#40 Queen's Park, Margate, Paris.
Where's for dinner, this week.
I have thus far kept my promise. No more eating out. For now.
I’m not making it easier adding to these dream dinner lists, but here we are.
Yes I am saving money, but I honestly do get such enjoyment from the whole process.
The excitement of finding somewhere new. Reading the menu like a novel. Planning my order. Taking an odd few photos. Tucking in. And finally, if it’s a hit, sharing it.
But for now at least, I can keep doing some of this, with the hope I’ll be there in a bit. Dammit January.
1. Don’t Tell Dad, Queen’s Park
LinkedIn isn’t my usual place to find restaurant inspiration, but it was exactly where I stumbled across this week’s first spot.
It was a post by the owner, Daniel Land, who was sharing that his long-held dream had become a reality, in the launch of his neighbourhood restaurant slash bakery.
His hopes - a place built on community, where locals come back often enough to become friends, and where everyone is welcome. The name ‘Don’t Tell Dad’ inspired by mischievous siblings, him being one of them.
As someone who has always said (like many of us do) “Wouldn’t it be lovely to have your own restaurant,” I was naturally interested in finding out more.
The branding was the first thing that embellished my intrigue - a bright red hand-scripted italic font.
Font is such a powerful brand asset. It invites you to read on. So there I was, doing just that, deep into their website perusing their three menus - the bakery, the restaurant, and the wine list. All equally as impressive.
I was instantly drawn to the large sharers - Skate Wing Chorizo, Clams and Chickpeas, as well as the Duck & Pork Cassoulet. I love the idea of all tucking in from one big plate.
Queen’s Park isn’t usually an area of London I find myself often, but I think I’m going to have to make the exception.
Book a table here.
2. Sargasso, Margate
In just few short week (Feb 3-7th), it will be the inaugural Margate Restaurant Week.
I love the sound of this initiative - which lots of local Kentish restaurants are signing up to.
The concept is simple, and keeps dining simple too. Local restaurants have created a special three-course menu for just £20.25.
For a moment I wondered why the 25p. Then the penny dropped.
One of those on the this participating is Sargasso. If you’ve been to Margate you can’t miss it. Taking pride of place on the wall of Margate Harbour, I keep meaning to stop by.
Naturally, fish is a big thing here - from Mussels to Cantabrian Tuna, Grilled King Prawns and Squid - you’re spoilt for choice.
Friends have been and loved it, Insta raves about it, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to their special restaurant week menu.
Book a table here
3. Derrière, Paris.
I bloody love Paris. It might be my most visited city outside the UK.
The ease of the Eurostar. The accent. The river. The wine. The food. *Chef’s Kiss*
Two friends went recently and I watched on (via Instagram) with all the warm and fuzzies. One of their favourite spots, Marais District’s ‘Derrière’, was a quirky restaurant, with a hidden entrance, filled with secret rooms through wardrobes.
I needed to know more.
Choose to dine in the living room avec le ping pong table, the bedroom (you literally sit on the edge of the mattress), the screening room den or chamber - each which comes with a collection of thrown together - but also clearly very thought out - pieces of furniture.
Cuisine is French, the brunch menu a written piece of art, and the interiors speak for themselves - in a beautiful French accent, I imagine. The steak, in particular looks exceptionally good.
Peruse the gorgeous menu here, then book your seat at the table, or corner of the mattress here.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.
I’m here for reading menu’s like novel’s! 🧐