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The build up to this third gathering of the MK Curry Club should have given us an indication of what was in store. Although dates are posted there were many - including the organiser, I might add - that wanted to change the date. Well, we didn't and Richard managed to make it. But even the build up to the evening and then the initial 'in the pub' atmosphere took a little longer to reach its normal vibrant pitch. Perhaps, in future, we should use this as an omen. OK, so that's got the bollocks out of the way early, let's get on with the interesting piece. The nine curry wraiths descended first on the George pub on the Buckingham Road, Bletchley. Having sampled some of their wares, we moved and grooved the Park. Slipping out the back door, we arrived promptly at the Golden Curry for our 9:30 reservation and...they weren't ready for us. In fact, we had to wait for about 20 minutes to get a table, which must have been hell for the other punters because there was no 'reception' area and the restaurant itself is small. So the nine gathered around the bar and were as quiet as 3 or 4 pints of beer would allow. Getting to our table, we all became far more friendly than we had been as the table itself was designed to sit two very small dwarves. Clearly recognising our requirement to bond in this way, the waiters allowed us to sit for a further 20 minutes before the popadums arrived. And another long wait before we ordered. And another long wait until we got out starters. Still, the pickle tray was interesting containing the traditional lime pickle, mango chutney, mint sauce, and onion salad - and a bonus fifth dish of mouth busting green chilli pickle which would have been much talked about if our tongues had not been paralysed by the heat. Eventually they did give us another table to join onto the one we already had and the dwarves sighed with relief. My starter of Onion Bhajee was probably the best I've had: crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside. My main course was Chicken Tikka Dhansak. Nice and spicy and really no complaints. Looking around, I did see some very vivid red curry's, which I suspect were 'girly' chicken tikka masallas. The rice was OK and the nan breads very good. They let themselves down on the veggie curries though. Now I know that a lot of oil is used to "bring out the flavours" but really, there was too much oil and it seemed to have permeated the dishes. OK, so after shock? Well, it was very windy the next day and the car had extra propulsion taking the boys to football, but the toilet roll stayed in the freezer again. If you like 1970's style curry houses, this one is for you. This was my first visit and the decor looked awful - pea green and red walls I seem to recall, with lots of plants all over the place - although I'm told it used to be better. I think the thing that really let them down was the service - come on Golden Curry: if you book a table for 9 people at 9:30 you expect it to be ready, and knocking 20 quid off the bill doesn't make up for it - and discounts can't count as value for money unless you give a discount to everyone! Alas, the rating of 2 Tajmahals was probably the only one they could get. You will probably see all of the other reviews on the web site to get the gist of other issues. Graeme |
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