Friday 14 March 2008

Madhuban - Liss, 12/3/08

It had been at least 3 years since the PFCC patronised the Madhuban. Plans for a February return were postponed due to the Miah brothers refurbishment. And what a change they have wrought! The House colours once rich gold and royal blue are now deep maroon and off white, the dining room, a slick and airy rectangle is certainly more spacious than the cosy L shaped den of before.

That said our table ended crammed with dishes, some new additions to the time honoured menu, reprinted and updated. One such, a brilliant tart and grapefruity Lamb Shatkora accompanied by an earthy dal. Of the familiar, Jalfrezi was as sly, hot and delicious as ever with slabs of tender, salty duck and the Madhubans saffron yellow pilau remains the best.

A woody, aromatic King Prawn curry with cinnamon and cardamom as well as mixed vegetables were pleasant and though the Madhuban Special was mild and in truth bland our starter platter comprising well spiced lamb and chicken kebabs, onion bhajis, keema khumbi (breadcrumbed mushroom cups stuffed with lovely stodgy mince) arranged around a serving of superlative chicken chat was very good.

Although a nondescript Wednesday evening we were surrounded. Success breeds success and the team have built upon reliable, sometimes excellent cuisine, vivacious, assured service (no clammy handshakes, abstract mutterings) and an established reputation. No wonder their name is a byword locally for fine and proper curry.

FOOD: 4
SERVICE: 4
AMBIENCE: 4
VALUE: 4 (prices have risen a smidgen but are still the most reasonable around)

Willp2328score: 8/10

No comments: