Hot praise for Raval restaurant
AN AWARD winning Tyneside restaurant is Britain's best Indian eatery, according to a group of celebrity chefs.
Raval Luxury restaurant in NewcastleGateshead, on the banks of the Tyne, is to be recommended for a prestigious Michelin star by top Tyneside chef Douglas Jordan.
Gaining a star would make it one of only three Indian restaurants in the country to hold such an accolade.
Douglas dined there with a panel of celebrity London chefs after judging a cookery competition nearby, and said: "The visiting judges said they have never experienced modern Indian food of such a high standard. The North –east should be proud to have such a place on their doorstep."
Paul Gayler of five-star London hotel the Lanesborough added: "The food was fresh, innovative and exciting. I have dined at many Indian restaurants across Britain and Europe, and Raval stands on top."
Douglas, formerly of Newcastle's Blackgate Restaurant and now at Jordan's in Ryton, said: "I am a judge for food guides and I know the Michelin inspectors who make visits. I'm going to recommend that they consider Raval's for a Michelin star."
A spokeswoman for Michelin said: "If Mr Douglas gets in touch with us about a recommendation we will be happy to take it into consideration."
Gaining a star would make the eatery only the third Indian restaurant in Britain to be included in the world-famous guide, she confirmed.
Sandy Duncan of the North East England Food & Drink Group said: "This outstanding recommendation from some of the country's top chefs is a testament to the high quality and diversity of cuisine in the region, and Raval's success will only add to the North-east's reputation as a culinary hot spot."
Raval owner Kash Malik said: "We're delighted to be given a vote of excellence by leading chefs.
"We only use fresh local produce together with authentic spices, and our innovations include light bites, an early evening menu, a cocktail bar, and even Indian tapas."
The judges – also including the executive chefs from the Dorchester, Sheraton and Crown Moran hotels in London - were there after deciding on the winner of the North East Chef of the Year competition, organised by NECTA, the North East Culinary Trades Association. Andrew Wilkinson from Newcastle's Black Door Gallery scooped the award.
Raval has already been awarded the Metro Newcomer of the Year 2007 soon after its opening, and has won NECTA's Best Restaurant award. Head chef is Ravi who has worked for the five-star Taj Oberoi group in India, and at The Ritz in London.
Food critics from The Guardian have called it "a modern Indian restaurant that punches above its weight" and Marie Claire magazine has described it simply as "a Bollywood stunner".
For more details or to book a table visit www.ravaluk.com
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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