Will writes...

The window of this Indian in the heart of Soho suggests the PLACE is living off a more illustrious past.  I thought ‘Nan’ was another word for ‘Gran’ when they were nominated Daily Mirrors ‘Restaurant of the Year 1995’. 

The Head Chef, N.P.Pittal, alias Gopal, known to well acquainted as, ‘individually prepares each dish’, given the paucity of diners this may in fact be true.  Needless to say Staff weren’t stretched, SERVICE was amicable. 

My Starter, ‘Maasha’, scooped out green pepper filled with minced chicken, rice scored low on presentation but had a pleasant savoury sweetness.  Waiting for the rest of the FOOD to arrive sipped at very pleasant Chardonnay, all apples, pears, then down the stairs came Rogon Josh, Pumpkin Bhaji, large steamed rice.  Curry had a stewy authenticity, melt in the mouth lamb, fresh toms, green peppers cut in elegant roundels, crunchy cashews, reminiscent of michelin starred Tamarind!  Less convinced by Vegetables.  Pumpkin needed honeyed flavour not sour, olive piquancy of sundried tomatoes, red chillies. 

In SUMMARY I enjoyed a soothing dinner, alone, except for couple of young dudes from the states but whether Gopals will survive long enough for me to get around to going again is debatable, just seems ever so slowly to be slipping between the decks out of sight and mind. Friends of Mr Pittal, Gopal needs you!