Going to the Plaza sounds a bit like a night at the bingo but in this case it was a balti in a newly refurbished restaurant.

The decor is trendily minimal to the degree that it looks a bit like an art gallery after a visit from the bailiffs and it definitely needs cosying up. In fairness food was the prime reason for the visit and as we sat down we were offered poppadoms in a casual way that suggested that they were free gratis when in fact they appeared on the eventual bill. I wouldn't have minded but they were a bit like chewing cardboard. At least they were accompanied by a decent array of dips as an accompaniment.

For starters my companion chose the Punjabi Chops and was also given some mutton tikka because they only had two chops left. Unfortunately the chops were tough and dry - seemingly cooked and marinated some time ago and just warmed up. Luckily my chicken pakora was far better and although obviously not made with chicken breast,it was encased in a very distinctive and enjoyable spicy batter.

Whilst gazing at the menu, I saw a Pal that I hadn't seen for ages - the dish that is and reminding me of the night that I got through four jugs of water and ruined a shirt. However I opted for a Karahi Balti Meat which initially seemed a bit of a belt and braces in culinary description terms - disappointingly served up in standard silver serving bowl although it was a good portion with tasty bits of fresh ginger and whole spices. Meanwhile my companion's Chicken Dhansak was described as 'lip burning' but otherwise average. The dipping medium was a Rogani Naan which was apparently a Peshwari with 'egg sauce' - the egg must have been hard boiled because the naan was disappointingly dry.

Service was friendly and the restaurant was fairly busy on the Wednesday night that I visited.

ANDY MUNRO