Jul
30
La Porte des Indes, Marble Arch
Posted in Where to Eat & Drink Now
La Porte des Indes is set in a side street near to Marble Arch. From the outside the building is unobtrusive and certainly does not reflect the scene that is hiding inside. This former Edwardian ballroom covers two floors and feels a little like you are outside on a summer's day, with its exotic plants, glass dome and waterfall cascading down the wall. The marble staircase takes you into a comfortable restaurant with Indian artefacts adorning the walls.
We were seated quickly and after having a peruse of the menus (classic, lunch, menu maison and vegetarian,) we decided to sample the menu maison; a menu where you can sample a “little of everything” this includes starters of Parsee Fish (Fillets of sole encased in a mint and coriander chutney and lightly steamed in banana leaves,) Demoiselles de Pondichéry (Large juicy grilled king scallops with a hint of garlic in a mild saffron sauce,) Murgh Malai Kebab (Chicken tikkas marinated with cream cheese, mace and fresh green peppercorns, grilled in the tandoor) and Chard Pakoras (Crunchy green and red chard and water chestnut pakoras with Bengal gramflour, green chillies, coriander, turmeric and caraway seeds.)
The starters arrived in the middle of the table and were presented well. It was certainly interesting to taste a variety of the menu’s starters and each of them tasted delicious.
The main courses included Barra Lamb Chops (Best end of British lamb marinated with caramelised onions and garam masala, served with mint chutney,) Poulet Rouge (Chicken marinated in yoghurt and red spices, grilled and served in a creamy sauce,) Crevettes Assadh (Prawns simmered in a mild coconut curry with green mangoes, turmeric, chillies and ginger and Saag Paneer (A traditional dish of leaf spinach and cottage cheese sautéed in butter with green chillies and ginger.)
Like the starters, the main courses also arrived and were placed in the centre of the table, allowing dining companions to help themselves to each individual main. Each dish was yummy and the mixture of spices allowed for a different culinary experience.
The chef’s selection of three little dishes of favourite desserts was a perfect end to the meal and is to be definitely recommended. They are the right size to add something sweet, without been too heavy.
I would recommend this restaurant to people who want to get together with family and have a nice meal in beautiful surroundings. The clientele of the restaurant included families with older children, business people and groups of friends. It had a good atmosphere which was very comfortable and relaxing.
This restaurant is to be recommended and with a variety of menus, there is plenty to choose from.
http://www.laportedesindes.com/
