Fresh New Menu Comes to Folkestone’s Old High Street
Posted in Around town, Businesses, Miscellaneous, Pub, Cafe and Bar Reviews, Restaurant Reviews on May 9th, 2011 by admin – 0 CommentsThe tired old lunch box may soon be a thing of the past, with the arrival of a new venture in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter that aims to tempt the palate with exciting tastes from across the world. Partners Philippe Vialon and Daryl Hodgkins will open “Fresh & Easy” as tenants of the Creative Foundation at 17-19 The Old High Street in mid May, offering a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, pastries and chocolate, amongst other temptations.
Philippe was born and trained in France, where his family owned and ran a restaurant, and has extensive experience as a senior chef in locations around the world, principally in Australia and across Europe, and including London’s prestigious One Aldwych. He has worked in businesses varying from small patisseries to five star hotels and restaurants, and has managed large corporate kitchens and restaurants. Daryl, who will provide management support to the business, is an experienced event, bar and restaurant manager.
Fresh & Easy will offer nutritious food using fresh ingredients. Central to the concept will be a typical lunch box, consisting of a choice of fresh fruit juice, a main course and a dessert, based on a variety of dishes from around the world. Examples include: baby octopus & marinated in chilli & coriander salad, duck & orange pate with a green salad and a slice of crusty fresh bread, roasted mixed vegetables with French bleu d’auvergne cheese baguette, spinach & ricotta cheese with herbs de provence quiche, and for dessert raspberry tart, pineapple & vanilla crumble. Customers can also choose from a range of croissants, yogurts, fruit salads, homemade chocolate and truffles, cakes for special occasions, homemade jams, pickles and sauces, fresh fruit juices, smoothies and milkshakes. Wherever possible produce and meats will be sourced locally. Even dog owners are not forgotten: Fresh & Easy will offer a variety of homemade nutritious treats for dogs!
Fresh & Easy will also provide catering for special occasion lunches, parties and for local businesses in the area. And to complement the lunchtime service, Fresh & Easy will be open a few evenings during the week to offer a relaxed environment where people of all backgrounds can meet to socialise and discuss issues that affect the community.
Philippe said: “We are re-locating to Folkestone from London to take advantage of the exciting opportunity that Folkestone offers, and in particular the attractive premises and terms on offer from The Creative Foundation. We believe that we bring a new dimension in food to Folkestone with our attention to hospitality and friendly service and our determination to serve a wide choice of fresh and interesting food in a creative manner.”
Daryl added: “We believe our passion and enthusiasm, combined with our very different formula, will create a very convivial atmosphere in which our customers can eat, drink and chat. We shall work with local community groups and with schools, and in time we hope to be recognised as a venue where people can meet people from all walks of life over a good cup of coffee and an even better slice of cake!”


















