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I always quite fancied Benares but its mixed reviews put me off.

When we used to do a lot of business with the Indian community there were two restaurants that they used to recommend highly in the London area, one was in Wembley and the other was in Southall. Not the Brilliant, which is popular with Michael Winner & the glitterati, but Gifto's Lahore Karahi which is actually owned by Pakistanis.

Service can be a bit chaotic, with mains arriving before starters on occasions, but the food is both authentic and tasty and the food does arrive very quickly. It is a dry house so some people bring their own wine, but we usually buy beers from the nearby Indian corner shop!

Punjab-influenced dishes dominate, and the place is rightly proud of its tandoori specials - the tandoori lobster is really excellent. The mixed grill starters are impressive and the menu also has its share of elegantly flavoured dishes. Breads, dhal and sides are inexpensive and superb.

Well worth trying for an authentic experience if you're near the area...

As you can imagine, growing up in Birmingham I do like my curry! Thanks for the recommendation!

Benares is pretty decent - eaten there a couple of times recently and never been dissapointed. Thing is though it's not a 'curry night' sort of option - it's 'fine dining' and very good it is too. However sometimes you just want a nice big sloppy curry with a bit of a kick - and Benares etc aren't going to push that button.

Ah, don't worry, I have that place sorted. My local is a 'curry night' type place, albeit very well done. It's nice going somewhere the manager shakes your hand as you come in, gives you free stuff and always makes sure you're well attended to. Ironically I judge others' service by their standards, despite it only costing £7.50 for a more-than-you-can-eat chicken biryani!

Cobra on draught with clean pipes too. Wonderful.

If you're ever in Birmingham the only comparable 'fine dining' Indian we really have is IMO a place called Jojolapa's, which is actually a Nepalese. Very nice but atmosphere's a bit dead.

Hi Mika,

It sounds like a great honeymoon. Unfortunately, I came to Morgans a little later in life to indulge in a similar manner.

I love the suggestions from our English colleagues, especially the restaurants.

Re the French leg, we spent a week or so based around Belves in the Dordogne region. You can check out the Les Eyzies caves, St Emilion Merlots and the Bordeaux area classics, not to mention some fantastic castles and walled towns. Great wines and food cooked in duck fat !!!

PS. Where abouts in WA do you live ?

I've spent a bit of time in WA, so am interested.

G'day Kiwi,

I live in Mount Lawey, just north of Perth city....

Regards

Mika