of the dish, I’m surprised the chorizo ​​didn’t jump out at me. But there are more worries in life, right?
They taste divine as does every aspect of the dish (including that cheeky chorizo). And I try not to think about the fact that each scallop costs me about £4.
But this is a well-crafted dish; scallops light and full of flavor; herbs and asparagus melt in your mouth deliciously.
The calamari arrive, looking more spectacular – the whole fluffy batter like cotton candy. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as the scallop colors, but it looks good.
They are light and tasty, although the dish is, if fault is to be found, a little greasy. It is, of course, an oil-based sauce that accompanies fried food. But anyway.
As for the chunky chips – fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside – very nice.
The bill comes to just under £35.50 – which includes a 10% service charge. A well deserved tip as all the staff were friendly, helpful and quick – unlike my previous trip here.
Would I say it was good value though? Well, the food was undoubtedly good, but the price is steep in my opinion. It was a very light, albeit tasty lunch.
Charging a fiver for a small portion of chips – as nice as they are – is a tough sell, I believe. Mind you, they sold it to me, so what do I know? However, they can match the most expensive chips that Thanet – or Kent, for that matter – has to offer.
I suspect you’ll end up paying a premium for a first-class seat. But was it a pleasant experience? Yes, it was. Was the food good? Yes, it was. Would I come again? Probably yes, but I would probably save up for one larger dish.
Now let’s never talk about my mass assault.
Out of five:
Food: The menu offers a large selection and size of dishes. What we had was tasty and in the case of the mussels at least extremely well done and presented ****
Drink: Diet coke had sharp notes and light…no, just kidding…you know what it tastes like ****
Decoration: A very warm and welcoming indoor dining area and a well maintained outdoor terrace – it’s hard to beat *****
Personnel: Friendly and efficient as you would hope *****
Price: I would say it was a bit steep. And £5 for a small tub of chips pushes profit margins to the extreme, even in these trying times ***