What to do during the quiet times.....

Been a bit quiet on the Bradford Curry Eating front recently - due to one thing or another. So, what does the Bradford Curry addict do in such occasions?

Perhaps at this junction I should make a small confession – I know this is the Bradford Curry Blog and I am John the Bradford Curry Blogger, but I don’t actually live in Bradford!! Shock horror? I actually live in a Leeds postcode area – but only 15mins from Bradford – so I hope that qualifies me to some extent?

So, back to the plot….. Firstly there is the local takeaway. Now, there a couple of options local to us, including branch of the Leeds Road, Bradford based Saffron Desi. However, my fave squeeze at the moment is Menston Spice (http://www.menstonspice.com/), who’s Chicken Chaat on a Puree and Naga (naga chilli imported from Bangladesh) are delicious. They also do duck, lobster, scallop and tropical fish specials, so a big up to them.

Wife out on the town, baby in bed…. What to do? Menston Spice CCcccuuuurryyyyyyyy

Secondly, and perhaps the more satisfying option, is the DIY option. Now, in all fairness, although not a bad cook, it is the Mrs department when it comes to wrestling up a curry. She does a cracker, and I am more than happy with my commi chef role.

Onion Bhaji process:

Chicken and Spinach – Bish bash bosh:

Lynda does the business:

World Curry Festival

YYyyyyyyyesssssssss!!!!

http://www.worldcurryfestival.com/

Bradford Curry Capital 2011 Bid

Please follow link below and lets get the ball rolling....

http://www.visitbradford.com/food-drink/Curry-Capital-Status.asp

Kashmir you mess with my mind……

Kashmir 31/07/2011

Attendees: Jenny, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Rob, Gill, Lynda, Izzy and John

The day started with Lynda, Izzy and I taking part in the Bradford SkyRide – which allowed cyclists to circumnavigate Bradford city centre on closed roads. A good morning was had, and an appetite had been created for a spot of brunch.

The arrangement had been made to meet early (noon) at Omar’s (Home of Yorkshires Biggest Naans), and consultation with the website had suggested it’d be open, but as I wheezed my way up the side of the Alhambra, a call from Pete said Omar’s was very definitely closed. Bum!!

As the local saying goes round here…. ‘If in doubt default to the Kashmir’ so that’s what we did. It’s the staple curry in Bradford for this Blogger, and partly the reason for starting the Bradford Curry Club – as a means to try and get away from the place….

Credit to the Kashmir I guess but a little frustrating for me, who wants to be able to write about new experiences. Alas, it was a little early in the day, and most nearby establishments had yet to fire up their mighty tandors.

One thing about the Kashmir that has always surprised me is that no matter what time of day or night it is (and I’m sure in days of your, it was open 24hrs a day?? Seemed like

it any road) there are always people in!! And this occasion was no different, with two tables, totalling approximately ten diners, already tucking into yummy curry – at just past noon o’clock.

Service, as always, is ‘with a smile’, and orders were soon efficiently taken and dispatched to the kitchen. No sitting around here and twiddling your thumbs. Bish bash bosh basically!! The selection of onion bhajis and fish pakoras soon arrived and boy were they good. Always a strong point – the Kashmir does deliver good starters.

The mains, usually a little let down in my humble opinion, were also excellent on this visit. My Chana Masala, was full of flavour, and not oily at all. The Peshwari naan is the best in the business. Lynda’s Lamb Rogan Josh was also exceptional – dark, rich, melt in the mouth meaty (of a good quality) and dry – everything a Bradford curry should be.

All this for a total of just over £50 – to be honest you can’t go wrong really.

