Village Brasserie

Village Brasserie
90 Wilmslow Road
Rusholme
Manchester
M14 5AL
Tel: 0161-225 0062
Fax: 0161-226 1934

A saturday night to spare whilst the rest of the family were at a Britney Spears concert in Manchester. I was chauffeur for the night and had about three hours to kill until summoned to pick them up. So I headed out to Rusholme for a wander round and perhaps have a curry. I was a bit dubious about eating alone on Saturday night because most place were full to heaving and I felt like a proper 'Billy No Mates'.

As I wondered around I noticed a new restaurant that had opened since i was last there and it didn't appear too busy. So rather than miss the opportunity for a good curry i decided to pop in and see what it was like. Also they were offering a free drink and 20% off, which was the clincher.

I sat down and studied the menu, whilst poppadums and chutneys were provided. I ordered a pint of lager and perused the menu. Typical offerings and at the top end of the price range for Rusholme, but still extensive. I ordered sheek kebab to start, followed by karahi lamb, pillau rice and a nan bread.

The restaurant was smart and clean. The toilets and a function room / extension were upstairs. The toilets were clean and fresh which is always a good sign. (I get so fed up with restaurants who ignore toilet hygiene and freshness, or who clutter up the entrance as some sort of makeshift storeoom).

The starter was good, the kebabs perhaps a little bland but still fresh and pleasant, served with a small side salad.

The main course was very pleasing. There was a large portion of aromatically flavoured pillau rice (big enough for two almost). The nan bread was steaming hot, fresh and crisp and fluffy in the right parts. The karahi lamb was spicy, a good flavour of fresh ginger and decent meat content. The meat was lean and tender. The menu described the karahi as delicately flavoured. I wouldn't confuse delicate with mild here, it was fairly hot. I would describe it more as well spiced, but no one flavour emerged to overpower the whole dish.

Overall a good addition to the Rusholme curry scene. I will certainly be back (especially if they are still offering 20% off!!). My bill came to £11.30, which they rounded down to £9.30 after deducting their interpretation of 20%. Anyway, it would be churlish to argue over a few pence for what was a very good meal and excellent value.

Verdict - I came away satisfied! Recommended.

Phil.