The Blue Pelican, Deal

An Easter weekend break in Whitstable saw us in the neighbourhood, so we took the opportunity to swing by The Blue Pelican in nearby Deal, Kent. It opened in November 2023 to amazing reviews and, on the night we were there, was clearly already very popular.

Crispy Fried Oysters with Chilli Tomato Salsa and Lemon Mayonnaise

If you think you don’t like oysters because you have only had them raw, then these scrumptious Crispy Fried Oysters might well make you think again. And it is worth thinking again, as they are a sustainable and abundant source of protein from our UK waters.

Delicately textured and tasting of the sea, they are a delicious crispy, hot treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Warm Winter Vegetable Salad

I have spent the last couple of months experimenting with new dishes which reduce our meat and fish intake and help us to eat more sustainably.

This salad combines the deep flavours of winter beetroot lifted by an orange and dill dressing with nutty roast cauliflower tossed in lemon zest and chilli, nestling on a satisfyingly meaty bed of Puy lentils and fresh mixed British salad leaves.

A smattering of comforting toasted hazelnuts and spoonfuls of garlicy yoghurt and tahini sauce to finish the dish tie all the flavours together.

New Year Nourishment

January can seem like a drab month after the excitement of Christmas and the party season passes.

The good news is, there are plenty of seasonal treats to sample nd I find it’s a great time to focus on home cooking.

This first issue of the Delectish newsletter shines a light on some ideas of how to enjoy rather than endure the beginning of the year.

Happy New Year!!