Chilli Night(s) - not so chilly

We returned to Chilli Night(s) in Haslemere for our January meeting.  This was the first Curry Club visit since 2008, as we failed to raise a quorum in November 2013; in the interim, I've been there on several occasions after beer-related activities, and it's never failed to please me.   We changed our routine this time to have our pre-dinner drinks at the restaurant, rather than one of the local pubs, and everyone agreed that this was a good decision.  The restaurant gave us a friendly welcome, and we had plenty of time to relax without the need for a long trek just before dinner.   Turnout was lower than average, probably due to the distance from Petersfield. 

As is our custom, the choice of dishes was left to the restaurant.  We weren't disappointed.  Starters were unusual off-menu items: spicy tandoor-cooked ayre fish, a spicy lentil patty similar in shape to a small burger, and a small puri made with naan flour and filled with spiced kofta-like minced meat.  All were delicious, and because we hadn't filled up first on papadums, we had plenty of appetite for the main courses that followed.

The main courses were more familiar but still very good: two sauced main dishes and two served with salad.  A rich lamb dhansak and a chicken bhuna were both extremely tasty, well-spiced and appreciated by all.  The garlic chilli chicken was lively - one of us needed emergency water and lager after encountering some of the chilli in the dish.  There also seemed to be a hint of Scotch Bonnet or naga-type chillis.  The final main dish was comprised breaded chicken strips - looked a little like octopus.  For me this was the least exciting of the four, probably because I didn't spot the sauce in a dish at the middle of the salver.  But I did enjoy the dhal, the naans - plain, garlic and keema, and the pilau and spinach rice that were served as side dishes.  Kingfisher on draught, Cobra in bottles, and a decent red wine were appreciated by all (except the drivers).
 
Going by the menu, the drinks list, the bill and the phone book, it's Chilli Night.  It's only Chilli Nights on the sign outside.   But whatever you call it, we had a great evening and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  Those that couldn't make it up the A3 missed a good one.  

Address: 64 Weyhill, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1HN
Phone: 01428 644288