Mivesi Indian Restaurant and English Cafe
There was a choice of Three Curry Houses in Alnwick. Sources had dismissed Dalchini, it was now between Mivesi (2 Market Pl, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS) and Varanda, also on Market St. That Mivesi was open as we strolled into town at noon helped their case.
By day this is an English Café, with no table cloths. Outside a Street Food Stall was being set up, Indian Snacks served on the pavement, excellent! A Menu was secured, Hector would return. This was within the hour when the Market Stall was in full swing, but there was nothing to grab Hector at this time. A booking was made for 20.00 this evening.
After watching Scotland stumble past Georgia at the Black Swan, and just as Poland were beginning their shocking victory over Deutschland, Marg, Mar, Graeme and Hector entered Mivesi. The interior was transformed, the plain tables of the daytime were now clothed, the atmosphere was decidedly more formal. We were shown to our table at the far end, only then did I realise there was also an upstairs.
The Young Waitress whom I had encountered earlier asked if we had brought Drinks. We hadn’t. With no License, there is no Corkage Charge for whatever one wishes to bring in. Sparkling Water for Hector, variations for the rest.
We were asked if we wished to order Poppadoms. Are you selling or giving? I don’t expect to pay for them. Only Two Poppadoms were subsequently ordered (70p), there was a £2.00 charge for the Chutney Tray too. This was not a pleasing start.
A Chap appeared to take the order, Starters had been dismissed. Graeme was after Fish, Tandoori Trout, on-the-bone with a Peshwari Naan to accompany was his choice. Mar ordered a Chicken Biryani. Marg, who is ordering well of late, opted for Lamb Chops. Now for Hector.
The Lamb Dishes were all Lamb Tikka except for the Lamb Shank. I pointed this out to the Waiter who went on to tell me something about the Fat Content of Lamb. This is not a problem in any other Indian Restaurant. I had considered Achari Lamb Tikka as the most favourable Dish on the Menu, but the Shank? I had to ask. I have enjoyed Lamb Shank but the accompanying Masala tends towards Shorva which for me spoils the Lamb in this instance. So, I had to ask about the Masala. The Waiter went on to describe the Lamb, the Herbs, the Spices. I am asking you about the Masala, is it Shorva, how is it served? There was a Communication Breakdown, fortunately the Hostess of Mivesi was on the ball and was straight over. Having heard the conversation she stated she knew exactly what I wanted. I know exactly what you want, a Bhuna Sauce, Thick. Sorted. Well not quite. Moglai Paratha. What is this? – I asked The Chap. Is is Flaky? I was told it was served with an Egg on top, no thanks. A Meat Paratha and Aloo Gobi Masalla would accompany Hector’s Lamb Shank.
Mein Hostess came over to chat whilst we waited. The Chap was dispatched upstairs to serve a dozen guys who had just walked in. He’s not a Chef, he didn’t understand what you were asking. I have asked The Chef to give it extra (Spice). She was well onside. The Chef was her husband, and was no doubt the person I had met at the Market Stall earlier. All was well.
The Lamb Shank was served in a Thick Masala which was decidedly Onion Rich. This was very Pleasant, but lacked the Wow Factor.
The Spice and Seasoning were Fine, the Quality of the Lamb was very good, Tender. The Quantity proved to be Perfect when the additional items were taken into consideration. The Portion of Aloo Gobi had a decent, Earthy Flavour. Marg had some too, what’s going on here? The Lamb and the Vegetables worked well together.
The Paratha was Thick, Fluffy in appearance and decidedly Small, as was the Peshwari Naan. I had to examine the interior of the Paratha, it was Red and was filled with what I have been describing as the Donner Effect. This was clearly not Donner, however, the Red was very off-putting. Despite this, I did enjoy it.
In the end I have to declare this was overall, an Enjoyable Curry Experience, Something Extra might have raised the Level, now why did I not ask The Chap if they had Fresh Methi?
Mar is not a Curry Aficionado and so tolerates the Curry Evening on our Biennial Trips. She found the accompanying Masala not to her liking. We were both puzzled by the presence of a Fried Egg plonked on top of the Rice. Very Strange, this was not touched.
Graeme loved his Fish, the Dish was well-presented with Fried Onion on the side, as was Marg’s Lamb Chops. Of the Tandoori Trout – A Big Plate, Very Tasty, Lightly Spiced, not Overpowering.
The Portion of Lamb Chops numbered – Five. For the price charged, Seven would have been better, but then that’s Hector dreaming of Bradford Portions I suppose. The Chops were Red, again this was needless. Why are Chefs giving their Food a False Colour? Of the Four Curry-Heute Directives, Two had been broken. Fortunately Marg was able to enjoy her Chops regardless. The Presentation was Lovely, Flavoursome, the Onions were quite Chunky, a Change. It’s amazing how Marg always ends up with Chunky Onions.
The Ladies required Dessert and Coffees. Ice Cream and Rice were ordered. This meant Graeme and Hector’s Ale-time was running down… Eventually The Bill was summoned.
The Bill
£70.50. Allowing for The Extras at the end, and the unnecessary charge for the Pre-Starters, ok I suppose. Those who brought their own Drinks would no doubt have saved a small fortune.
The Aftermath
Mein Hostess had disappeared and so the Calling Card was given to the Young Waitress. A pity, I would have liked to share more thoughts with this Charming Lady.