Amigos Restaurant, Málaga: A Review

It being my friend's birthday, our choice of dinner eatery was his decision. He opted for Amigos, an Indian & Mexican (!) offering. When we turned up just after nine and a table for two had been saved outside on the terrace. We were quickly given menus and just about had time to select a bottle of delicious Cava when the waitress returned for our drinks order.

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We scoured the extensive menu. My chum was salivating at the thought of his lamb Madras and I also at my lamb Korma. Unfortunately it was not to be, for me at least. Prior to choosing Amigos we had been advised that everything could be made without garlic, to which I am seriously allergic. However, the waitress returned to advise that all the lamb had been marinated in garlic. Yikes! She suggested a beef fajita. A tad disappointed at not getting to have curry, I settled for the suggestion. Alas, not for long. Next up, the manager was next to the table advising that all the beef had also been marinated in garlic. He then apprised that the sole dish I could have at the restaurant was a rib-eye steak.

(To be honest, I sometimes experience similar issues with Indian restaurants in England. However, I have found wonderful eateries that cook everything from scratch, where a garlic-free curry is no issue whatsoever.)

The birthday-boy wolfed down his aromatic dish. He passed on that the pillau rice was one of the lightest he had ever had. A Sikh chap & his wife to one side of us and a Norwegian couple on the other also cleaned their respective plates. Empty plates are surely the highest compliment one can pay to a chef!

[Image description: steak & chips]

My steak was full of flavour and surprisingly for rib-eye lacking in gristle or excess fat. The outer reaches of the flesh were succulent as well, but the centre of the steak - whilst still delicious - had a rather dry texture.

 [Image description: empty plates]

Service throughout our dining experience was fast, efficient and very professional. The slowest part was waiting for the portable card-reader in order to pay.

My companion would return in a trice. I of course, due to my food allergy, would prefer to go elsewhere.

Curry Club Restaurant & I Love Kebab (Take-away), Castletown IOM: Review

Fully booked for New Year's Eve, our party was fortunate to be able to snag a table in the latest addition to Castletown's provender caterers. Steve, our Manxman chum, was surprised to find a full Indian restaurant within the town, not simply a take-away (take-out). It did not fail to surprise us all. The cuisine is mainly South Indian, a rare proffering in the British Isles.

As well as modern mood lighting and drapes at the windows, original tapestries and traditional embroidered artworks adorn the walls along with enamelled brassware on carved wooden sconces.

A couple of photos demonstrating how the gang enjoyed the repast. The author is in the first, dressed in red and noshing on the lightest of light naan-breads.

We all selected different dishes as well as different rice accompaniments, so that we could sample a good cross-section of the menu. Everything was made fresh from scratch, with no pre-made sauces, so any food allergies or intolerances can be taken fully into account. A boon to this writer.

Chicken dansak with pilau rice: £8.50 + £3.00 respectively.

Peshwari naan at £2.50 - the lightest naan-bread any of we diners had ever had and we have Manchester's Curry Mile at our disposal. It was not overly sweet either; just flavoured with finely grated coconut.

The feast laid out before us.

Normally, it is difficult to find a wine to go with curry. We tried two different reds. This Chilean Carmenère from MontGras accompanied all our dishes with each of the party commenting on how well it went with their respective plate. The restaurant does not have a licence, but one is permitted to take along one's own alcohol. This bottle of wine cost approximately £8-9 from the local Co-op.

Once the meal was ended not a scrap of alimentation remained on the serving dishes nor our plates. A sure recommendation if ever there was one.

The dessert menu (below) includes English ice-creams and sorbets, ranging from £3.50 to £4.50.

We plumped for the Indian Matka Kufi Ice-Cream priced at £4.50. As can be seen from the photograph below it was presented in a traditional Indian lidded bowl. After our spicy mains, this chilled, creamy ambrosia was not only a tasty end to our feasting but cooled the palate too.

Our host for the evening was extremely friendly and helpful and chatted with us at our behest, as we were inquisitive about the restaurant.

Should you wish to enjoy a delicious Indian repast, the full address and contact number on the island is as follows:

Curry Club Restaurant & I Love Kebab
20 Arbory Street
Callows Yard
Castletown
Tel: 822226