Profil von Spackweasel

We went to dinner here last night and I have to say it was just excellent. The four of us all had different dishes and they were exactly that, completely different rather than the same sauce with different meats. This is no formula curry house and the quality of the food is just awesome. It is clear that they have taken a lot of trouble over trying to get the food right. There are one or two little niggles like the strength needed to open the toilet doors but the place was clean and fun. I particularly enjoyed the Bollywood videos playing on the TV’s on the wall and enjoyed watching the chefs in the “goldfish goal” preparing the meals. I am sometimes concerned about what you might find in the kitchen of an Indian Restaurant but here you get to see it !! Oh, and one other thing stood out. The cocktails ! You don’t expect to see such an array of Indian themed cocktails on one menu and I definately intend to go back and try them all out in the summer. I tried the Chai Tequila cocktail last night and could have happily carryed on with them until I was a complete state. I also notice that they say they are open for breakfast. That could be interesting.

This spit and sawdust is overshadowed by the Fox and Anchor several doors down which is a shame. It is light and airy with plenty of places to sit down and a good selection of beers and wine including Leffe for those on a mission. It has just started doing live music and jazz in the evenings. You will note that I distinguish between music and jazz. That is deliberate,

This is the new restaurant of the former part owner of Sahib’s private members club a few doors down. It is authentic indian food rather than Bangladeshi and is invariably of a high quality. The only questionable thing they do is the plate of pickles served when you arrive. THey do not fit terribly well with the rest of the food. I woudl recommend that the best way to approach the food here is to have a large selection fo starters and go on to the main courses only if you feel you really need to. Once you have tried the lamb chops, the chilli paneer, the tiger prawns, Chilli chicken wings, the cubed chicked tikka and a black daal then there is little room for other food. Definately worth a visit.

This is a standard formula Bangladeshi Restaurant with everything from the flock wallpaper to the Indian Music. The food is of variable quality but is always best after a few pints at the Oddfellows Arms next door. As curry houses go it is average and I would definately steer clear of any dishes that you would not see on other menus. I have strayed away from the normal a few times and been really disappointed.

Sahibs started as a private members Indian Restaurant which, in practice, mean’t that you were allowed in if you were introduced to the owner. Up until 18 months ago this was probably the best Indian Restaurant in outer London and wouldave given some of the famous central Lonon Restaurants a run for their money. It is rumoured that the Indian Cricket team used to get their food shipped from here when they played in London. Note, however, that this is an Indian Restaurant and not a Bangladeshi restaurant. The food is fiercely Indian and there is not much on the menu that you would recognise from a standard curry house. The sad thing though is that about 18 months ago the owners fell out and parted ways. Since then the restaurant has not been so busy and the standard of the food has slipped. My understanding is that the awesome team of chefs has now been split over several restaurants in the area including Baad Sahib which is only a few doors down. Sahib’s is still a cut above the rest but nowhere near as good as it was. If you do happen to go then treat yourself to the Chilli Panner and the Garlic Tiger Prawns. They are to die for.

A very consistent and friendly Fish and Chip shop with a slight touch of Kebab. Its nothing fancy but the food is always up to standard perhaps with the exception of the Donna kebab which tends to be a little greasy even for a Donna. They do a “healthy” option of a Chicken Kebab and this is always served with plenty of fresh salad. They deliver as well as do take away and give away free soft drinks if you spend more than £10.

I would agree that this is, on its day, the best Indian Restaurant in the area. However, for such an ethnic city Luton does not have any (unless I have missed them) really top class Indian restaurants. By and large Indian Ocean is fine although I tend to avoid it earlier in the week because sometimes the food is poor. I suspect that on the quieter nights they use a less experienced chef. Certainly the athmosphere and the decor is very good and makes sitting in the restaurant a pleasant experience. I woudl have no hesitation in recommending it for a Friday or Saturday night.

The Blossom Garden is a pretty standard Chinese Take Away with the exception that the Chef claims to have cooked at top restaurants in London and Hong Kong. One might ask why such an esteemed cook would now be in a Chinese Takeaway in Leagrave but I am sure that is a long story. Being in a poor-ish area the food is inexpensive and not as fatty and slimey as many other chinese take-aways. One or two of the dishes actually stand out as being exceptional. One, the beef in black bean sauce, was nothing like I would normally have expected. It was very simple, very tasty and with a real chilli kick to it. All in all one of the best Chinese Take Away’s in the area.

This is a small take away restaurant serving a limited selection of Afro-Carribean food. The premises themselves are nothing more than brightly painted walls and a counter with a microwave and a glass cupboard for keeping the food warm. Pretty much all of the food is home made and them microwaved when you order. Sounds dreadful doesn’t it but actually its not. The food is very good. The Chicken Curry is a proper bones and all jamaican curry and the rice and peas reminds me favourably of meals I have eaten in the Windward Isles. All in all it doesn’t appear very good but worth trying if you like proper home cooking like Mama used to make.

This run down pub on the corner of Marsh Road and Leagrave High Street is best avoided.