Food for thought

SAFFRON RESTAURANT, TAVISTOCK ST, BEDFORD

BY KEELEY KNOWLES

I've always loved my food and it's very rare that I leave any on my plate or anyone else's for that matter.

A Friday night at Saffron was one of those rare occasions but not out of choice - I was just too full to manage the generous portions.

My fiancé and I used to frequent this colourful restaurant a few years ago until we had an unsatisfactory experience with the service.

I am pleased to say that it's now back in our good books.

With improved flavours, the Indian restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience at affordable prices.

We didn't get there till gone 10.30pm but were welcomed in and not rushed in any way.

After the standard papadums with all the dips for starters, we each went for something we hadn't tried before. My lamb razala was served from a sizzling dish and had an unusual but very tasty ingredient in it in cheese. I was surprised at how well it worked and my partner kept nicking mouthfuls in exchange for some of his speciality Saffron chicken, of course.

We also ordered a keema naan which complemented the minced meat in my dish and a sag aloo which remains one of my favourite side dishes - simple but very tasty.

I am sad to say that for once I had leftovers.

I don't know whether it was because we didn't get there till late and it was after a few large glasses of wine but it was certainly not because the food wasn't satisfying.

The only criticism I had was that there was some plasterwork needed on the wall next to us but that's nothing a bit of cosmetic touching up can't fix.

Dinner for two with soft drinks came to £25.