MUSIC: The Classical Indian Collection – Pure Indian Silk

THE recently released Classical Indian Collection [Outcaste] find a plethora of musical icons and luminaries united on a sublime musical epic. Strong words to describe a classical album, but with such a rich talent pool to choose from and a stunningly simple audio affect, it’s hard not to be mystified and surprised by anyone of the 26 tracks. The likes of Hariprasad Chaurasia, Talvin Singh, Zakir Hussain and the iconic sitar of Ravi Shankar lead the quiet storm put together by Time Out’s world music editor John Lewis.

The music stems across the decades, anything between the 60s vibe of Yehudi Menuhin, Ravi Shankar and Alla Rakha to the modern day sound of Badmarsh And Shri or the Midival Punditz. A bit of everything here for the connoisseur in you – pure tabla, sitar, tampoura and the bowed sarangi – with an occasional twist of the electronic generation too. Not your cup of chai..? The Classical Indian Collection is a really good starting point to the other forms of desi music in the world today…don’t be shy, have a listen because you will be pleasantly surprised.

 Indian Sunset is the

both Womad and The Eden Project and released

World Peace through his own label Stoned Asia

Music. On Indian Sunset he explores the depth of

space designed with two moods in mind, Sunset

(CD1) and Sunrise (CD2).

Sunset leads the way with some exclusive down

Sunrise takes things up a level with couture contributions

Thunderball, Christophe Goze, Hattler and Banco De Gaia.

RESTAURANTS

Chutney's Indian Vegetarian

• Type of Cuisine:
  Indian vegetarian restaurant
• Opening Hours / Days:
  Mon to Sat: 12:00-14:45; 18:00-23:30. Sun: 12:00-22:30
• Average price per head:
  Lunch £4.95, Buffet Dinner £7.95
• Buffet Signature dish:
  Muttar Panir - A special recipe of curd cheese and peas, Dosa's
• Best selling beverage:
  Lassi and organic wine
• Favourite / Best tables:
  Tables 12 and 14 - Window seats
• Best / regular customer:
  Indian Diplomats and business clienteles

I got to Chutney's at 12.30pm for lunch time - their busiest period of the day! I was told when I called up that no booking in advance was necessary, and true to their word, it wasn't a problem; they found seating for me immediately. I followed the waiter downstairs, bypassing the upstairs dining area, which was crowded with businessmen, tourists, and people who'd just popped in for a snack from a busy day shopping.

Downstairs was a pleasant surprise, the décor was new and rather trendy and brightly decorated, and much nicer than upstairs. It was a bit drab compared to downstairs and a lot busier. Downstairs was more roomy, airy, bright and smelt wonderful. It felt like a completely different restaurant.

Chutney's attracts a wide range of famous people, who've heard about their speciality for vegetarian food. Who knows, next time you pop in you might bump into Raveena Tandon or Chunky Panday. However there are also a lot of regular business clients, diplomats and city types that come in.

Overall, the service was cheery and friendly. I liked the look of the general menu but selected the buffet, which was a bargain at only £4.95, (dinner buffets cost £7.95 but the lunch time buffet is available all week and all day Sunday). Everything changes from day to day.

The buffet was generous in its selection and there was a wide range to choose from. I had for my 'starter', puris, bhaji's, salads and lots more. For the main course I really pigged out, piling on my plate brinjal bhajee, naan, rice, saag panir, bombay aloo, mixed vegetables, and cauliflower bhajee - the Chef's Speciality and highly recommended by the waiter. At £4.95 and with no limit to how much you eat, the entire buffet is a bargain, and a must for all you vegetarians out there!"

Chutney's, 124, Drummond Street, London
Nearest Tube: Euston Square.
Telephone Number: 020 7388 0604

Tamarind

Tamarind is a modern Indian restaurant which prides itself in serving one of the most authentic Indian menus in an ambience that is neither Eastern nor European.

• Type of Cuisine:
  North Indian and North West Frontier specialities
• Opening Hours / Days:
  Mon-Fri (12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:30) Sat (18:00-23:30) Sun (last orders at 22:30)
• Average price per head:
  £35 - £40
• Signature dish:
  Hari Machli - Pan fried John Dory wrapped in a coriander sauce and served with crisp spinach
• Best selling beverage:
  Wines - awarded the Best Wine List by AA for 2000/200
• Favourite / Best tables:
  Three "Price" tables - No. 12 seating 6 and Nos.14 and 21 seating 4
• Best / regular customer:
  Ambassadors of America and Japan, business clientele and member of the House of Commons

So much as been said and awarded to Tamarind since their opening in 1995, that one often wonders how they will improve, innovate and build, on what they've already achieved. But with Tamarind, it came as no surprise that they've been awarded the Best Wine List for 2000/2001 by the AA.

Just as Tiberio - the gathering place of Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the 60's on whose site Tamarind now sits, the present restaurant is now a favoured haunt for Hollywood stars, celebrities, diplomats and other dignitaries alike. While lunch times are normally quiet, reservations for all times are recommended.

The interior of the restaurant is cool, i.e., muted. It doesn't project itself as European or Eastern but the menu and the preparation of the food remains faithful to the best traditions of India. Here is not the venue to ask for chicken tikka or Madras curry or a balti dish or any of the other "innovations" of the Asian community in the United Kingdom, but rather to enjoy a wholesome and traditional Indian menu.

Tamarind is sophisticated, refined, the expertise of the chef is clearly evident and it sets one of the most exceptional and authentic menus that I have come across in London. For the serious Indian gastronome, Tamarind is a restaurant that should not be missed.

For this summer Tamarind have come up with a special lunch promotion, that is sure to tempt all. These include a three course summer set lunch @ £16.50 per person from Sunday-Friday (closed Saturday) and a two course set dinner @ £22 per person from Monday-Saturdays.

To find out more, contact Tamarind at:

20 Queen Street, Mayfair
Nearest Tube: Green Park
Telephone Number: 020 7629 3561