Maharaja at the Bandstand - Herne Bay

It was an interesting evening with deliveries in Bearsted, Tilbury and Herne Bay.  The decision was made to end the evening close to home and the Maharaja was the chosen destination.

The Maharaja hasn't been open very long.  This time last year it was a bar.  It occupies one half of the historic Bandstand on Herne Bay's seafront which was built in the 1920's.  From the outside the decoration is sympathetic to the history of the building but inside it has been tastefully modernised and, for those long hot summer evenings(!), there are even tables available outside in the courtyard.

The Papadums were warm and fresh and served with the ususal dips although the Mango chutney had a very distinctive flavour.  The beers were nicely cold and served with chilled glasses.

A point to note is that, before we were served our main courses we were asked if we were ready - a nice touch. The curries were very good indeed.  Phil was intrigued with his Dhansak and how it moved from sweet at the front of the mouth to a full blown heat kick at the rear.  The heat of the Dhansak was beautifully neutralised by the sweetness of the Muttar Paneer and Bob was particularly pleased with the flavour of the Bombay Aloo and its contrast with his Butter Chicken.

The restaurant was quite busy for a midweek - nearly half its insided tables were being used and it seemed quite noisy.  Phil noticed that the waiters had seemed to crowd one area of the restaurant leaving a second area empty and wondered if a quiter atmosphere would have resulted had the customers been space more apart.  Both Bob and Phil were intrigued with a little party trick when the napkins were delivered at the end of the meal.

Area	Phil	Bob
Beer	8	8
Papadum	8	8
Curry	9	8
Rice & Vegetables	9	9
Service & Ambiance	8	8

In total 83 which puts the Maharaja up there near the best we have experienced.

All in all a fine end to a long evening!

Zarda Indian Cuisine - Yalding

A further delivery to Robertsbridge was called for.  The traffic reports were not good so Phil decided to plot a scenic route cross country that took us through the village of Yalding.  Right next to the bridge that crosses the River Beult is Zarda.  Stopped outside the restaurant waiting for oncoming vehicles to clear the bridge, the decision was made to return there once the delivery was completed.

Zarda is the custodian of a Grade II listed building known as Swan House.  The restaurant has been tastefully integrated into the open plan ground floor with its wealth of ancient oak beams.  The effect is light and airy.  It is not a large restaurant but was, for a Thursday evening, quite busy.

We were greeted at the door, shown to our table and served our napkins by one of the very attentive waiters.

The Papadums, whilst not warm, were fresh and lightly salted.  They were served with 5 pickles, the 5th was an extremely moreish tamarind dip which Bob in particular liked.  Whilst enjoying the Papadums and the nicely cold beers we were treated to complementary mini-samosas which were very nicely presented and most welcome.

The curries were excellent.  Bob in particular thought that his Butter Chicken surpassed that in his favourite restaurant although Phil felt that his Dhansak was slightly overpowered by garlic.

The vegetables lead to the only slight disappointment of the evening.  The Sag Aloo, whilst pleasant, lacked any real flavour;  the Muttar Paneer, however was excellent and the freshness of the peas shone through.  Bob did feel too that his rice was a little overcomplicated.

The service could hardly be faulted.  From the greeting onwards we were well attended in a polite and friendly fashion.

Area	Phil	Bob
Beer	8	8
Papadum	9	10
Curry	9	10
Rice & Vegetables	8	7
Service & Ambiance	9	8

In total an excellent 86 a very close second behind our favourite restaurant in Faversham

Having been so disappointed following their last trip to West Kent/East Sussex, Zarda has given Bob and Phil a reason to look forward to their next delivery to that part of the world.