So yes, a new experience had been ‘experienced’ for want of a better word – actually being able to rave fully about the Kashmir for a change. Just Brill……

Bradford Curry School

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Hot chefs wanted at curry school

Lahore

Location

Lahore Cafe Bar,
52 Great Horton Road,
BD7 1AL
Bradford,
United Kingdom

Tel: 01274 308508

http://www.mylahore.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/mylahore?sk=info#!/mylahore?sk=wall

Time

18th June 2011 @ ~16:00

Attendees

Gemma, Noel, Jake, Jenny, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Lynda, Izzy and John

Local Watering Hole

The Sir Titus Salt (a Weatherspoon’s Pub) behind the, what was, the Queens Hall was chosen for a pre curry drink. “Not another ‘Witherspoons’” I here you cry but, I’m afraid to say, my knowledge of Bradfordian hostelries is limited to say the least. However, I’m happy to go on record as saying the Sir Titus Salt must be the best Wetherspoon’s in the land. It is a spectacular building inside – harking back to Victorian times I would have thought. It also has a dedicated children’s room, which Izzy managed to make all her own after staring out a couple who were sat in there when we arrived – good girl.

Expectations

Lahore had slipped below my radar, probably due to its geographical location - just below the Poly, nestled in a parade of what I thought were simple fast food takeaway’s. However, an esteemed member of the Bradford Curry Club drew my attention to the restaurant and, after a little t’interweb research it appeared it was going to be a little gem.

The Reality

Having four young children in our party – although adding to a very enjoyable late afternoon curry eating experience – did hinder somewhat the analysis of every mouthful of yummy curry.

This is a very popular restaurant – even at early tea time – and got progressively busier, and did not disappoint. It’s all very trendy, dare I say funky, décor inside, with a spiral staircase joining the four floors. We were seated on a large round table nestled in a bay window on the second floor. The menu is very varied and includes pasta, burgers, paninis, cake, ice cream, etc, along with curry – but don’t let this put you off – there seems to be shift towards this kind of dining experience in Bradford. Akbars Café springs to mind.

Following the speedy dispatch of poppadoms etc, the mixed grill starters, of kebabs, lamb chops etc, were ace, and had a really BBQy flavor, suggesting being cooked over charcoal as opposed to inside the tandor. They were also of a high quality and fresh – oh and cheap. However, I opted for the Aloo Paratha, which was very nice in its own way, and tasted a little of cinnamon, but defo wasn’t a patch on the mixed grill. That’s not taking anything away from the paratha you understand.

Meat Dopiaza was chosen as my main and it was pretty tasty stuff really. The meat was of good quality and the gravy rich and gloopy – I polished every last morsel off. The obligatory garlic naan was also ordered and had huge dollops of raw garlic smeared on top – Top draw as far as I’m concerned.

I didn’t hear any complaints from the kids re their korma either. However, my little one had managed to fill herself up on lassi and poppadoms, and didn’t really attack the korma with the usual gusto – lesson learnt there I feel?? However, she seemed to find room for ice cream?? Strange that??

Drinks Policy and range

The above was lubricated down the neck hole with a couple of jugs of Lassi and water – no booze here I’m afraid.

Highlights

The chargrilled mixed grill starters. Other ‘From the Grill’ offerings were available, and I think maybe the place to head on any following visits.

Lowlights

Non really. No booze I suppose is a bit of an issue, for me any road, especially if you’re ‘out out’.

The Damage

The total bill for six adults and five babies came to about £90 inc. tip. Pretty reasonably I think? But, of course, this is without drinks.

Aftermath

All fit and healthy the following day.

Overall

Funky, good menu, reasonable, staff friendly. Really good.

Karachi 15/05/2011

Location

15 Neal Street
Bradford BD5 0BX

Tel: 01274 732 015

Time

15th May 2011 @ ~15:00

Attendees

Lynda, Izzy, Claire, Freya, Rob, Gill and John

Local Watering Hole

The Lloyds Bar (a Weatherspoon’s Pub) in Centenary Square was chosen for a pre curry drink. Nothing else to say on the matter really – it’s a Weatherspoons. Centenary Square is nice enough though, in a modern kind of way and, once all the building work opposite is complete, with an inner city lake of all things, I dare say it’ll be a very pleasant place to while away a few hours.


Expectations

My expectations were very high on this occasion. This was to be only my second visit ever, but remember being blown away by the Lamb and Spinach Balti (LSB) – as championed by Rick Stein - last time, and the general overall quality of the fodder excelent.

I was eager to give the LSB another go.

The Reality

Good in general. Jugs of water and a small plate of onion, tomato and yoghurt where immediately placed on the table once seated. However, the onion was very tired and the less said about it the better I feel.

