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I don't know about you, but every week or so I need my curry fix, once it's done that's me sorted for another couple of weeks. Well tonight it's the whole family trotting off to Masala Art on Midland Road to collect our prescription.
First impressions are of a warm, softly lit room and very courteous, traditionally dressed staff. The waiting/bar area is a bit small, and there's probably only enough seating for four people, so we were propelled straight to our stylish laid tables and each presented with a copy of their innovative menu. The majority of the seating is made up of high backed, tan suede upholstery, very modern and if you get one of the booth's, also quite private. Drinks were promptly served, it was now time to decide, change your mind, then decide again, what to eat....
Mother plumped for her usual poppadoms and pickle. They pride themselves here on unusual accompaniments, such as their own apple & mint chutney, however they were more than happy to bring her the ubiquitous lime pickle. It was mushroom bhaji for the Bec, mixed vegetable starter for my skinny and tiger prawn puri for me. I was well impressed with the presentation of my starter, and it didn't disappoint the palate either, my skinny was also satisfied with her trio of samosas and bhaji's, but the perfectly formed circle of what I think was a tamarind reduction, was a bit fiery for her. Updates were provided by the attentive staff as to the imminent arrival of the mains, and in due course they promptly appeared, all presented in charming copper bowls. My usual chicken bhuna (£8.95) was remarkably tasty but slightly too hot for me, even though it is only rated number 1 (they rate all their food on a 1 - 3 chilli rating), lamb dansac (£8.95), lamb with spices & lentils for mother, chicken balti (£8.95) chicken with yoghurt & green peppers for my skinny and lamb saag gosht (£9.95) lamb, spinach & greens for Bec. Two pilau rice & one plain nan completed the line up. It was enjoyable for all, but my skinny did say she felt her's was a bit lacking on depth of taste. The attentive service was maintained throughout, and at the end of the proceedings we were presented with a small questionnaire, asking what we thought of their service and food, no wonder they're able to maintain such lofty levels of service, when they're constantly monitoring their customers opinions.
All in all it was hard to find faults tonight, as mother said to find any would be considered picky. When it came to 'way-in' £90 for the meal (that's 4 starters, four mains & 2 drinks each) we were once again asked what we thought of the experience. " I reckon you're one of the two best Indian restaurants in Derby" I said. "Yes, but are we number 1 or number 2?" she replied. Now there's a thought.............
N.B. Scientists at Nottingham Trent University have discovered that people can actually become addicted to curries, because they arouse and stimulate the senses. Their findings indicate that people do not just crave curry because of its spicy taste, but also because it stimulates the senses and provides a natural high (BBC, Oct. 2000).
Food 7.5/10First impressions are of a warm, softly lit room and very courteous, traditionally dressed staff. The waiting/bar area is a bit small, and there's probably only enough seating for four people, so we were propelled straight to our stylish laid tables and each presented with a copy of their innovative menu. The majority of the seating is made up of high backed, tan suede upholstery, very modern and if you get one of the booth's, also quite private. Drinks were promptly served, it was now time to decide, change your mind, then decide again, what to eat....
Mother plumped for her usual poppadoms and pickle. They pride themselves here on unusual accompaniments, such as their own apple & mint chutney, however they were more than happy to bring her the ubiquitous lime pickle. It was mushroom bhaji for the Bec, mixed vegetable starter for my skinny and tiger prawn puri for me. I was well impressed with the presentation of my starter, and it didn't disappoint the palate either, my skinny was also satisfied with her trio of samosas and bhaji's, but the perfectly formed circle of what I think was a tamarind reduction, was a bit fiery for her. Updates were provided by the attentive staff as to the imminent arrival of the mains, and in due course they promptly appeared, all presented in charming copper bowls. My usual chicken bhuna (£8.95) was remarkably tasty but slightly too hot for me, even though it is only rated number 1 (they rate all their food on a 1 - 3 chilli rating), lamb dansac (£8.95), lamb with spices & lentils for mother, chicken balti (£8.95) chicken with yoghurt & green peppers for my skinny and lamb saag gosht (£9.95) lamb, spinach & greens for Bec. Two pilau rice & one plain nan completed the line up. It was enjoyable for all, but my skinny did say she felt her's was a bit lacking on depth of taste. The attentive service was maintained throughout, and at the end of the proceedings we were presented with a small questionnaire, asking what we thought of their service and food, no wonder they're able to maintain such lofty levels of service, when they're constantly monitoring their customers opinions.
All in all it was hard to find faults tonight, as mother said to find any would be considered picky. When it came to 'way-in' £90 for the meal (that's 4 starters, four mains & 2 drinks each) we were once again asked what we thought of the experience. " I reckon you're one of the two best Indian restaurants in Derby" I said. "Yes, but are we number 1 or number 2?" she replied. Now there's a thought.............
N.B. Scientists at Nottingham Trent University have discovered that people can actually become addicted to curries, because they arouse and stimulate the senses. Their findings indicate that people do not just crave curry because of its spicy taste, but also because it stimulates the senses and provides a natural high (BBC, Oct. 2000).
Service 8/10
Venue 7.5/10
Tel: 01332 292629
www.masala-art.co.uk
"Hot in the city, hot in the city tonight, tonight" (Hot in the city, Billy Idol, 1982)
Martin, Saturday 3rd February, 2007
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