The team at East Coast Social in Southend know exactly what grub appeals to their clientele.
Quality local ingredients, a simple, yet punchymenu and food delivered fast –with a smile of course.
It’s certainly an all-singing, all-dancing affair and the restaurant features performing waiters who entertain the guests while they eat on certain nights.
Scroll down for a video by Echo photographer Al Underwood
Head chef Carl Turner joined the restaurant in October last year and has enjoyed putting his stamp on the menu.
He says: “It is great to work somewhere that really encourages buying the produce locally. It’s something I’m passionate about and the managers feel the same.
“We get all of our fruit and veg from Kirby and Lewis, in Bournes Green Chase, Southend. They have been running for 20 years in the area. We are now in negotiations with Lothian Meats, inWestcliff.”
The menu is geared towards what people enjoymost when they come for lunch or dinner.
It isamixture of British classics, such as sausages and mash, and American-inspired food, such as gourmet burgers and fries.
Carl says: “I have been a chef for nearly 20 years, so I know what people like. I added the Southern-fried chicken strips to the menu and now they are one of our biggest sellers.
“People want tasty food quickly, especially when they are in a rush during their lunchtime break. We aim to get the food to them within 10 to 15 minutes.”
When you have good ingredients, Carl believes it is best to keep the dishes simple.
“It is important to let the produce sing. That’s the beauty of having quality ingredients – it means you don’t have to overcomplicate the recipes.”
Carl trained at South East Essex College (now South Essex College) in 1996 and has since worked at a variety of restaurants locally.
So what is Carl’s signature dish?
“One dish I am really proud of is the lobster thermidor, which is on the menu at the moment,” he says. “It was already being served, but I reworked the recipe and I’m really happy with the result.”
Visit eastcoastsocial.co.uk or call 01702 782222 for details.
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