Copyright Nim Gholkar 2015 All Rights Reserved
As you all know, I don’t normally write reviews…of books, movies or restaurants. However, this is the first time I’m doing so, and it’s only because I’m impressed enough by a recent dining experience to write about it and share it with my readers.
Last night, I went out for dinner to ‘Not Just Curries’ Indian restaurant on Wigram Street in Harris Park, Sydney, expecting not much more than some nice indian food and a pleasant evening. Most Indian restaurants I’ve been to serve delicious cuisine. But there’s a lot more to a restaurant that simply providing authentic food. What sets one restaurant apart from the hundred others is its customer service, attention to detail, ambience and speed of service. Quite often when I’ve been to restaurants in the past, it’s been difficult if not impossible to get the waiter’s attention even if all I’m requesting is another jug of water. Sometimes even if I wave frantically and almost do a jig on my chair, it’s been a struggle to get anyone to notice, let alone care.
This restaurant ‘Not Just Curries’ was different. It surpassed my expectations and impressed me enough to want to write a review. So here goes:
It was a busy evening for the restaurant. 90% tables were occupied. Even though my first thought on walking in was ‘this must be a popular place’, my heart also sank because I decided that being crowded, the food would probably take ages. But I was pleasantly surprised on all counts. There was a sufficient number of staff who moved around discreetly, paying attention to every table. As soon we were seated, all I had to do was look up and a waitress was at our table, taking our order. Service was quick and the food was delicious. The ‘naans’ were so light and fluffy…unlike any I had tasted before. I particularly enjoyed the ‘dahi bhalla’, ‘prawn jhinga’, ‘garlic naan’ and pistachio kulfi. Throughout the evening, as soon as the water jug was empty, it was whisked away and a fresh one provided without me having to ask even once. The staff were polite and courteous and seemed to instinctively know when a customer needed something. Indian food can sometimes feel heavy, but at this restaurant, I remember thinking ‘the food feels just right’.
All in all, it was a truly delightful dining experience and I highly recommend this restaurant.