Celebrating an Indian venture
Last updated 09:02, Tuesday, 26 August 2008
A touch of glamour was brought to Belah on Thursday, as more than 100 people enjoyed Bollywood dancing and music at The Spice Enterprise on Briar Bank, Belah, Carlisle.
The restaurant was hosting a launch night for the Spice Lounge, a new room at the restaurant where customers can enjoy cocktails and bar snacks.
Owner Urvesh Bhagudia and business partner/chef Mansingh Rana invited regular customers to the launch event, including owner and chief executive of Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Philip Day, who cut the ribbon.
He said afterwards: “I was delighted to come along tonight. Everyone who comes here is made to feel special, it doesn’t matter where you come from.
“You always get a warm welcome from Urvesh, and genuine, inspiring Indian food.”
Guests enjoyed champagne and a finger buffet, and all profits from the bar will be donated to local charity Cash for Kids.
The Spice Lounge will be open Thursday to Sunday, and available to hire for corporate functions and parties.
Bar snacks will include kalmi kebab– spiced chicken drumsticks – and chilli murgh tikka, chicken breast marinated with chilli infused yoghurt and grilled in a tandoor. Vegetarian options include a crispy potato and green pea patty served on curried chick peas with tangy yoghurt and tamarind sauce.
The Spice Enterprise has become a popular choice for fans of Indian food since it opened a year ago.
As well as offering favourites such as chicken tikka masala and fiery lamb madras, Mansingh and his team dish up more unusual dishes, inspired by Indian settlers from across the world.
House specials include fish moolee – a lightly spiced fish curry with mustard and coconut cream, served on a spicy potato base; and pan-fried duck breast served with lime flavoured sauce, served on spiced plantain with steamed rice.
Another favourite with customers is the dukrache vindaloo, a Portuguese influenced wine vinegar, garlic and red chilli flavoured pork dish.
Urvesh said: ““We are very excited about the opening of the Spice Lounge. People who don’t want to go out for a full meal can now come and enjoy a few drinks and finger snacks.
“Everyone who we invited to celebrate the launch are regular customers, and it was a wonderful evening.” He added: “Customers get something authentic here, and something different which you don’t find everywhere.
“People are very adventurous and do try the more unusual dishes, so they show a confidence in us. Many customers come because we have been recommended, and we try to live up to their expectations.”
n The Spice Enterprise is open seven days a week. Phone 01228 599888/548761 to book a table or for takeaway orders.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEN RUSSELL and D & H PHOTOGRAPHERS
