CALCUTTA RAISES £370 FOR LEO’S APPEAL

A local restaurant celebrated its fifth anniversary last month by hosting a charity auction for local charity, Leo’s Appeal.

Calcutta Brasserie in Stony Stratford raised a total of £370 for the Milton Keynes Hospital charity. Leo’s Appeal enhances children’s services to ensure every child admitted receives the best care possible.

The Indian restaurant has become one of the Region’s most talked about venues after scooping many awards and hosting events for its diners. To celebrate its successful year, Calcutta Brasserie put on an evening of live entertainment, a delicious three course meal and charity auction with prizes donated by local businesses including; MK Dons, Whittlebury Hall, Daytona, Ellis Brigham Climbing Wall, Headonist and Hensmans.

Proprietor Mo said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many guests to our fifth anniversary celebrations. We wanted to mark this occasion by raising money for a local charity as we strongly believe in coming together as a community. I would like to thank the local businesses for their kind donations and am pleased to present the cheque of £370 to Leo’s Appeal.”

Vanessa Holmes, Fundraising Manager at Milton Keynes Hospital said: “We’re delighted to have this support from Calcutta Brasserie and the local businesses that donated prizes. Everyone who supports Leo’s Appeal is making a difference to children in our local community – so thank you so much for making this terrific donation!”

For more information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit: www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

A DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR CALCUTTA

A local Indian restaurant has been honoured twice this month at the British Curry Awards and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Calcutta Brasserie in Stony Stratford was shortlisted for the British Curry Awards from 263,000 nominations. The results will be announced at a glitzy black tie gala dinner in Battersea Park on Monday 25 November. The prestigious awards, known as ‘The Curry Oscars’, will be broadcast to more than 200 countries around the world.

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK’s leading business organisation. Calcutta Brasserie was chosen by 12 judges as a finalist in the Stony Stratford Business of the Year category. The FSB Buckinghamshire Business Awards will take place on Thursday 5 December.

Proprietor Mo Abdul said: “We are delighted to have received recognition for both the British Curry Awards and the FSB Awards. I would like to thank my customers for their continued loyalty and support. To win would be an outstanding achievement for me and my team.”

For further information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit: www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

Calcutta 5th Anniversary Menu – The MK Flyers Review

Kim and I were invited by Mo of the Calcutta in Stony Stratford to sample there 5^th Year menu..

When we arrived there we are greeted by the sunning venue of the old St Pauls Church restaurant, meet by Mo and made to feel immediately welcome.

Guided to our table and drinks ordered, we eagerly anticipated our food arriving, we were not disappointed.
We are presented with our starters of –

Amritsari Fish Pakora
(Popular Punjabi snack, succulent salmon chunks deep fried in a herby batter and sprinkled with chaat)
Shahi Malai Paneer Tikka
(Cashew, cream cardamom and yoghurt flavours this melt-in-the-mouth Paneer tikka)
Achari Murgh Tikka
(Mouth-watering pieces of Chicken marinated with herbs, spice and pickles then cooked in the Tandoor)
Ramphuri Sheek Kebab
(Tender lamb sheek kebabs coated with herbs, peppers and English cheddar with a spicy kick)

The selection was fabulous and taste and flavours even better.
Both Kim and I tucked into the food and very quickly were commenting on how the flavours complimented each other. Kim not being a massive Salmon fan, was pleasantly surprised at how the Amritsari Fish Pakora dish just melted in your mouth, she really liked it.

Mo came over to check all was okay and to ask which of the choices were our favouites, to be honest it was hard to tell, they were all so delious.

With the taste sensation of the starters still in our mouths the main courses were brought out – WOW – talk about selection.
The table was filled with the beautiful sights and smells of the mains –

Kosha Magneto
(Succulent lamb pieces, pot roasted in a thick bottom kadail in the traditional ‘kosha’ style of Kolkata)
Doi Murghi
(Delicate chicken curry flavoured with light spices and yoghurt, a classic from Kolkata)
Kolkata Massala Murghi
(Chicken morsels napped in a robust combination of ginger, garlic and dry chilli. The Kolkata way)
Amm Diye Bhindi (V)
(Pan fried okra with a mango, mustard sauce)
Massala Dum Aloo (V)
(Split moong lentils spiced with chillies, garlic, tomatoes & coriander)

Saffron Pilaf Rice & Assorted Bread Basket-(G)

We soon tucked in to the delights in front of us.

The Doi Murghi, Kolkata Massala Murghi, Kosha Mangsho were our first choice and again we are not disappointed.

The selection of breads was impressive, from your plain naan to a selection of meat and garlic filled breads.
It did not take us long to clear the plates, sit back and revel in the dishes, another compliment of flavours.

