THE CURLEW RESTAURANT BODIAM AUGUST NEWSLETTER

The Curlew Newsletter #14 - Friday August 5th 2011	www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk
Hallo Berry! Neil on The Curlew's August Menu
August is a fantastic time of year to be a Chef. Raspberries, blackcurrants, elderberries, plums, damsons... it's an absolute pleasure to be able to work with all the wonderful stuff stuff coming into The Curlew kitchen right now. Elderberries, in particular, are a fruit I love working with – they have such a sharp, dense flavour working really well with game or as a sorbet. In fact, we’re experimenting with a gooseberry Floating Island at the moment – poached egg whites and a crème anglaise etc. – it’s going to be really special. Continuing desserts, Aimee is currently working on a raspberry-based take on a peach melba (going back to her Australian roots). We’re poaching pears and serving with a raspberry jelly and a pistachio sorbet. Keep your eyes peeled, it's going on the menu really soon. On to August’s savoury dishes... We’re going to be adding a wonderful Lamb Broth to the menu. Tongue and breast intensified with a really deep salsa verde. Great stuff. Oh, I've got to tell you about our new starter – a Mexican take on the classic Seventies staple, prawn cocktail! We marinate langoustine and sea trout in lime and add avocado cream, paprika tacos and water melon. Think of a little bit of Central America coming to the heart of Sussex. Now there’s an interesting mix.
Bellini-ssimo! Mark on Drinks at The Curlew this August
Those of you who have visited us in the latter part of July might have already sampled our new Cherry Bellini. Those of you who have yet to, please do! The cherry juice we use was made by Michael Dallaway. Michael inherited the family farms at Northiam and Sandhurst. Initially, he produced cider and fresh pressed apple juice but he soon started producing the most wonderful flavour Kentish Cherries imaginable - his cherries are not sweetened, which means he produces the UK’s only 100% natural cherry juice. In our belllini, we use Michael's Cherry Brandy which, because the cherries are so freshly picked, retain a really great depth of flavour. I don't know whether it's a compliment or not, but the taste transports Sara back to her childhood summers and lashings of cherryade! It’s not only the taste benefits of cherries that are worth shouting about. Cherries are thought to be a cure-all for gout, muscle fatigue and are strong fighters against cancer, strokes and heart attacks! Have you ever needed a better excuse to call in and try our Cherry Bellini?
Take to the Terrace!
If you need an excuse to visit us before the end of the Summer, can we just show you this picture of our terrace? It's bathed in sun during the day and just so beautifully relaxing at night. If the weather people are right, there might not be too much sunshine left. It would be a shame to miss it.
Sussex Food & Drink Awards - Get Voting
The Sussex Food Awards has just re-opened. If you get an opportunity, please do take the time to go online and support all the fantastic Sussex businesses who make the county such a wonderful place to live. The Curlew was incredibly proud to be named the 2011 Best Eating Experience and we're totally committed to retaining the honour. If you think we're worth it vote here. And thanks.
Heard The Latest?
Towards the end of July, Andrew Kay, Latest 7's Food Critic, called in to eat with us. With it being a decent trek from his native Brighton, we truly hoped he would  enjoy what was on offer. In all honesty, his review is one that we really feel reflects the credentials of The Curlew. And, if we may turn the tables and review the reviewers, can we suggest Andrew stands, at the very least, shoulder-to-shoulder with his national counterparts? Engaging, light, informed and informative. It's a worthy read.
Things to do near(ish) The Curlew in August
5-7 Chilli Fiesta! Join over 19,000 visitors admiring 200 domestically grown peppers at this red hot event! There’s be chilli plants, seeds, sauces, meals, beer, chocolate, ice cream, clothing and jewellery. West Dean Gardens, Chichester. Tickets £8.50 per day (children half price), £17 for a three-day pass. 8, 15, 22, 29 Medieval Mondays Dress to impress with Bodiam Castle’s authentic replica armour and costumes. Transform into a knight in shining armour, a medieval princess, a powerful Lord or even an entertaining court jester. 11am-4pm. £2 pp plus normal castle admission. 21-29 The Sandwich Festival This annual event, in the historic Cinque Port of Sandwich, is an opportunity to sample, and perhaps purchase a selection of fine wines. 28 Firle Place Horse Trials & Country Fair The leading British Eventing, erm, event in the South East. There's horse trials (they're all guilty), Have a Go Archery, Food Stands, Trade Stands, Fun Fair, Craft and Farmers Market and Licenced Bar.