My starter, on this occasion the mushroom pakora, was certianly nothing to look at – all shriveled up like a plate of slugs – but the taste was there. I think they’d been microwaved, if I’m honest, as the batter coating was a little soggy, and the already mentioned shriveledness again suggested this method had been adopted – However, no ‘ping’ was detected during our wait, so who knows. The starters were not as ‘fresh’ looking or tasting as our previous visit I’m sure.

Poppadoms and pickle tray preceded the starters and were perfectly acceptable – enough mango chuckney was provided to sink a battle ship and more than saw the meal out.


Not that you’d want to smother your Rick Stein endorsed LSB in mango chuckney it has to be said!!! It really is excellent – and I’m sure it’s got to be one of the best in town…. Sure of it. One comment from the group was that the meat was starting to fall to pieces a little and, if it had been allowed to go further would have been a problem probably, but here it was just enough to add to the thick, rich gravy. The meat, I thought, was also of excellent quality, and melted in the mouth – although this could be the product of over stewing as noted in the disintegrating meat??

The korma and dansak dishes were popular with the babies – as were the mushroom pakora funnily enough…. See what do I know??

3No. chappatis are issued as standard with all main courses. Naans and rice are extra.

Drinks Policy and range

The alcohol policy is strictly BYO. I took a few bottles of Kingfisher. Also, Karachi has range of fizzy drinks and lassi (mango and plain) on offer. Lassi wasn’t taken on during this visit.


Highlights

It was the Lamb and Spinach Balti for me. It is almost perfect. 9/10.

Lowlights

The starters were a definite let down – especially when compared to the quality of my main.

The Damage

The total bill for five adults and two babies came to just over £50. Pretty reasonably I think? But, of course, this is without drinks.

Aftermath

Nothing to speak about - I can report all fit and healthy the following day.

Overall

No complaints with the service for a restaurant such as this – ie basic. Staff friendly etc and The LSB is to die for and no doubt will keep me going back and back in the future.

Nawaab 30/04/2011

Location

Nawaab
32 Manor Row
Bradford,
West Yorkshire
BD1 4QE

Tell: 01274 720 371

Web: nawaabbradford.co.uk‎

Time

30th April 2011 @ ~20:00

Attendees

Jaz, Lynda, Chris, Jenna and John

Pre-Curry Watering Hole

The Shoulder of Mutton (a Sam Smiths Pub) was chosen for pre curry drinks on this occasion. The ‘Shoulder’ was about 5mins walk down the road and served up the usual Sammy Smiths type of thing. An odd smell of disinfectant didn’t spoil my pint of Alpine. I knew of a pub straight opposite Nawaab, but on arrival to the restaurant, the pub appeared to have closed down – so good job we didn’t head straight there

Expectations

My expectations were high to be honest. Naawab has always had a good reputation in Bradford, and got ‘Best Curry in Bradford’ in my 1999 Curry Guide I seem to remember. I was expecting a top notch do.

However, an early LUFC match had meant boozing from 09:30, and by the time I got to Bradford, I was a little worse for wear!!! Therefore my recount of the evening is somewhat jaded – and non existent in part.

The Reality

A hazy munch through a curry that – due to extreme hunger – barely touched the sides. I fear, dear reader, that you going to get about as much out of reading this review as I got from the curry that evening!

I recall masala fish for starters, and found it very good. Perhaps not quite as good as Mumtaz – who arguably do the best masala fish – but perfectly yummy.

Main course I can’t remember?? Probably some sort of lamb balti from the specials menu. An empty bowl speaks volumes for it’s quality though I’m sure. Mated with a garlic naan I had no complaints.

Chris has the award winning Nawaab Delight – that seems very similar to the award winning Saffron Delight – served up at the Safron’s of this world funnily enough. I had it – or its Saffron sistren at least - in the past and found it overly rich and creamy – a Korma on ‘roids I guess. Not for me.

The décor is worth a mention – very grand. The restaurant is contained within some sort of old Victorian/Industrial Revolution style building and all sorts of columns, big windows and high ceiling action can be found. Nice and clean etc. in side.

