Speculation is growing about a celebrity chef opening a fish restaurant in the harbour. A Facebook user announced to his Facebook friends that Marco Pierre White was in Folkestone on Wednesday checking out premises at the harbour. He was also seen in the area later in the week.

Keith Holland from Googies Art Cafe (Rendezvous Street) started the conversation by saying “Marco Pierre White opening a fish restaurant in Folkestone Harbour….good or bad? Discuss”

Keiths announcement created a very interesting mixed and lively Facebook conversation with many points being put forward - including:

Sharon Manning said “This type of elite restaurant is good for the middle classes with the money but may alienate those on a lower income - we need to do more to involve these people, not alienate them more.”

Another female FaceBooker said “Good to hear this. Marco is a popular big name, it would be good for Folkestone to have a celeb chef restaurant here.”

Stewart Hollyhead said “change is inevitable if you want to regenerate an area, you can’t handpick what aspects of that change you want or don’t want. If you want a fast train to London and a theatre then you are probably going to get a MPW opening a restaurant in replacement of a rundown bar. Just speaking as someone who has lived through three regenerations. I live in the harbour area and its quite empty all the time and could welcome a boost of visitors by a new restaurant. This is a great thing to happen, and will bring more people to the harbour area - hopefully will bring more big names to the area too.”

Sharron responded again with “gentrification is not always a positive thing it has made Whitstable Camden on sea and made the sense of disadvantage and alienatation worse for those who were already struggling while the middle classes embraced expensive coffee, art and deli culture and their London bretherin paying silly price for property….Folkestone struggles already with this problem I would like to see us creating local employment and projects …”

Steve Thompson said “Bringing more affluent people into town benefits those at the lower end of the social ladder we need an influx of disposable income to help kick start the regen program. Having a signature restaurant in the harbour will attract mid market places to the area too. Keeping it as it is will only lead to a further downward spiral. This is a good thing.”

Jason Martin who joined the conversation said:

“Why do people always think we should have one or the other…..I agree with Stewart….let’s have both…..Folkestone’s diversity is part of its charm, and we need facilities and infrastructure that meets the needs of everyone. One thing we should all agree on is that Folkestone requires more disposable income being spent locally, and from the sound of things there are a lot of social entrepreneurs that should be setting up things where they can spend it. Call in for advice!!”

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We held our annual dinner at the Gurkha Palace (nepalese restaurant), I think that is the third year in a row we have been there now. About 60 people all dressed up to the nines and expectation of having a great night.

As always the meal was superb and although there was a full house the wait time between courses was minimal in fact there didnt seem to be a wait time at all, what with eating and chatting and drinking it all flowed really well.

Kishor, the owner, watches over the proceedings to ensure everything runs smoothly and the waiters are the perfect mix of unobtrusive and attentive, and when we needed more wine or bottled water or whatever it was provided quickly.

We had for Starters

1. Chhoila - Barbecued chicken diced into pieces mixed with green herbs and mustard oil served cold.
2. Sekuwa - Tender cubes of lamb marinated in Highlander spices sauce, chargrilled and served with capsicum, tomatoes and onions
3. Momo - Warm chicken dumplings entirely cooked by steam and served with chutney.
4. Alu Chops - Deep fried cakes - a divine fusion of mash potatoes and exotic herbs.

Main Course

1. Kukhura Ko Maso - Tender pieces of chicken cooked in onion, tomato, ginger, garlic with a touch of ground spices and garnished with fresh coriander
2. Khasi Ko Masu - Nepalese style lamb curry.
3. Jhinge Curry Shrimps - cooked in mild caramelized onion and mild spieces.
4. Rato Kukhura Chicken - cooked with coconut milk, tomato sauce, nuts and Nepalese spices in tikka masala style.
Vegetables
1. Mis Mas Tarkari - Assorted fresh vegetables cooked with mild exotic green herbs and spices.
2. Alu Jeera - diced potatoes fried with cumin

By the bottle red and white wine started at £10.50 which is pretty good compared with average restaurant prices.

The Gurkha Palace

97 Enbrook (Golden) Valley, Sandgate,
Folkestone,
Kent, CT20 3NE

Tel : 01303 257700

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The Lighthouse Restaurant at Capel has a new manager. We have eaten at the Lighthouse a couple of times recently and had their Sunday Lunch Carvery. There is usually a choice of three meats and if you fancy a piece of each the Chef is happy to oblige. The selection of vegetables is excellent and also benefits from a choice of sauces.

The Carvery costs just £8.95 pp with drinks extra. I was tempted once to add a bottle of wine but on checking the prices decided that almost £15 for a bottle of Cote de Rhone was a bit much.

The food though, is superb and good value.

Dick Pascoe

I was invited to the opening of Momo House on Tontine Street yesterday evening and what a pleasure it was. This new Nepalese restaurant does not pander to the British palette sticking to original Nepalese dishes untouched to satisfy the western palette.

The owners are very hospitable and friendly. One can order the whole menu for a mere £60.00 The food comes out in Tapas style dishes which makes it great for sharing. A group of 4 can eat out for £15.00 a head.

Another great addition to Tontine Street.