THIS unique newly opened restaurant and bar in Knutsford has really taken off.
A couple of weeks ago I bumped into a client in the very popular King Street in the lovely town of Knutsford. His name is Bilal and he is the owner of the excellent Tiffin Kitchen Restaurant in Prestbury.
Needless to say I asked him what he was doing in Knutsford p his reply was: "follow me." Just a few yards away he was opening a door into his new restaurant.
My first thought was the name DABANGG over the door but a quick Google explained that it meant 'in control', which is a perfect fit for its new owner!
Bilal has an excellent pedigree with a whole range of prestigious culinary awards over 30 years.
The entrance is small from the outside and could easily be missed in this bustling street but just a few steps forward and it opens up into a deceptively spacious restaurant with a mezzanine floor.
It is a great rustic setting with an engaging Asian feel and the building was built in 1620 so it's also a giant step back in history.
Plans are in place to build an Alfresco area which should be ready in spring - a perfect spot to sample their amazing gin and wine list.
Bilal has created a menu that's unique in Knutsford - substantially Indian but enhanced with an excellent range of gastronomic options from Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. There is also a section of healthy options from all countries.
Forward a week and here I am undertaking a restaurant review!
We received a warm welcome from the staff and because we arrived early the restaurant wasn't busy but it still presented a warm relaxing Asian atmosphere.
When we were leaving, the restaurant was beginning to bustle with more and more people arriving.
My partner Gayle decided to sample the India n selection and I would go Malaysian and Thai.
Gayle selected the king prawn curry starter - "perfectly spiced and the prawns were quite simply outstanding" was the verdict.
I couldn't resist the Malaysian lamb chops. Really tender, spicy and enhanced with what I can only describe as a wicked side sauce!
Gayle's main course was the tandoori mixed grill - two chicken wings, two tandoori chicken, two lamb chops and two onion bhaji. Although the quality and tenderness were without question the size of this dish is strictly for the healthiest of appetites!
Needless to say it was a bridge too far for Gayle but she thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful. Both our faults! We noticed that there was an option to order the small portions for the whole meal - a great idea and perfect for sharing a number of different dishes and sample the four countries all in one go!
I couldn't resist the Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai, an excellent Thai green curry with huge succulent jumbo prawns. The dish simply oozed perfectly matched flavours and you can choose either chicken or vegetables as another option. An excellent finale!
Bilal has created something really special with his Dabangg Restaurant - its Pan Asian at its best and his mantra and passion for producing outstanding cuisine, quality of service and excellent value shines through.
I cannot recommend this restaurant enough and judging by the first week of trading booking is advisable.
- DABANGG RESTAURANT & BAR, 94, King Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ED Telephone 01565 625673 www.dabangg.co.uk