Drinks Policy and range

Licensed. I don’t think any draft beer was available but bottles of both Kingfisher and Cobra were. I guess wine will have been too. A rather snazzy ‘Alcohol Free’ room was available at the rear of the restaurant, if you’re that way inclined.

Highlights

It was the fish Masala for me.

Lowlights

Drinking too much through the day, and resulting in hazy recollection of the evening. Food wise, the ‘award winning’ Nawaab Delight – nothing wrong with it – if you like rich creamy curries - but nothing special either.

The Damage

Pretty reasonably I think? I think we paid about £20 each inc drinks!! For fish and Specials I thought that was very reasonable

Aftershock

Non to speak about – a headache the following morning can’t be blamed on the Nawaab Delight unfortunately!!

Overall

I was more than happy with my Nawaab experience. Nice surroundings, food, service, bill. Etc. Worth a visit I say.

Regal Cafe - 26/03/2011

Attendees: Gemma, Jenny, Lilly, Dan, Lynda, Izzy and me

Just a quickie this month – If I don’t write something soon I’ll forget what happened??

Not that anything ‘happened’ so don’t get too excited.

Our trip to Regal Café occurred without hitch I’m afraid. Nice setting though, with its open and airy café style seating arrangement – as it turned out there was plenty of room around the tables for the smaller ones in our group to have a good roam around.


I couldn’t really fault my experience, no booze at all either (note for future??) – Which usually, perhaps sometimes falsely, improves curry eating experiences!! Also, I thought the waiter was a little fussy because I ordered supposed ‘breakfast’ dishes – it was mid afternoon – and he seemed to take great pleasure in pointing this fact out??? No mention on the menu mind? I wondered if he’d heard of ‘All Day Breakfast’?


My first (breakfast??) dish was Dahi Bhalay (Dahi Vada), apparently a very popular Lahore street food dish, and comprised a bowl containing a large soya dumpling covered in a yogurt curry sauce – very different to anything this BCC member has ever had before – very yogurty with only a hint of curry spice?? It did look like it should be eaten at breakfast it has to be said. It must be popular though because tubs of the stuff were available to purchase in the attached deli/shop – more of which later.


For main I chose the Niharee, from the Regal Special, which was basically a lamb shank in a very thin curry sauce. Pretty authentic dish by all accounts, and quite different to the normal ‘British Curry’s’ we are used to I guess? The sauce was thin and quite mild tasting, but could be pepped up with the addition of fresh ginger, chilli and garam masala, which accompanied the main on a side plate. The meat was ace and just fell off the bone – the sauce was nothing special and a bit soupy – requiring a spoon to eat successfully.

The Cheese & Chicken Kebab and Korma seemed to go down well with the young ones, so Regal Café gets top marks in that department.


The adjoined deli/shop was probably my favorite aspect of the afternoon (I struggle to fully enjoy my curry eating experience without a couple of cold lagers) and had a massive array of sweets and savories on offer. A small box of sweeties was purchased and consumed over the following days – there where no complaints from Lynda, Izzy or myself regarding their quality.


So overall, Regal Café provided a generally pleasant experience, and was an enjoyable place to visit. I bit off the beaten track, so doesn’t spring immediately to mind when considering a venue for impromptu curry eating but worth a visit if nothing else I reckon?

John

 

Shimal Spice, Shipley 19/02/2011

Attendees: Caz, Simon, Jenny, Pete, Lynda and me

Simple review for this one…… I think Shimla Spice might be my new favorite curry house. Bish Bosh.


There’s not really much else to say – I couldn’t really fault my experience, aided by the booze prior to the visit and the BYO policy, and Shimla has restored my faith in the Bradford curry scene. My faith was waning slightly, after a recent succession of average curries and poor service.


I feel I should elaborate slightly though for the benefit of others…… in fact I won’t bother – just go when you get the chance – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. The sizzler starter was piled high with meat, a little fish, and sweet onions and my mixed special kahari type main was sumptuous to the point that I felt I could’ve kept eating all night. I polished the lot off and was begging for more!!! Not small portions either just yummy.


