Topic: Another one fallen by the wayside

[Peripatetic Phil]

For most of my life, I lived on the Eltham/Chislehurst (=London/Kent) border, and there was one T/A near my home on which I could always rely.  I moved to deepest Kent about ten years ago, and although the nearest Indian restaurant was truly superb at that time, it is now little better than mediocre.  So, passing through Eltham on my way back from Tower Bridge tonight, I thought I would stop at that T/A and revive my taste buds with a first-class curry.  Sadly I was wrong.  The chicken tikka starter was a generous portion, and certainly OK, but not really excellent. The pulao rice was almost without aroma or flavour, and the chicken Madras just average.  One dish, however, stood out head and shoulders above the rest -- the sag aloo.  Beautifully dry, totally distinctive flavour (/definitely/ no so-called generic "mix powder" in its spicing), and really to die for.  If only the other dishes had been as good.

** Phil.

[tempest63]

I know how you feel. Living in Witham I have seen many take always go from really good to really bad in a short space of time. It appears that these are started by one proprietor who builds them up through great food and good service then sells them on. The new owner looks to cut costs and the quality falls away.
We took to ordering ours from a place in Hatfield Peverel that was happy to drive the few miles to make a delivery however since the chicken turned orange and everything has the same aftertaste we have given that one up.
I've been getting my fix during the day at a Brick Lane place that does curry one side of the restaurant and fried chicken the other side. It is good food and the chicken isn't orange.

[london]

I know how you feel. Living in Witham I have seen many take always go from really good to really bad in a short space of time. It appears that these are started by one proprietor who builds them up through great food and good service then sells them on. The new owner looks to cut costs and the quality falls away.
We took to ordering ours from a place in Hatfield Peverel that was happy to drive the few miles to make a delivery however since the chicken turned orange and everything has the same aftertaste we have given that one up.
I've been getting my fix during the day at a Brick Lane place that does curry one side of the restaurant and fried chicken the other side. It is good food and the chicken isn't orange.

Which place do you go to in Brick Lane?

London.

[tempest63]

I know how you feel. Living in Witham I have seen many take always go from really good to really bad in a short space of time. It appears that these are started by one proprietor who builds them up through great food and good service then sells them on. The new owner looks to cut costs and the quality falls away.
We took to ordering ours from a place in Hatfield Peverel that was happy to drive the few miles to make a delivery however since the chicken turned orange and everything has the same aftertaste we have given that one up.
I've been getting my fix during the day at a Brick Lane place that does curry one side of the restaurant and fried chicken the other side. It is good food and the chicken isn't orange.

Which place do you go to in Brick Lane?

London.

Not sure of the name but it is double frontage, chicken to the left curry to the right and opposite where the greatly missed Sweet and Spicey used to reside.

Will update the address next time I am down there.

Do you have a favourite lunch spot on Brick Lane?

[london]

No Mate,

I avoid BL like the plague I did go there back in the day but now I use Needoo's Grill on New Road or Lahore 1 on commercial Road or Lahore kebab house on umberston Street, I struggle to find a decent BIR so now cook for myself or use tradition restaurant, it's a shame as there were some really good BIR place in BL and locally, I think it's the same with other areas judging by what I read on this forum.
Please update me as I still use BL for supplies.

London.

[tempest63]

I remember the first Lahore, went in after work one night and was the only non Asian guy in there. Since then it started to cater for whites and the local population moved on. Tayyabs has also changed, now they want you in and out as fast as possible and the quality of the food has dropped. I took a couple of American friends in there recently and they were completely underwhelmed by the whole experience.

It's a shame that these once great eateries have changed, but I am glad I was part of the original scene. I've yet to try Needoos Grill so will look it up one lunchtime