Some deliveries are a pleasure and this evening was one of them. Whilst Bob was happily chatting away about TV series that he and the customer had in common, Phil was happily crawling around assembling the ottoman bed. As the building and the conversation continued it moved to the subject of Curry and Phil and Bob left with not one but two recommendations in the Ashford area. Being in the big yellow van, the decision was made to go to the Everest Inn as parking would be easier. The second curry house would have to wait until a delivery in the smaller van!
The Everest Inn is a Nepalese & Indian Restaurant. Located in Station Road in Ashford it is easily found as it is completely surrounded by car park. The building looks a little strange from the outside as if everything else around it was demolished to make way for the car park but inside it is very tastefully decorated. There are a chain of three Everest Inn's, the other two being in Blackheath and Hythe. Bob & Phil were greeted by a receptionist and shown to a nicely set table.
The Papadums were disappointingly not that warm but beautifully served with a mixed bag of pickles. Bob felt that the raita was rather bland and Phil was intrigued by a carrot and cauliflower pickle. The draft Kingfisher (no Cobra) was nicely cold.
The curries were intriguing. Bob's Butter Chicken had a smokey flavour to it which gave it an unusual depth. Phil's Dhansak started with a hint of sweetness and tomato then moved through a number of flavours before gently warming the back of the throat.
The Vegetables provoked mixed opinions. Both Phil & Bob enjoyed the Aloo Gobi but Bob felt that the Sag Paneer was too bland whereas Phil felt it was the perfect foil for the Dhansak. Interestingly Phil found that the Aloo Gobi changed flavour before and after sampling the Dhansak - a strong sense of mustard coming through.
The service was excellent. The two waitresses were friendly and polite and engaged in conversation about the meal - not just the usual "Is everything OK?" The serving of the post meal napkins became a pleasant ceremony with a nice twist to it. It is worth noting, however, that the meal wasn't at the cheaper end of the scale and that a 10% service charge was automatically added to the bill.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
9
|
Papadum
|
7
|
6
|
Curry
|
9
|
9
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
6
|
Service & Ambiance
|
9
|
9
|
In total 80 points - above average but just outside the top 10 curries.
A little more flavour in some of the dips and vegetables and it would have made it into the top 10! If Bob and Phil have a delivery to Blackheath or Hythe then the other branches will be visited!
