20th March 2008 - Blue Mint, 21 Waterloo Road, Epsom

(01372 724167)

We started with a couple of poppadoms each, with some nice chutneys. Even the mint and cucumber raita haD a subtle, spicy back taste.

Starters: Lyn & Chris had crab cakes, Paul had the King Prawn Rolls.

Mains: Roast Duck Delight; Lamb Dansak; Chicken Tikka Biryani - plus pilau rice, onion bhaji and 2 plain naans.

Drinks: Paul & Chris had pints of Cobra, Lyn had a glass of the house red.

As we thought when looking into the restaurant some time ago, the décor is plain, modern and restful. The furniture is stylish and comfortable.

The crab cakes were excellent, as were the prawn rolls. There was a tamarind sauce with one or other starter, but it complimented both.

The duck was not only unusual, but very good. A tasty mix, subtly spicy, and perfectly cooked. The Biryani was so good that Lyn ate all but one or two mouthfuls, later admitting to having overindulged. As for the Dansak - it was superb, probably the best we’ve ever had. The onion bhajis were crisp and tasty.

We were impressed with the lack of grease in all the food. And, as at Le Raj (see post “28 Sep 07 - Le Raj, 211 Fir Tree Road, Epsom Downs”), the chef clearly does not use colouring agents.

Lyn’s wine was a full bodied, fruity red - so delicious, she had a second glass.

The service was unintrusive and excellent, down to being offered our hot towels individually. And when Lyn mentioned she had enjoyed the finishing orange-flavoured chocolate treats in the hearing of one of the waiters (inadvertently, of course), a further plate of them appeared almost instantly.

Our rating: FIVE STARS