To be overly fussy, it could be argued that Shimla is just another Akbars clone, with pink and blue neon lights, lots glass and lots of chrome – but who cares, it’s a formula that clearly works and is popular. The restaurant was buzzing on our arrival and all night long. Oh and the menu was a little long winded. Loads of choice but I got bored reading it!!!


The one thing that was a little annoying was what seemed like constant playing of Happy Birthday. Once or twice is fair enough but this seemed almost constant. I feel the Shipley locals may have been pulling fast ones – I cannot believe there to be so many birthdays on one day???


I should restrain my excitement a little perhaps, and not get carried away with myself, until further research has been carried out that is. Only then shall Shimal Spice (rightly??) take its place as one of the top dog Bradford curry joints.

John

Prashad 30/12/2010 AGM

Attendees: Drew, Ben, Win, Fran, Claire, Freya, Jenny, Pete, Rob, Lynda, Izzy and John

Well how things have changed in the space of a year. This time last year Prashad was a small café style restaurant and deli, serving up excellent quality vegetarian cuisine, tucked down a side street in Bradford. However, after their rollercoaster ride of reaching the final of Gordon Ramsay’s Best Restaurant TV competition, Prashad has now reached dizzying heights of popularity.

Our Prashad experience started the week prior to our visit, whilst booking the table. Even though our scheduled visit was a Thursday afternoon, I thought it would be best to book, or at least warn them of our impending arrival. I was surprised to be told that they were struggling for space but should be able to accommodate our 16 person party (14 adults and 2 babies – which seems like a lot of detail at the moment but will all become apparent). A further surprise was to be asked to pay a £5/head deposit – due to the size of the party – and that the deposit would be lost if any of the party dropped out!!! Not a brilliant start on the customer service front I thought – I have never been asked anywhere to leave a deposit before?? It became apparent during our conversation that the restaurant had been extended (into the deli it later turns out) and that we were effectively booking the full room. So £80 (16 people) paid up front.

So the day of our visit arrived and we all started to congregate at the restaurant. Prashad has also expanded across the road with the recent Prashad Lounge – a small room with, ‘front of house’ style counter, leather sofas and Gordon Ramsay’s TV programme on a loop. The poor boy working there said the constant airing of the telly programme was sending him mad – I can sympathise!! The Lounge is also decorated in News Paper cutting etc for you to read as you wait for your table.

Once your table is ready you are ushered across the road towards the restaurant. We were actually seated in the main (I say main but it is tiny) restaurant on two separate tables, as opposed to the large single table and own room as promised on the phone - but, nah to worry, we had lost some and gained some people from our party so ended up with twelve.

The food, as discussed here previously, was excellent. The Pethis (or ‘Award Winning Pethis’ as we were corrected by our waiter) were yummy and Lynda and I shared the Monster Dosa. It was massive – it must have been 1m long - and had to be carried out spanning two plates and positioned on an adjacent table. Not that size is everything mind, and dosa was well yummy.

On receipt of the bill we had prepared ourselves to loose £20 from the deposit for the people who’d dropped out, and only see a £60 deduction on the bill. But I thought some lee way would be accommodated and, considering we still brought a party of twelve and with the supposed ‘good customer service’ Prashad pride themselves on, I thought the full deposit would be honoured. How wrong I was, and I we were shocked to see only £50 of the deposit was deducted from the bill (6No. people less that the original booking)?? According to the waiter, no deposit would have been taken for the babies and, therefore, we were effectively six people down on the original booking. I explained what deposit I had paid, and it was a total, i.e. per head, etc, and asked to speak to the manager. The waiter disappeared into the back but returned with the same argument. Not one for confrontation myself, I simply shrugged it off. It was £10 (well £30!!) on a hefty bill - a total of nearly £200!! Although generally generous, no tip was left on this occasion, however, it didn’t seam appropriate.

So all in all the food is good but we did leave with a sour taste in our mouths and feeling rather ripped off to the tune of £30.

I would like to think I would return one day because the grub is so good, but I feel we received pretty bad service, bordering on day light robbery, and I think my hard earned cash is better spent elsewhere.

