Al Mirage (Tooting)

• Whilst most locals will be familiar with the virtues of Mirch Masala
• One could be forgiven for assuming Al Mirage was the more famed of the two
• The overall feel is one of incompleteness
• The local scene is hardly awash with seven star
• We took it easy on the starters and shared a grilled masala fish that came with cucumber and lettuce
• Both were decent with a fluffy and buttery texture
• Ll be generous with a 7 out of 10
• Sticking with our policy of choosing the most interestingly named items on the menu we went for the tropical chicken balti that lived up to its fruity name with a lovely tangy taste
• The peshwari gosht had a strong tomato richness and the lamb was just the right side of fatty
• These were two strong performers with more texture that other creamier dishes on the high street
• The staff ratings got off to a good start with a friendly hello upon entry
• The waiter did his best to undermine this positive first impression by giving condescending responses to our questions
• He then proceeded to bang my chair with the fridge door when he opened it to get our drinks out
• Luckily a friendly chat with another colleague redeemed the score a little
• Tom noticed that there was severe crossover between waiting and cooking suggesting a multi talented workforce
• T just disorganisation and the benefit of the doubt was lost when my chair got banged for a second time
• Nothing notable with portion size or quality so won&rsquo
• I was hoping to make a pun around 'seeing is believing'
• It is more or less what you see is what you get
• The waiting staff are a mixed bunch and there isn't the buzz of next door
• Tremendous is the one word I would use to sum up our experience with Miraj Indian Resturant in Tooting
• The service was kind and attentive
• The Spring sunshine might have also had something to do with escaping the office on time
• T seem to favour the rest of the Tooting curry masses with unadulterated access to every table in the restaurant
• The venue is split over two levels and we're treated to the most elaborate of vertical ascension options with both a spiral staircase and a lift
• Though hot on his heels comes Shethers at 7.5 CURRYBONDs but is the crown beginning to slip
• He makes it before the mains to maintain his 100% record but with imminent trips half way around the world will he hold on
• Rich and creamy with plenty of tropical cheer
• The Bhajis are a highlight with another entry in the crustacean style
• This example is equally crispy
• Ordered by Gills always keen to try new things her face was one of trepidation when what looks like an ice cream sundae arrives at the table
• Fortunately it is a savoury affair
• Consisting predominantly of yoghurt with a dumplingy thing with some kind of tamarind sauce
• The consensus is interesting
• The Peshwari Gosht is spicy and moorish with tender chunks of lamb
• The CTM has juicy chicken pieces and is certainly tasty but not the best reference CTM we've had
• Overall there are positive murmurings all around the table
• 10 barrier is impressive
• So with only the venues lack of patrons and a no alcohol policy holding it back Al Mirage is an unexpected contender for best Curry

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