Located on the main road from Charing to Canterbury (the A252). Mehfil is the 2nd restaurant that you will see on your right when heading away from Charing. Until about 3 months ago this restaurant was known as Kerala Spice and was reviewed by Bob & Phil in September 2012. The restaurant is now much easier to spot from the road, however, due to clever use of lighting.
Mehfil's building was undoubtedly a pub or night club in its past history. The feel, however, still remains despite the obvious redecoration that has gone on.
Bob & Phil learned a new trick tonight with the Papadums. They were served on a hot plate so that the last one remained as warm as the first. Others please note!! The dips were a bit of a mixed back, though. Phil enjoyed the onion but was a little disappointed about the lack of a lime pickle. Bob found that the raita, mango and third dip (which neither he nor Phil could identify) were strangely acidic - either lemony or vinegary. Top marks for the Papadums, not so for the dips!
The curries were very generous portions. Bob felt that his was good but lacking something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Phil felt that his Dhansak was more like a Pathia - the texture of the lentils was there but the peppery flavour that he normally gets was completely drowned by tomato. Also his meat was a little overcoooked to the point where some of it had shredded in the sauce.
The rice & vegetables were another mixed bag. The rice was nice and hot and had a good mix of ingredients but the muttar paneer let things down a little. Phil normally finds that the pepperyness of his dhansak works well with the iron of the Sag and the gentle flavour of the potato and that this is then a nice contrast to the sweetness of the peas and the texture of the paneer. Tonight, however, the peas were rather bland and the paneer - although there in slices - was rather textureless and didn't have that squeaky bight to it.
The service could not be faulted. Attentive and knowledgeable and very happy to talk about the differences in types of curry. The waiters asked for constructive feedback on our experience and this led to an interesting conversation about the development of "Indian" cuisine in the UK, Both waiters were clearly passionate about the business of curry! 5 out of 5. The ambience, sadly, is still not quite there - and neither Bob nor Phil could figure out what is lacking.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
8
|
8
|
Curry
|
6
|
7
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
8
|
Service & Ambiance
|
7
|
7
|
The total of 75 is not quite as good as its predecessor but both Bob & Phil left feeling that Mehfil has got potential - a bit of work on making the restaurant feel less like a night club and a new carpet would go a long way to improving the ambience. It is certainly better than their rivals at the top of the hill.
Bob and Phil are looking forward to their next delivery in the Charing area!
