Shaandaar Indian Restaurant

We hadn't tried the Shaandaar before, and it was almost the first one we came across, so we decided to give it a go. There is nothing special about the Shaandaar in terms of decor or menu - though there is a food preparation area in the dining area where kebabs and marinades are, er, prepared. The "staples" - rice, curries, are brought out from kitchens at the back.

Poppadums and half a dozen relishes arrived without prompting, and were pleasant. Marg wasn't hungry - she came just to keep Lee and myself company - so she opted for Sheek Kebabs as a main meal - i.e. to be delivered with our main meals.

Lee and I had Lamb Dopiaza - Lee the Tikka Masala variety. Marg tried Lee's and pronounced that next time we came, that's what she'd have.

Both Lee and I were well satisfied - tender meat, well seasoned and spiced. Lee reckoned that the Naan was a little floury in texture, but I found it acceptable.

Kathryn isn't one for Indian food, although she will occasionally try some of our dishes, so she went for steak and chips. This was a Big Mistake. The steak was of the shoe-leather variety and they had not even supplied a serrated knife - the poor girl's fingers were bruised by trying to cut the stuff before she asked me for my (serrated edge) knife. Unfortunately, Kathryn pleaded with me not to complain ( It's funny that she seems to have no problem with complaining at other times!!!), so I let it pass.

Some may say that one shouldn't expect a good English meal at an Indian. I disagree. Not everyone enjoys Indian (or any other "ethnic", including, say, Italian, food), and the chef should be competent enough to satisfy the members of parties which are along for the company.

Verdict: Average. The Steak let them down, but even without that, in this day and age, a restaurant should display a modicum of excellence in one or more aspects of their service. The fact that there was nothing much to complain about isn't enough, and I would need a specific reason to return.