CHANGE OF NAME BUT SAME HIGH QUALITY

“Good evening. Taste of India.” Confused silence…… “Oh? I wanted the Vindaloo Restaurant.”

“No problem. My name is Washid. The restaurant is under new management and has been renamed. We have a new menu” he said with obvious pride. “I'm sure you will be pleased.”

I booked a table for two and an hour later we were met by our new restaurateur. A warm handshake and polite introduction led us into an evening of excellent food and fine wines from the new list, specially selected by Washid to accompany the traditional Indian cuisine. The new-look restaurant has had a complete ‘make over'. Later in the evening, all the formalities having been observed, talk turned to Washid's background. A local boy from Kimberley Road, he attended Judgemeadow Community College before graduating as a chef from Loughborough Technical College over twenty years ago, since when he has been a restauranteur in many parts of Britain. Among others, Washid employs his two sons, making it a well-run family business. He supports many local charities and his great love is playing golf, being a nationally recognised golf coach, although he now finds it difficult to spend as much time on the course as he would like.

Visit the Taste of India and discover for yourself the rich variety of dishes on offer (the fish is particularly recommended!). Washid welcomes your comments and opinion, always seeking to improve the diner's experience of Indian food. Let's hope this little corner of India is around for a long time.

Chris Pollock