They say you should 'never go back...'...But in this case I'm glad I did.
A long standing tradition in Condorrat, Cumbernauld, The Dalshannon Farm (like many other eateries...) underwent changes over over the years, it's last genesis being a 'Buddy's Burger' joint. This was adequate enough, but was akin to finding your previously 'normal' auntie hitting her mid-life crisis and dressing like a teenager: it was still yer auntie but wasn't quite right?
However, the HRT's kicked in and the universe has restored the balance once again.
Re-opened as The Dalshannon Farm again, and focusing on its inarguable previous strengths, 'The 'Dal...' is back to what brought us there before; excellent Indian cuisine with its own wee twist, brisk but friendly service, and a genuine warm welcome.
Both of us kept it simple for our inaugural revisit, kicking off with a sturdy mixed platter starter to share, the mixed pakoras, onion rings, chicken wings and samosas arriving quickly and piping hot. Look out for the delicious haggis pakoras, a wee diamond.
Our main courses followed, both with fried rice; chicken jaipoori, sizzling with peppers and onions, and an amazingly flavoursome lamb bhoona in a desi style. My first time with this, but certainly not the last. The lamb was beyond tender, with a nice kick but without the pain of a careless hand on the spice mill.
The portion was such that dessert was off the cards for tonight, but if the sweets are a reflection of the quality savouries, next visit could be a long one.
A nice touch is the wee snug bar as you come in. Pleasant without being bland, and definitely a gathering point for local cognoscenti sharpening their appetites from a well stocked bar.
It's easy to be disappointed these days, as restaurants appear, take your dosh and fade away, so it's refreshing to see that quality, well priced food in comfortable surroundings can still come with a smile. It's not retro, it's value. read more