Mumtaz 5/12/2010

Attendees: Gill, Rob, Izzy, Lynda and John

“Mumtaz has a little bit of a soft spot for Lynda and me - not 'coz of the quality of the food or anything - but because it was the location of one of our first dates. Years (and years....) ago, before Mumtaz wa the mega bling curry empire we see today, it was famous for having a menu where you bought your curry in either 1/2lb or 1lb portion sizes. Because of this we decided to visit. However, being poor students we didn't really consider the prices and, although not expensive, was still more than we could really afford, and, after reading the menu for 5 mins, had to make our excuses and sneak out. A bit embarrassing!! We popped down the road to the Kashmir instead.....Happy days.”

Well how times of change. Mumtaz is now massive – spread over two floors - and has all the usual glass frontage and stainless steel associated with the posher end of the Bradford curry schene. And even has a snazzy revolving sign outside and large Mumtaz engraved rock greeting you near the entrance. The vestibule houses a sweet counter and fridges/shelves stacked with all the Mumtaz branded ready meals, lassi, baby food, etc.

For what is, I guess, classed as a top end Bradford curry house, I thought the service was found slightly lacking. Although attentive to Izzy - she got a Mumtaz balloon, our waiter was a tad surly and forgot to bring requested water and also sort of threw cutlery into the middle of the table when asked for extras.

The pickle tray comes on a stainless tray with a sheet of paper identifying all the different cutneys. Novell I suppose, until it dawns on you that it is so you can make sure you buy a jar of your favourite on your way out!! The Plum chutney is pretty nice though it has to be said – really clovey.

Now onto the starter – Masala Fish – the best in the business I reckon, and is the only thing on the menu still sold by weight. Pricey but worth every penny. The vestibule area, mentioned above, also has a chilled fish counter with all the raw marinated fish on ice to veiw. I could eat it all day long and is probably only beaten by Kashmirs onion bahji – now that’s saying something.

My dopiaza main course was a little bit of a let-down. Although you can specify mild/medium/hot, and my medium was nicely spiced, it was very oily – both to look at and taste - and generally a little bland. My garlic naan was nothing special and probably came out of one of the fridges in the entrance rather than from a raging tandoor??

So, I don’t think Mumtaz is ‘all that’. The branding can get a little tiresome, but the Masala Fish is a redeeming feature. As of yet they haven’t managed to stick it in a Mumtaz box and sell it to Morrison’s!!! And, until, they do, it will remain, for me, one of the best starters in Bradford.

Mughal's 31/11/2010

Attendees: Jo, Steve, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Jenny, Izzy, Lynda, Gill, Rob, Chris, Jenna and John

First thing first – it’s great to be back on the road again, it has to be said.

Picking up where we left off - Mughals, we were supposed to visit Mughals way back in March remember, so it was nice to finally walk through the door and take a seat. Mughals, although not overly famous, does have a pretty good reputation, and is somewhere that has always looked appealing when driving past.

However, the décor is now looking a little tired, and could do with a spruce up, but it was clean enough and the full to bursting sweet counter did a roaring trade all night. The restaurant is pretty small and I would say our table of 13 took up approximately half the covers. The sweet counter must have taken up a large proportion of the floor space with a small open kitchen to the rear corner.

I not sure Mughals is that used to having large parties, and I think they were a little taken aback with a party of 10 adults and 3 babies turning up – although we didn’t book, we called the day before to say a large party was on it’s way.

Only one chef meant rather lengthy waits for food, but popadoms, with associated limited pickle tray, were brought straight to the table, and the BYO policy meant that boredom didn’t take hold. Another strange thing to be told by the waiter was that the onion bhaji was off? Plenty of onions but no bhaji mix apparently??? Quite odd to say the least and I had to settle on mushroom bhaji instead. They were OK but nothing special, and it has to be assumed that the starters were pre made and simply heated/microwaved to order. Another starter mix up was a meat samosa being served to a vegetarian!! Oopppsss!!!

So, not a great start. The mains, for me at least, were another story. My Chicken Tikka Kahari was great – perhaps a little salty – but really rich and tasty, and the chicken had crispy bits on the outside suggesting it’d come straight from the tandor. It was served in a sizzling hot balti dish and was the kind of curry I could eat all day long. Perhaps the salt content took its toll, however, and I spent the entire night gagging with thirst and unable to sleep!! The wine and Stella Artois probably didn’t help there though. I paired my curry with a garlic nann and was pretty standard.