It was another hard choice to make to pick a favourite, they were all superb.

Desert time. 

Rasberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake (N)(G)

Mango Kulfi (N) 

We took the decision to try one of each, well sorry to say Kim did not get chance to try the Mango Kulfi, it was a great pallet cleanser and went down so smoothly.

In summery the menu chosen by the experts at the Calcutta for there 5^th Anniversary is one of the best I have tried.

All the dishes were beautifully presented and a great compliment to each other.
If you are looking for that something different then I can highly recommend this one. For £24.95 per guest, Includes Champagne Reception it is great value and a fabulous night out.

ONLY THE BEST FOR CALCUTTA BRASSERIE

When you thought the Calcutta Brasserie couldn’t get any better, management are reinvesting to bring an even better dining experience.

 

Calcutta Brasserie owners, who continuously look at enhancing the customers dining experience, has improved its fish suppliers and are sourcing from best fishmongers in the UK; M&J Seafood.

M&J Seafood grew to become the UK’s largest independent seafood supplier by the 1990’s and is now a proud member of Europe’s largest foodservice business, the Brakes Group.  M&J Seafood supply to a range of outstanding locations, including Michelin star fine dining restaurants.

Proprietor Mo Abdul said; “I am dedicated to providing the very best for my customers and thank them for their continued support. The quality of food is important so having M&J Seafood on board to supply the best seafood is an exciting move towards even better improvements.”

For further information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit: www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

CALCUTTA SCOOPES THE BEST IN BRITAIN

Calcutta Brasserie’s success has been recognised for yet another accolade.

The Indian restaurant located in a 17^th Century Chapel in Stony Stratford has been award a BIBA (Best in Britain Award) by Mood Food magazine/Federation of Specialist Restaurants and is one of just 50 in Britain to be honoured.

The Best in Britain Awards were the first annual awards in the industry and have run for the past 15 years. Awarded as an annual recognition of consistently high standards in the past year, selections are based on personal visits, reports from inspectors who also handle National Curry Week and votes from the public.

Proprietor, Mo Abdul said: “We are over the moon! This is a wonderful award for us as Mood Food is one of the industry’s most recognised magazines and we have been judged by someone visiting us without our knowledge.”

THE MOST ROMANTIC SETTING TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

Back by popular demand, internationally recognised singer, Nicky Prince returns to Calcutta Brasserie to entertain guests on Valentine’s Day with soulful vocals.

Calcutta Brasserie, in Stony Stratford is inviting curry lovers to taste their delicious menu specially created for Valentine’s Day including a champagne reception and a rose for the lady.

Named one of the best Indian restaurants in the country at the British Curry Awards and the Cobra Good Curry Guide, Calcutta Brasserie is the perfect romantic location to take a loved one this Valentine’s Day. Chefs have been busy perfecting a lavish 3 course meal for diners to enjoy while listening to live music from Nicky Prince.*

Calcutta Brasserie will be serving the Valentine’s dishes from Thursday 14 February to Saturday 16 February as part of a set menu which costs £24.95. This is set to be a sell out, so book early for the best seats by calling 01908 566577 to make your reservation or visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

VALENTINE’S FAYRE

STARTERS

(A portion of every item of the starter would be served as a platter to share)

ACHARI CHICKEN TIKKA

Breast of East Anglia chicken marinated in yogurt, pickle and roasted spices

GILAFI SHEEK KEBAB

Lamb mince spiced with herbs, peppers and mild English cheddar

PANEER TIKKA KALI MIRCH (V)

Cubes of Indian cottage cheese gently marinated with spices & black pepper then grilled in the tandoor

ONION GARAM PAKORA (V) (G)

Strands of Spanish onions crispy fried in a spicy gram flour batter

MAIN COURSE

(Please select one item from the Main course. All are served with Pilau Rice, Naan bread and Aloo Matter)

NURAANI MURGH

Whole breast of chicken stuffed with vegetables, mushrooms and cheese then baked in the oven and cooked in a mace flavoured sauce. (Medium Spiced)

LAMB SHANK NENTARA

Slow cooked shank of lamb flavoured with fresh herbs, spices and tarragon

DAAB CHINGRI

King prawns cooked in a classic Bengali style with abundance of coconut milk, ginger and green chillies

BUTTER CHICKEN (N)

Con-fed chicken breast and off the bone leg cooked in a buttery tomato sauce flavoured with fenugreek

VEGETARIAN THAALI (V) (G)

A classic medley of Paneer Makhni, Subzi Milloni, Tarka Daal, Pilau Rice, Naan, Raitha, salad and pickle

DESERTS

Mango Kulfi or (N) (V)

Rasmalai (N) (V) (Indian sweets)

£24.95 per guest

Price includes a Champagne reception and a rose bud for the lady!!

