Indian Summer in the middle of a Brighton winter

I recently found out Brighton has been voted a runner-up for the Curry Capital of Britain award. So where better to head on New Years Eve than the Indian restaurant in Brighton that has received numerous accolades and no one I know has a bad word to say about it (that's unusual). 

~ Indian Summer, Brighton ~

Greeted at the door by the Restaurant Manager we were swiftly escorted to the back of the restaurant and after a little head scratching as to what was on offer, there was a lot on the menu I didn't understand, we consulted the waiter to help us decide. Within moments it seemed we were served a complimentary soupçon of spicy tomato and mango soup in an espresso cup as an aperitif. 

Revived by this little wake-me-up from the cold and dark outside I began to relax and look around me. The walls in Indian Summer have been painted a rich aubergine purple, a very grand colour especially when in contrast to the white ceiling with ornate coving and the bright lights from a sparkling chandelier that hung in the middle of the room.

~ Indian Summer, Brighton ~

Our first course again arrived swiftly with great attention paid to each dishes presentation. The mint marinated Tandoori king prawns and spiced pea filled parcels with pomegranate, raita and tamarind sauce looked equally appealing and intriguing. Once served, it all disappeared with the same amazing speed it had appeared in the first place. In particular I was delighted with the juice of the popping pomegranates as it combined with the creaminess of the raita and the dark sweet promise of tamarind.

Another surprise arrived in the shape of a miniature pot of cranberry and clementine sorbet to refresh our palates before the onslaught of flavours expected in the main.  

Next to arrive was the Indian Summer Thali or plate of chicken, lamb, potato and dal served with rice, pickle and naan breads. Overall the food was a bit spicy for me, but the lamb melted and the plain basmati rice was delightfully delicate and light, although the portion was not big enough for my Cardiff fella.  

~ Indian Summer, Brighton ~

~ Indian Summer, Brighton ~

~ Indian Summer, Brighton ~

~ Indian Summer, Brighton - mango creme brulee ~

For dessert we shared a mango creme brulee with coconut shortbread. I had my reservations as I had only ever heard of and eaten simple creme brulees and I'm not a big fan of mango, which can be an over powering flavour. However, I wanted to try it at least. As it turns out I was wrong and although I was unimpressed by my Cardiff fella's smug face as I scraped off the last morsel clinging to the side of the ramekin, I had to concede he had made the right choice and the dessert was good 'un.

As we left the welcoming feeling we had felt throughout the evening from all the waiting staff continued. The level of service in Brighton is usually high so to receive a service that goes beyond that can only be described as outstanding.

Find them at Indian Summer, 69 east street, Brighton bn1 1hq  Tel:  01273 711001

Wishing you a very happy, healthy and fun new year 2015. 

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