By Simon Thomsen
Mitch Tonks.
MITCH TONKS
DARTMOUTH, DEVON
Mitch Tonks is one of England's finest seafood chefs, with restaurants in Bristol, Plymouth and Seahorse and Rockfish in Dartmouth.
See mitchtonks.co.uk.
WHERE'S THE BEST TABLE IN DEVON?
The Anchorstone Cafe in Dittisham, a few miles up the River Dart, is wonderful and serves local seafood.
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
Charcuterie from Capreolus Fine Foods: coppa, guanciale and culatello from their own pigs, which they feed on cheese whey, as good as anything I've eaten Italy - in fact better!
WHAT IS DARTMOUTH'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
The local crab is the best in the world. I call this Britain's Seafood Coast, there's nothing quite like it anywhere else for diversity and quality.
PLACE TO HEAD ON A DAY OFF?
On my little sailing boat, heading west to Salcombe, Fowey and also Plymouth.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN DEVON?
Lunch at the Seahorse, I love the place and my team there, including Mat, my great friend and chef and business partner. And I love the wine list.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
We're not that sort of trendsetting place, but a lot of skilled people settle here. One of them is a French baker, Julien Picamil at Saveurs.
See saveurs.co.uk.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND WHY?
It is busy and buzzy in the spring and summer, but I love the winter by the coast too. The walks and weather are amazing.
Mitch Tonks is appearing at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival's Langham MasterClass, March 8-9.
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