(V) =vegetarian (G) =contains gluten (N) =contains nuts

*Nicky Prince will be performing live on Valentine’s Day only

CALCUTTA’S DOUBLE HONOURING AT THE AWARDS

Stony Stratford’s Calcutta Brasserie was honoured twice this month at the British Curry Awards and the Cobra Good Curry Guide.

Calcutta Brasserie was awarded by Pat Chapman’s Cobra Good Curry Guide as one of just 17 of the very best restaurants in the UK, from 9,000 Indian restaurants.

On Monday 26 November, the Indian restaurant was also presented as a ‘Finalist’ at the British Curry Awards from 28 venues in the South East region that were shortlisted. Only a few restaurants received this honour at the most prestigious Indian restaurant awards in the UK.

Held at Evolution in Battersea, London and hosted by Jenny Bond and Rory Bremner, the glitzy event was attended by celebrities and dignitaries including legendary footballer David Seaman, Peter Jones and Sir Terry Wogan.

Prime Minister David Cameron also contributed a broadcast message from Downing Street during which he announced the winner of one of the evening’s major awards.

An amazing 2,700 restaurants were entered for the awards from a staggering 270,000 public nominations. The black tie evening was attended by 1,600 people from restaurateurs to media and personalities. This is the eighth British Curry Awards since launching in 2004.

Proprietor, Mo said: “We are delighted to be crowned as a ‘finalist’ again at the Curry Awards and to have been chosen out of so many other fantastic restaurants is fantastic in itself but to also be awarded as one of the best restaurants in the Good Curry Guide is an unbelievable achievement. Thank you to all our customers for their support.”

For more information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk or call 01908 566577.

CALCUTTA BRASSERIE SHORTLISTED A THIRD TIME

The prestigious British Curry Awards has announced Milton Keynes’ Calcutta Brasserie is among the few competing at the highest level in the Indian food sector. In the eight years of the British Curry Awards, this is the third time Calcutta Brasserie has been shortlisted.

An amazing 2,700 restaurants were entered for the awards with a staggering 270,000 public nominations from all over the UK. These have now been whittled down to a shortlist of 100 from which the nine regional winners and the Newcomer of the Year will be announced at London’s Battersea Evolution on Monday 26 November at a black tie gala dinner.

This year’s British Curry Awards will be packed with celebrities, MPs and other high profile guests and is set to be the most spectacular event yet, celebrating the industry’s involvement with the Olympics.

Mo, proprietor at Calcutta Brasserie said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for a third time for the ‘Curry Oscars’ in David Cameron’s words,’ It’s the biggest event of the year for Indian restaurants’. We hope to win overall this year but either way we know it’s a huge success to have been shortlisted. We thank our chefs, staff and our wonderful customers.”

For more information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk or call 01908 566577.

SCREAMS FROM CALCUTTA

On the scariest night of the year, over 100 people visited Calcutta Brasserie, in Stony Stratford for an exclusive and hunting evening.

Visitors arrived at Calcutta Brasserie by candlelight, casting shadows on its historic 17^th Century building which set the dark and mysterious mood of the evening before being greeted with a complimentary cocktail reception. 

Guests took to their seats and enjoyed a collection of dark and brooding tales by internationally acclaimed story teller; Cat Weatherill, who gripped the audience during a 45 minute performance. Guests later were treated to a delicious buffet before a second performance.

Mo, proprietor at Calcutta Brasserie said: “It’s the first time we have hosted a performance to celebrate Halloween and we received a great response. Next year is set to be even better.”

For more information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

BIDDER WINS CHEF TO COOK IN THEIR HOME

Calcutta Brasserie’s Bid for a Chef auction went to the wire last week with a Milton Keynes man winning the unique home-cooking experience after bidding a fantastic £205.

To celebrate National Curry Week, Calcutta Brasserie in Stony Stratford auctioned a unique experience for its head chef to cook a meal in the highest bidder’s home to raise money for the Curry Tree Charitable Fund.

The eBay auction closed on Sunday and Calcutta Brasserie received a total of 29 bids. The winning bid of an impressive £205 came from Oakridge Park who will receive a delicious two course meal for six people who can choose anything from Calcutta Brasserie’s award winning à la carte menu plus a bottle of champagne.

Mo, proprietor at Calcutta Brasserie said: “It was great fun to watch the public battle to win the bid and are delighted to donate the winning bid of £205 to the Curry Tree Charitable Fund”

Last’s year’s bid raised £150 and Calcutta Brasserie promised to do the same again in the New Year.

For information about Calcutta Brasserie, visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk