COBRA Good Curry Guide
'BEST IN NORTH WALES AWARD'
Bengal Dynasty
106, Chester Road East, Shotton, Deeside.
CH5 1QD
01244 830455
Monday 3rd December, 2012
Parking was difficult, as Pat and I were almost the last to arrive, but not because we were late, we were on time, it was just that everyone else was early! Clearly a sign of excitement as the Bengal Dynasty Restaurant had won the, BEST IN NORTH WALES AWARD, and Pat and I were there to celebrate and congratulate proprietor Monchab Ali on his achievement. He had invited the press, local dignatories and his regular customers to feast on a Bangladeshi banquet.
We were immediately welcomed, coats were taken and hung in a purpse built area, well away from the kitchen and its aromas. Sparkling tulip glasses of sparkling white or red grape juice were offered. Neither Pat or myself have ever tasted sparkling grape juice, so it was lovely to try something new and we can report that it was very refreshing. Smiling and feeling cherished, with drinks in hand we were taken through to the restaurant and seated at a table for four, even though we were dining alone. Our waiter introduced himself and served us a generous plate of the most beautiful canapés - Keema Golden Bags - real works of art. He told us that they had been made by the Chinese chef. We did our best to eat as many as possible as they were so delicious, made with light and crispy filo pastry wrapped around a teaspoon of filling - spicy minced meat and pea.
Photos: Our canapés - Keema Golden Bags! Our starters - Mixed Platter.
Pat and Monchab decided that the certificate should be awarded before the banquet was served, as everyone was happily enjoying their drinks and canapés. Pat addressed the entire room, unaided by a pre-written speech, as he knew exactly what he wanted to say about the Bengal Dynasty Restaurant.
Photos: Monchab looks pleased - doesn't he!
Our starter plates were served swiftly from the kitchen by the use of a trolley and as the photographs above and below show, the selection was large and varied. We enjoyed all cocktail versions of, 'Vegetable Samosa £3.50' and 'Onion Bhaji £3.75' a slice of 'Salmon Paturi £5.95 - a small fillet of salmon marinated in ground black mustard seeds with ginger and garlic, baked in the tandoor' and a portion of 'Reshmi Kebab £5.95 - minced lamb blended with our special mixture of spices and herbs, grilled and covered with an omelette' and 'Murgh Shashlik £11.95.' All were served with a plain but freshly prepared mixed salad, lemon wedge and the indispensible, 'Mint Yoghurt Raitha £2.95.'
Photos: Pat enjoys his starter and local dignatories make speeches.
Our main course was a varied and a very authentic Bengali affair. Monchab had asked his chefs to prepare a selection of curries that would be served at a Bangladeshi festival. We enjoyed large bowls of King Prawns with Squash, Fish Fillets with Beans and a Spicy Chicken Curry. I apologise for not having recorded the names of these three mains, but if you feel like a new adventure, please speak to the head chef, as he will be overjoyed to assist you with your meal. Infact, the head chef has added some new dishes to his menu. These include, 'Nellore Chicken Curry £10.50 - cubes of chicken cooked in an onion and yoghurt masala, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves,' and 'Chicken Shashlik Masala £10.95 - medium preparation of chicken in a combination of onions, red and green peppers and tomatoes,' and for those who adore their Welsh lamb, (there is no better!), try the, 'Railway Lamb Curry £11.95 - lamb cooked in an onion and coconut cream gravy with potatoes,' delicious!
Photos: Our Bangladeshi Banquet.
Baskets of Naan were served to each table and were replaced as these amazing slices were greedily eaten. Choose from, 'Peshwari Nan £3.50 - stuffed with fruit and nuts,' Pat's favourite, 'Kulcha Nan £2.95 - stuffed with minced onion,' my particular favourite, 'Garlic Nan £2.95 - stuffed with fresh garlic,' or, 'Keema Nan £2.95 - stuffed with minced lamb,' all wonderfully doughy and light. We were also served huge platters of perfectly cooked, 'Basmati Polao Rice £3.00.'
Photos: Pat Chapman with the Bengal Dynasty chefs and local dignatories.
At the end of the evenings' celebration, Pat was interviewed by Muzahid Khan - Creative Strategist of Xperime Ltd and filmed by Les Howarth of Real-Time Images. They had a lively discussion, debating the past, present and future of the Indian restaurant market.
Long live the Bengal Dynasty Restaurant! and congratulations on your 'BEST IN NORTH WALES AWARD,' and we wish you a wonderfully busy 2013.
Bengal Dynasty
106, Chester Road East, Shotton, Deeside.
CH5 1QD
01244 830455
Branches: Llandudno and Hollywood USA
Hours: 12pm to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 11pm.
