Bite Me

Saffron

21 Castillian Street, Northampton

Northampton is not short of Indian restaurants some of which are standard fare, others offer a little more specialising in particular cuisines such as Bangladeshi and Nepalese meals alongside more familiar dishes. Some time ago we had ordered a takeaway from this restaurant but were not impressed enough to switch allegiances from our more local favourites however colleagues and friends suggested we gave it another go.

The restaurant’s own advertising states ‘...you are sure to receive the warmest of welcomes whatever time you dine.’ Unfortunately this proved the first in a series of uncomfortable events throughout our short meal. When asked if they had a table for two advising we hadn’t booked, the waiter seemed unsure before he led us to a table, half-heartedly pulled out a chair and wandered off. We seated ourselves as another server wrestled with pulling ornately folded napkins out of their rings before unceremoniously launching the now unfolded masterpieces vaguely towards our lap areas.

By then we’d had chance to consider the decor which was modern, clean and appealing but we felt, somewhat spoilt by the amount of self serving press clippings bearing the endorsements of past local panto stars; as if no curry could garner our favour had it not passed muster with Bobby Davro having a post show bhaji.

Drink orders were taken and menus provided we settled to choose our dishes, I for one feeling awkward was not inclined towards a starter, already feeling like the uninvited guest turning up at dinnertime.

My partner chose the cinnamon duck with a keema nan, I opted for a dish described as their ‘best selling’, a Chicken Hariyo Khursani, chicken pieces marinated in green chillies and cooked in a spicy sauce with a side of pilau rice. The chicken dish was a generous serving but the flavour was that of a spicy generic tikka masala with a touch of a well known brand of tomato soup to the sauce, albeit the chillies gave it a firmer kick. The duck however was a delight, beautifully spiced and served in a wonderful silky smooth sauce with the excellent keema being both crispy and moist.

Somewhat off putting was the intimacy to the couple next to us, pleasant as they appeared the enforced intimacy hindered conversation, particularly as my next door companion ordered the Naga and with every mouthful of this hot dish sniffed as the inevitable nose run began.
Meal finished we requested the bill. While I was underwhelmed enough with the service to leave just the cost, my partner had enjoyed the duck so we placed our money in the folder on the table. My partner had already walked toward the door while I was putting my coat on so didn’t witness the strangest part of the evening. The server in his haste to retrieve our payment pounced towards our table requiring me to jump out of his way. Horrified I joined my partner outside too stunned to go back and complain.

So would we go back? In short, no. There are very good Indian restaurants providing exciting authentic dishes where the service is as important as the food however I think my partner may find a way of getting the duck dish without me.