A week or so ago I was really fortunate to have an amazing night out with one of my besties, Helen.

We had booked some tickets to see ‘The Festival of the Dead – Rock Orchestra by Candlelight‘. Basically a gig featuring the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra playing some well known Rock Classics.

The gig was being held in Leicester at The Athena, which is around an hour from us both. We decided to go a bit earlier than the opening time and get something to eat, but hadn’t planned anywhere in advance.

So, on arrival at the location, we were really lucky to get the last place in a small surface car park next door to the venue, and set out to try and find somewhere to eat.

On My Way

There were a few places that we passed, but most were closed as it was a bit of a funny time between lunch and dinner. We popped into a Radisson Hotel to have a drink first and decide what we were going to do.

One of the restaurants that we had passed by was an Indian restaurant called ‘Chutney Ivy‘. I got on the Google and had a look at it and it seemed to get pretty good reviews so we decided we would try and get a table.

Arriving at the random early time of 445pm, we were not even sure that the restaurant was open. Pushing the door open, we were greeted by a lovely young man who asked if he could help us.

We enquired about the possibility of a table and were welcomed in by Brandon, who showed us to a crisp white linen covered table, accentuated with a vase filled with Gladioli.

Two beautiful purple menus were presented to us, with the logo of ‘Chutney Ivy’ on in Gold.

A Beautiful Menu

I dived in and was immediately drawn towards a starter of Duck Samosas. The idea of succulent duck inside crispy filo pastry.

YUM.

Whilst looking for a main course from some really exciting choices, Brandon asked us if we had considered the Pre-Theatre Banquet.

Now, it was something I had looked at, however it stated that it was available from 530pm and it wasn’t even quite 5pm.

Brandon told us it was not a problem and we could have the banquet if we so chose.

Well, it was a no brainer for both of us. The banquet listed numerous items and apparently we got everything that was listed! That suited us both down to the ground and we opted to give it a go.

We also added a portion of duck samosas too, just to give them a try!

The Banquet started off with the traditional Poppadoms and sauces. The spiced onion was different to the kind I am used to, which is usually quite dry. This had a saucy look to it and I was excited to try it.

Poppadom Time

I have to say, for a poppadom accompaniment, it was the best  I have ever had. It was literally mind-blowingly good. I then dived into the minted yoghurt which is not my usually to my taste, however this was also exceptionally good.

The mango chutney was delightful too, with a bit of a spicy kick. Given that these were just the poppadoms, it bode really well for the rest of the banquet.

Onto the Starter Menu.

We were served with four different starters; Maachi Amritsari (delicately spiced white fish in batter), Chandi Malai Tikka (chicken marinated in cream cheese, dill, coriander and mace)  Shingara (savoury pastries stuffed with vegetables) and Paneer Tikka Shashlik (Paneer cheese with cumin, coriander, chillies and soy sauce).

Our Starters

At this point, the Duck Samosas also arrived.

We dived in but took our time savouring the items that had been served. I have to admit, they were all outstanding. Each one was perfectly spiced and so flavoursome.

I would struggle to say which was my absolute favourite, however if pushed I would probably go with the Shingara as they were delicate yet delicious. Perfect little morsels really.

Duck Samosas

Now, given that we had eaten all this, it seemed impossible that there was still more to come. I was excited to try though and awaited eagerly for the arrival of the next course.

For this course, we were served Muragh Tikka Makhni (chicken tikka in a gravy enriched with cardomom, kasoori methi and fresh cream) Khashi Lamb Bhuna (Spring lamb with medium spices, tomatoes and fresh coriander) Makhni Daal (black lentils with ginger, garlic, tomato and cream) and Subzee Milloni (fresh vegetables in a spinach sauce)

This was accompanied by Pillau Rice and Naan Bread.

Our Main Courses

Now, for two people this was a whole lot of food. But we were determined to give it our best shot.

Historically I am a meat eater when it comes to Indian food. I never opt for lentils or vegetables but I was really eager to give these a go as they are just not something that I find particularly palatable.

However, in this case I was totally wrong. Whilst I love Lamb Bhuna, it was actually the Subzee Milloni that actually stole my heart. It was beautiful in its flavouring; delicately spiced, soft but not mushy and the sauce was stunning.

I must state that the other dishes were equally as good. Absolutely fabulous in fact and we ate every single morsel served up to us. It was all really *that good*

A Little of Each

The banquet doesn’t feature a dessert and to be fair, most Indian restaurants have a limited dessert range, to my knowledge. However, I don’t think I could have eaten another mouthful of anything at all, sweet or savoury.

So, if the food was that good, what were the drinks like?

Well I had a mocktail Mojito which was fantastic. It tasted just like the real thing but without the alcohol. Helen went with a ‘Rise of the Raaj Cosmo’ which also went down a real treat.

Mojito Mocktail

Throughout the whole meal, we were treated like royalty. The staff were attentive and enquired whether things were to our satisfaction. As mentioned before, Brandon was a real sweetheart and went completely out of his way to help.

There was also a surprise visit to our table by the chef/owner who wanted to know what we thought to the duck samosas (which of course were beautiful)

The restaurant actually features an open kitchen area where you can see the meals being prepared which is great fun to watch. I was too busy digging in to the fabulous food to sit and watch though.

An Almost Empty Plate

The whole meal came to less than £80 which included wine, soda, cocktails (albeit one mocktail) the banquet and extra samosas.

I have to say it was worth every single penny. I simply cannot remember when I have had a better Indian meal and not only would I highly recommend this restaurant, I look forward to returning again soon.

After all, I really want another portion of the Subzee Milloni!

Until next time,

SPSG xxx

***** This review is completely my own opinion, words and photographs. I was not compensated in any way through payment, food or other sundries*****