CANNOCK
& LICHFIELD CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008
Set
in Green Belt land on the Chester Road, the Mango Tree
is a former Little Chef. Mr Ram met chef Mariappan Sethurajapillai–
better known as Murray – while both worked on
the TV series Floyd’s India. Murray and his team
were trained in one of India’s top awardwinning
restaurants and the chef joined Mango Tree after
working for what is said to be Britain’s oldest
Indian restaurant, the prestigious Veeraswamy in London.
Fast forward to 2008 and the Mango Tree was named the
BestRestaurant of the non-European and Asian Influence
at the Taste of Staffordshire Awards, adding to awards
already won in2004 and 2006. Taste of Staffordshire
inspector Mary Herman-Smith, said of the restaurant:
“Our experience at the Mango Tree was delightful.
"The extensive menu, which was attractively presented,
had lots of choice.”
She added there was a good variety for vegetarians and
clear explanations were given as to what the dishes
included and how spicy they were. “The service
we received throughout the evening was excellent –
it was faultlessly professional. Staff were friendly
and chatty and built up an excellent rapport with diners.
“The meals were perfectly cooked and good value
for money and the service was first class.” It
seems the judges’ dining experience was similar
to my own.
My
partner and I were greeted with smiles, taken to our
seats and generally treated courteously throughout by
Mr Ram and his staff. From the varied menu, I opted
for the Tandoori swordfish, complete with a special
mix of Mango Tree spices, while my partner’s choice
was Mangalorean chicken curry, succulent pieces of chicken
cooked in finely
ground fresh coconut masala and coconut milk. Both were
deliciously cooked and promptly
served and washed down with a bottle of Pinot Grigiot
Rose, followed by desserts, in my case Mango Tropicana.
The background music is played at just the right volume,
giving the perfect atmosphere that allows diners to
engage in private conversation.
The
first class, value for money service is complemented
by a number of events at the restaurant such as Abba
and Motown tribute nights with a Bollywood evening coming
up.
Contact
the Mango Tree on 01922 457344.
MARK SHIPP
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