Can Cook Won't Cook

Last night I took my Dad out for a father-daughter evening to celebrate his 82nd birthday. He knew we were going out for dinner, but had no clue where.

In the car, I asked him to choose ONE thing he’d love to eat whilst my Mum’s away.

Without hesitation, he replied: “Curry!”

“Well then I guess you’re going to really enjoy dinner tonight!” I replied, watching his face light up with gleeful anticipation.

I’d heard good things about Jewel of India, which is located at the Invesco Centre and can be contacted on 033 – 342 0334 and was looking forward to giving it a try.

The decor is up-market Indian, with ornate and tasteful fitting and the background music is loud enough to appreciate, whilst being quite enough not to be intrusive. There is seating for 150 people and the restaurant is available for functions at a fixed price per head.

Much of the food is cooked in the Tandoor oven, which is visible (but glassed off).

The menu is extensive and the prices reasonable – and, good news, the restaurant is licenced and has a small but respectable wine list.

And they have REAL wine vases … I need to know where they get them from, as they’re amazing!!  At R20 per glass, you’re really getting value for money.

Dad and I decided to share a starter of Chicken Tikka (R36), which was probably the most succulent chicken I’ve ever tasted. The pieces were generously sized and wonderfully spiced and grilled in a Tandoor oven.

For his main course, Dad chose Lamb Vindaloo (R85) which had a 3-chilli heat rating, meaning ‘hot’!

It looked really tasty and, judging from his plate, Dad enjoyed it thoroughly!

I had Chicken Saagwala (R75) which is slivers of chicken cooked in green spices and spinach masala. I’d never heard of this type of curry before, but am now in hunt of the recipe, as it was sublime.

We weren’t able to find room for dessert, but there was a small selection including traditional and Indian choices.

I made sure I took a copy of their lunchtime take-away menu and will definitely be back again to sample more of the wares of this wonderful Jewel of a restaurant.

We were looked after by our hosts, Sagren and Shireen (the owner) who made us feel super-special.