17.9.16 The Nawab Newbury

Following a cinema visit to see Blair Witch, less said about the film the better we decided to try the Nawab in Newbury. We last visited about two years ago before we started the blog and weren't impressed! 

We were downstairs rather than upstairs this time so the atmosphere /decoration was better
Started with the poppadums, a little stale. The pickles were nothing special,  Alan missed the lime pickle, There wasn't a spicy option.

I had the usual and Alan samosas for starters, which could have been crispier, followed by Korai chicken. The service was quick and I had a salad with my sizzling chicken tikka.

Alan said it was very average and lacked spice and gave it a five. I liked the atmosphere and gave it 6. So I guess overall a 5 1/2. From memory I would say a lot better than last time but still a way to

go.

28.8.16 The Palm Hungerford

Seven of us got together to enjoy the bank holiday. Decided to visit The palm again. we will not be returning agin soon!
The food was as expected but th service was atrocious!
The table was booked for 7:45. Drinks orders were taken in teh foyer at 7:50. The men were served thier beers. We were then taken to our table and teh men fiinishe dtheir beers befor ethe ladies had had their firts drink. the table was laid fro 6 instead of seven and we had to ask severla time for an extra setting. We were given a plat.... after asking agin.... some citlery, the serviette never appeared.
The poppadums arrived at 8:15.
Some starters arrived at 8:50. Again some finished before others were served.
Starters included ... chicken lollipop, Goan seafood platter, peshwari naan.
WE aske dfor water which eventually came, but no glasses.
 Main course arrived at 9:45!!!!
Mixed chicken tikka, no accompanying salad ( K),  Karakai  (E) Murgh jaipuri (A)   Reshmi tikka (T), Butter chicken (C) Korma (Z) and John's tastebud were lost in the Dansak. he ordered this 2 chilli dish despite the information in teh menu saying that is was failry hot.
 John commentated how small the toilets were compared to the size of the restaurant and Chrissie mentioned how slippery the toilet floors were. However there was plenty of time to visit them.
The evening was a pleasant evening due to the company but the overall experience was marred by the very poor service.... and no apology. well they didn't get a tip.
To top it all, there were only 6 After Eights.

6 1/2

20.8.16 River Spice Reading

All four of us out tonight to celebrate  Tesni' s university acceptance.
Lovely setting, had a table near the window looking out at the Thames. The weather wasn't as nice as last time which had an impact on the view.

Poppadums nice and crispy though the pickles dished didn't quite fit on the plate/tray
Alan's starters was an kebab and was "nice and spicy"
The others had naan bread as a starter.



 For mains, Alan had chicken korai, Trystan had chicken tikka masala and Tesni and I had chicken tikka.
 No salad:(
We made a mess with the rice.
Quick friendly service. Two birthdays celebrate din the restaurant. 
Food maybe not as good as last time .
 Cloth wipes, opened by waiter and I love having a rose with the after eights 
7 1/2.

13.8.16 Sheba, Brick Lane, London

Hustlers in the street. Brick Lane famous for Indian restaurants. Sheba voted best  Curry house in 2015
 Indian music. Bollywood's dancing on the screen.  Bollywood photos on the wall. Noisy/ vibrant.
White tablecloth, good service.
Didn't quite get a large coke! Need to order a pint next time. 

Alan wanted a 4 chilli dish but decided against as it was lamb  lamb. Chose  Two chilli  dish which was very hot! but very appetising dish-Kali Hali Mitch Murghi. 
Bombay potatoes were  also very spicy.
Chiicken tikka served on a sizzler . 

Very generous portions of main meal.
I say 7 1/2
Alan says 8

23.7.16 Chillies Pontarddulais

Extensive menu.
Beer cold, coke ...not so. 
No tablecloth.
Proper lemon squeezer. 
Indian music, friendly service started quickly but staggered main meal service.
Elton's Jalfrezi very hot. Alan enjoyed Goa Vindaloo.  My tikka quite nice.
Alan complained about the uncomfortable seats.
 Above average 7 1/2

16.7.16 Riverspice Caversham

Nice location on the river Thames.They had mad a mess with the booking but everything was fine.
 Indian music, not too soft or too loud. Fresh rose in a bud base. Menus clean. About enough space for 60 covers. 
Waiters friendly polite  and cheerful
Alan had samosa starter which was average. Alan had tamarin chicken and I had the usual but will probably try the lamb shank next time. Stuck to chicken tikka,  it is easier to compare when having the same dish.
I like it when the waiters present the towels at the end of the meal.... and they were fabric towels. I was given a rose Will revisit.  1/2 mark off because of the " average" samosas. 8/10

9.7.16 Gurkha chef

We have been to this restaurant a few times recently. It has moved premises since the last time I posted and is a more luxurious feeling establishment. We were quite impressed the first time when we went out with Elton. It was the first time we had managed to get a table. As it was so busy we excused the slow service. We then visited midweek and it was just as slow. Last Saturday we went again and even though the food was very nice the service still let plenty to be desired.  We celebrated Alan's birthday with Robert and Steve. Food is good but service lets it down. 7 1/2.