JASHAN

Situated in the heart of the colorful land of Turnpike Lane, according to their website it’s for ‘when you want something a little different’ It was my foolish impression,they meant dishes..

First Impressions :

It’s a very brightly lit room, which also offers views of the street theatre outside.

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The most striking feature of this restaurant however, is its ‘hidden theme rooms’

Gail force winds can be heard as waiters deliver food from backrooms depicting the Arctic and Mount Everest!

Starters:

It’s very prompt service here and I select my food from the fake book 4th edition!

The Papadums are traditionally Indian and come with a mysterious enchanted brown gravy. The spell makes me unable to stop eating it!

Mains:

The food took a very long time to arrive. I was informed by a waiter that it had been lost in a snow drift in the arctic room!

The Chicken Saag here is spicy but unfortunately the meat was chewy and substandard. Average flavors. Naan and rice also average.

The Verdict :

A slightly below average experience. Also averagely priced.

Likely to dine here:

Scott of the Sahara

Captain Cook-intergalactic explorer

Directions :

Jashan

19 Turnpike Lane

London N8 0EP

Nearest station : Turnpike Lane

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THE CORIANDER

After an evening enjoying "Bach meets Jazz" at the Barbican, I decided to dine here.

First Impressions:

It’s always a good sign when you are greeted with the words ‘Don’t take too long’!

it’s a very clean, cavern style dining area. The room is deserted and it’s a Saturday night! The decor resembles a new build home. The vibe is strange as they don’t play any Muzak. Instead you are treated to sounds of stand up comedy from the kitchen, performed by the chef!

Starters:

We are treated to bland Papadums and an average pickle tray.

Mains:

Fans of the Bill Evans album ‘Trio 65’ can now order a dish of the same name; ’Chicken 65’ is a specialty here! I also ordered a Salmon Marsala.

The chicken was a bit too sweet for my taste but the poultry was excellent. The Salmon Marsala was spicy but seemed to lack authenticity. The dish was playing on the strengths of the fish rather than the ensemble. Both dishes arrived on a guitar pick shaped dish! The portion of rice and naan were definitely for a smaller breed of man!

The Verdict :

Average prices and above average food, but nothing special here.

Likely to dine here:

Chuck Israels, Larry Bunker

Directions:

The Coriander

55 Aldersgate Street

London EC1A 4LA

Nearest tube : Barbican

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DURBAR

Whilst failing to buy Kate Bush’s Lionheart album from a couple of local vendors for the umpteenth time-, and mainly because of the fact I had to take some back streets to dodge tourists looking for film locations to mediocre British rom-coms, I came upon this restaurant...

First Impressions :

Established in 1956 and according to the menu, it’s the choice of the stars; Joanna Lumley and Pete Postleswaite both have great things to say about the food. The room resembles a half eaten Tube platform..in a good way!

Starters:

I only ordered Papadums here which were delightfully fresh as was the pickle tray.

Mains:

After mugging a hipster earlier and stealing his coconut water, I was craving more so a Chicken Xacuti was ordered. According to actor Pete Postleswaite this place has a 'Rogan Josh to die for’. I had to take him up on this, so ordered one as my other main.

Both dishes were excellent. Perfectly balanced rich flavors, not overly salty and succulent meat.

The Verdict :

Great prices and flavors here.
On the downside, some skills in mountaineering are needed to reach the toilets, and the hand dryers suck!!
The eccentric waiter was more concerned about finding a usuable pen than taking my order!
Nevertheless definitely worth a return!

Likely to dine here:

Laszlo Biro, Griff Rhys Jones

Directions:

Durbar 
24 Hereford Rd
London W2 4AA
Nearest tube : Bayswater, Queensway

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THE SITARA

This restaurant combines my two great loves: Jazz and Curry !!

Diners can enjoy live music most Monday evenings and enjoy a soundtrack of jazz classics the rest of the week.

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First Impressions :

The front of the restaurant resembles an old school sex shop!
The dining room could definitely do with a refurbishment, especially the ceiling. This all adds to the charm though...
Be careful when you head to the toilets as you could easily take a wrong turn into the storage area!

Starters:
Benny Golson’s "Along came Betty" is playing as I sample the Papadums and pickle tray; very average...

Mains:
A Chicken Madras and Lamb Saag were ordered although I was tempted by the Tika Marsalis... The chicken was juicy and succulent and had great flavours, but was over the top with salt! Coriander lovers will enjoy the lamb which had a fresh zest to it.

The Verdict :

The food was good but not great. Great vibe though and I loved the selection of Jazz music.

Likely to dine here.:

Jazz legends such as Lemmy and Sid Vicious can been seen dining here often .

Directions :

The Sitara 
784 Holloway Rd, 
London N19 3JH
Nearest tube : Archway

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