Following the meal, although by this time pretty full, sweets could not be resisted and a selection was picked and sampled. Phew, sugar over load!! Although I’ve had Indian sweets before, I am still always taken by surprise by the sweetness. Pick of the bunch for me was a condensed milky one with walnuts in. All the sweets were nice and fresh and seem to have a fast turn over.

I think with the babies in tow, it was a demanding night for the staff and I was happy with the service all in all and the experience in general. They were happy to package orders up, squeezed in a quick korma for Lilly and Dan because they were hungry, didn’t seem to worry about the mess my beautiful little daughter Izzy was making, etc.

I think I would return for the Chicken Tikka Kahari and sweets alone.

Habib's 27/02/2010

Attendees: Gill, Rob, Claire, Fran, Lynda and John

Oh dear oh dear oh dear!!! Not brill it has to said.

The newly refurbished Habib’s promised so much. The new decor as super trendy type of place, in the same mould as the Akbar’s of this world, did look very inviting, and it was very busy, but the food just didn’t live up to the hype.

Because the restaurant was so busy, usually a good sign, we had to wait for about 30mins - but that was our fault for not booking. But no bar meant the wait did seem like quite a long time, however. To his credit, the waiter was informative and kept us posted with developments as we waited.

It was clear that the restaurant was geared up to delivering the mega buffet, that seemed to occupy about 1/3 of the floor space, but we were given menus also, to peruse as we waited. Once seated, we were offered popadoms which promptly arrived. However, we later found out that they cost nearly £6! For about 10 popadoms and a pretty poor pickle tray that seemed to consist of mint sauce (like ‘roast lamb’ mint sauce mixed with yoghurt) and something that tasted of tommy sauce!!!

Some members initially were wise to be suspicious of the buffet, and to push for ordering off the menu. However, a very pushy waiter, who clearly wanted an easy evening, and some club members deciding that the buffet was probably the best and easiest option, meant we all ended up choosing the buffet option. On the plus side, the buffet did have a dedicated grill man who was churning out tikka and the like. So that was nice, and was the best part of the starters. The fish pakora was also good. Everything else was pretty poor. A seeming good selection of mains was met with half empty, often very oily, terrines of... of....hhmmmm?? Slop basically. I didn’t feel inspired to do far seconds, and required a zantac on my way home even!!! Actually, the chana masala was pretty nice.

So, still not a huge buffet fan. I shouldn’t have been so lazy and taken the easy buffet option. I shall be stronger next time.

This negativity is probably related to the buffet style of eating rather than a reflection of Habib’s itself. However, it is going to be hard to re visit in the future to see. Never mind.

Akbar's 29/01/2010

Attendees: Gill, Rob, Tony, Pauline, Lynda and John

So is Akbar’s still the best? Perhaps – on some levels at least.

The food is excellent it has to be said. My kebab starter and balti type curry were very nice – up to the usual top class standard you might say. The staff were also very good too – friendly, attentive and certainly hard working. We all know about the quality of Akbar’s so I won’t repeat myself here.

The problem was the restaurants business – it was a Friday night and it was absolutely heaving. In all fairness we were seated more or less on time, in accordance with our booking, and the service was fast and efficient, so top marks there.

The noise, however, was unbelievable, and we struggled to chat comfortably. It is quite tiresome shouting and straining to hear. Also, throughout our meal, we had a mass of waiting (queuing?) people slowly creeping towards us, as they were forced to spread from the bar area, so more, and more, people could pile into the restaurant. By the time we finished our meal there were groups of people standing at the side of our table with the kink of glaring faces saying “eat faster, eat faster.....” Not the most relaxing experience.

So there you go – It might be a Friday night thing?? But it was just too much for me, and I wouldn’t necessarily want to visit Akbar’s at that time of day and week again. Early, or very late, on a Monday might be the only option? It goes to show that Akbar’s are clearly doing something right though, and its popularity is second to none. Just too unpleasantly busy for me I’m afraid

John