So here we go, Feb's curry club. Meeting at the church were Paul, Tom, Tom's GD (Alan), Bill, Tony, Alan B, Colin M, Big Col, Phil (welcome mate), Prof and Keith. A disappointing turn out as we had been invited to a curry night, but that's just the way it goes with busy people, families, meetings and operations.
We left the church car park and made our way over to the Red Hot in Northampton, over by the six fields stadium. Never have been sure what goes on in that big stadium. Maybe a large car boot sale. I managed to come off one of the roundabouts on the wrong turn, so had to make a swift dash to the M1 and back! Eventually we all met up and went in.
We were shown to our table and initial thoughts were here we go the seats look nice all pushed together but how do you actually get in. However, the staff were soon on hand and provided another table enabling us to spread out. So once seated we considered drinks and for some reason going to the bar and ordering drinks was not an option as it has been on other visits. The waiter took our drinks orders and we paid each bill as it came. This was fine as it makes the end bill easier for us to work out. So then, what next? We weren't too sure what the plan was so Tony grabbed a waiter and said "We are from the curry club what is the process?". We noticed that this evening was the same as every other evening in that it had various people in and the food on offer appeared to be the same as usual, so what was going to be different. The waiter told us that we could help ourselves to starters and the usual Indian foods. However, he said that other Indian specific dishes were going to be brought just to our table.
So we got up and headed for the starters. It should be pointed out that our back row of people were up against the wall and this makes getting in and out difficult. Basically everyone has to get up at the same time. So once re-seated conversations began.
There was a bit of discussion about Big Col's Internet Access and how he has changed providers (not a good idea, in my experience) and was awaiting a wireless router. When quickly changed the subject and discussed the latest films. Several of us have been to see Avatar (in 3D of course) and agreed it was a great film, even if it was just Dances with Wolves in space. Bill said he'd seen Sherlock Holmes and that was also great. There was discussion about the Gadget Show and photography. Big Col is looking to buy a new camera, even though he hasn't mastered his old one yet. Bill said he was a technophobe. Now I thought that was someone who feared technology, but who am I to disagree.
During conversation dishes began to appear on our table. First some rather fetching meat balls appeared, at this point we remembered one of our missing members who couldn't be with us due to an operation. Then some sausages, that were spicy with a strong lemon taste. Both were very fragrant dishes. Then some lamb and chicken arrived. We continued conversation and someone noticed that Bill was taking small portions. Apparently he is on the diet again as all the good work he did last time (and money in sponsorship he took off us) was lost as he has put back on the weight he lost. Someone said they wanted their money back, but Bill said he would be around soon asking for more! There was a discussion about Sat Navs and comedy voices. Someone said that he would dread having his wife's voice telling him to turn left. Colin M commented that they have these devices and they are called Sat Nag's.
More food continued to pour onto the table, with a vegetable dish. One of the highlights was a fish curry that the Prof, who is a regular visitor to India, said was about as authentic you can get outside of India. Well done chef Swapnil!! SO we ended the meal and was brought a nice shooter which most people downed in one. Couldn't tell you what it was, just that it was in 3 sections.
... and so to the all important scores ... Ambiance = 4.0, Quality = 4.3, Quantity = 5, Staff = 4.4, Price = 4.9, giving a total of ............. 22.60!!!! At last someone has challenged the Cafe Bangla. The Red Hot had posted the third best score of all time. So where did they lose points? Ambiance lost some because of a few items, the backs against the wall seating, the level of general noise in the restaurant was high (yes it is a big place with lots of people), there was also a gas heater stationed very close to some who did move it away a bit but still felt the heat (or was it the curry). Quality in general was good, the dishes brought to the table were excellent. The main dishes from the normal selection are let down a bit by mass production, but nevertheless still good. One numpty from our membership gave 4 for price, which shows they don't eat out much, never did find out who. But overall an excellent score. As usual the opinions expressed here are our personal opinions on the night, you may have a different experience.
The question remains now in terms of where do Red Hot see this going? They want to start up a curry club. Are they going to advertise a special deal where you get the usual food plus some extras to your table? What would the price be as, while I won't disclose the price we paid, it was very good. In fact for the benefit of one missing member it was a snip of a price. How are they going to advertise it? How are they going to take it forward? One thing is for sure, the Mission Curry Club (MCC) were reduced in numbers this month and I know those that were missing would have enjoyed the night. So we would support a return visit to give Red Hot a chance to topple the Cafe Bangla.
Until next time, ta ta masala.