LILIE'S MARGATE - TAPAS THATS WORTH SHARING

Today takes me to the eastern quarter of Margate. I am reminded of "Far Flung Floyd" on his travels to the far east revealing the true nature of Asian cuisine, washed down with an obligatory glug of local rocket fuel, rest in peace Keith! Keith has got absolutely nothing to do with this review or place, only to provide a tenuous link to the far flung bit. 

Why far flung? 

Well, whilst not a million miles away from the action and fascination of Margates old town, or too far a walk from the 8th wonder of the world that's is Northdown road, it takes a special reason and effort to find yourself here. Located close to the iconic but rotting and decrepit LIDO complex, this is kind of middle earth, neither here nor there. For years it has been a forgotten graveyard of community busnesses. Some have tried before and buried quickly. Can green shoots of life once again reach for the sun here? 

This is exactly what is happening at this rather wonderful place with its culinary focus firmly towards the sun.

LILIE'S. 

A sweet and innocent facade, unassuming and demure. (new signage on the canopy now, and outside eating area)  

But LILIE'S has a dirty secret. She likes to get filthy in the kitchen.

(Go with me on this, the last review I wrote made a reference to a famous 70's adult performer and  the meat content in a sausage, I got told I was hideous... Christ it was a compliment, no pleasing some people) . 

LILIE'S is a food porn star! Retaining my reference to the far east I am reminded of a cheery man who would frequent our office back in the day, his holdall packed with colourful DVD's. "You like DVD? Jiggy jiggy?" Definitely not that kind of filth!

Food porn is a descriptor for pictures of food which delights the eye and is often thrust into your live feed by people who get off in taking pictures of their bits and posting them online. 

LILIE'S is one such place. Delicious plates of food shared eagerly on the internet, by eager beavers.

Yes, if you move in certain circles you will have heard of LILIE'S.

If you haven't then what do you need to know about LILIE'S?

Passion.

Chef and business owner Jools Moore had been operating his tapas pop-up restaurant at the Lido venue in Cliff Terrace until around this time last year. This premises came up and he grasped the opportunity. It now also holds a late alcohol license, the vision one would assume is for diners to stay and graze through the evening (sharing food porn whilst at it) possibly into the early hours. Jools is clearly unafraid of burning the midnight oil!

LILIE'S is a manifestation of love and appreciation of the British version of Tapas: 

Small plates, sharing, Spanish influence.

Tapas is deep routed in Spanish culinary culture. Traditional, fiercely regional dishes which stick to the what is available where they reside, simple, cheap. It really was the food which brought community together, and they are passionate about it. It was the convenience food before convenience food was comprehended, somewhere to grab a drink and a snack in the shade away from the burning sun.

Yes in true British style we have taken the premise, taken the key flavours and techniques and exaggerated them. British tapas is all lip fillers and implants, and not a cheap date either. Nethertheless, who frankly cares, you know you are in for a good night, I'm all in!

Tonight's menu is a pleasing smorgasbord of delights, a full team of all stars, some dishes may need a bit of a "Spanish inquisition" but if you've been secretly scrolling through LILIE'S Insta food smut you know you are going to be satisfied.

You've got to admire the balls though. Taking a pop-up to the next level with every responsibility on your shoulders, yeah his must be like Buster Gonads from the Viz.

On our visit Jools was the host, barman, waiter, chef, pot wash. Gratefully not as busy as this was midweek in dreary early April, but to his credit he did everything and with a smile on his face. The food came out perfectly, and even had time to engage with his customers. You know what, this is as traditional a Tapas restaurant in Britain as you will find. Forget your candle lit restaurants, all deep rouge and biblotec of fine wines staring at you smugly whilst you tuck into tiny dishes at main course prices. 

This is just great as it is, comfortable, quirky and homely. Oh and of course delicious food worthy of any centrefold bash out. 

HOW DOES IT SCORE

1) Is it to the expected standard?

It has the feel of authenticity, the food is outstanding ONE STAR PLUS ONE BONUS STAR

2) Does it do something that you have always wanted to try?  

Well it's the reason a Brit goes to a Tapas restaurant, to try a bit of everything. This menu doesn't stand still, so you can be sure of a happy ending each visit ONE STAR PLUS ONE BONUS STAR

3) Is it fairly priced? 

Fairly, yes. Cheap, no. But only in the context of what it is, small cheap plates, but there is no denying it is fair. ONE STAR

4) Cleanliness, including customer toilets 

As it should be ONE STAR

5) Service 

Our visit was without fault considering he had more arms than an octopus ONE STAR

CONTRIBUTING EVIDENCE  

A) Does it have a clear and relevant identity?

The addition of the canopy which spells out what it does is an important addition. But a homely place to feast and graze the night away is where it pitches itself perfectly.

B) Does it stand out for quality and standards?

Effective social media promotion is its key strength 

C) Is there areas of the business that someone else does better?

It's location works against it, but only the lack of passing trade 

D) Does it diversify?

 Food, cocktails and late night venue.

E) Will customers return without hesitation?

Absolutely 

LILIE'S, MARGATE