OFF ON MONDAYS - Number Nine Restaurant, Chapel House Estate
In this edition, we talk to Stephen George, head chef of the stunning number nine restaurant at Chapel House Estate in Minster, near Ramsgate.
A new feature where we talk to Kent’s service superstars to find out what they do and where they recommend when they’re not in the kitchen.
In this edition, we talk to Stephen George, head chef of the stunning number nine restaurant at Chapel House Estate in Minster, near Ramsgate.
Where do you go for breakfast? And why?
I love to take a slow walk down my staircase into the kitchen, cook myself a smoked-bacon sandwich with brown sauce on sourdough bread that I cooked, of course. ‘Why?’ I hear you saying - well, because on my day off it’ll be lunch when I wake up.
Best dish you’ve had out recently and where was it?
I had sausage, mash, braised leeks and onion gravy in a little pub called the Three Chimneys just outside Biddenden and it was delicious.
A local tipple that you’d recommend?
Whitstable Bay pale ale… must be ice-cool.
Your favourite place in Kent for lunch?
Right now, it must be Seabird on Addington Street in Ramsgate.
The thing you miss the least when you’re away from the kitchen?
For me, cheffing is a lifestyle. I love being a chef and 30 years on I still get a buzz from seeing people’s faces when I cook for them. So, I have to say, I am never away from the kitchen - even on my days off I’m thinking about new dishes, plates, menu planning and barbecue dishes. My heart will always be in a kitchen, wherever I am.
Do you ever bump into other chefs on your days off?
Most chefs are creatures of habit and with this comes set patterns, so if you don’t plan to meet them you probably won’t see them.
One tip for reading a menu?
I like to think my menus are well balanced in that I have light dishes for when you just want to nibble, more hearty ones for when you’re hungry and dishes that are just great for sharing. So it’s all about how you feel when reading a menu. Dare I say my menus are all about ‘Good Mood Food’?
Who do you share your Monday freedom with?
My girlfriend and, if she’s working, the cat.
What’s your favourite thing to do on your day off?
Finding a new country pub with an open fire and great food.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done on your Monday?
I know I’m very lucky and I get to eat out in some amazing restaurants and pubs up and down the country, but this summer I bought a fire pit so for me the best thing you’ve ever done on a Monday is cook on an open fire for family and friends.
INSTA: @numberninerestaurant
INFO: chapelhouseestate.co.uk
