The Painted Heron (Chelsea)

• Within a few days i made my way down to check it out but unfortunately my experience was not as i hoped
• Fruit surrounding just about anything and sauces which were lacking in real depth
• In true British Indian style we started our meal with some crunchy
• We quickly devoured all our delicious poppadoms and sauces with but a trace
• Our unusual starter of chestnut mushrooms stuffed with a paneer masala mixture which is then grilled in the tandoor oven was fine to say the least
• The masala spice was weak and and the paneer was completely lost in the earthy chestnut mushrooms a lovely idea but one which needs some working on
• Our other starter of tandoori lamb chops with and apparent appearance of nutmeg flowers was actually very well spiced
• The mango and mustard seed chutney was very well made
• Moving on to mains and there was an evident problems when it came to anything being grilled
• Naan breads on the other hand were absolutely perfect
• A small pot of curry sauce for dipping was very well made and silky smooth it was a great curry base for which at least helped to disguise my lobster from its dryness
• Time Out had an offer on to dine there which was an opportunity too good to miss
• Stephen and I assumed there would be a set menu as there was for McQueen but we were completely mistaken
• In the end I went for the lamp chops with nutmeg flower to start because I decided I would have the guinea fowl with green chillies
• I thought that was enough poultry for one meal
• Stephen had the plaice with crab to start followed by the quail
• We also ordered some poppadoms to munch on while we were waiting for our starters
• They were plated beautifully and I was smitten with my lamb chops with the first mouthful
• They were tender and fantastically flavoured and the sauces laid out beside them were equally delicious
• Stephen was similarly impressed with his fish starter and urged me to try it
• We were excited by the food (and our discount) and Stephen even proclaimed that it was getting on for Lassan standards
• After having been taken with Aktar Islam&rsquo
• So we awaited with baited breath for our main courses and unfortunately they didn&rsquo
• Being quite satisfied with my guinea fowl
• T finish it all (not a problem when you have a Stephen with you to take over)
• S dish that was the let down
• He said the duck was alright but the pigeon and quail were far too dry and not at all tasty
• Stephen had a mango kulfi which was nice enough
• I had pistachio ice cream which was also nice enough &ndash
• Wonderful meal with really good food
• Love the atmosphere of the place and the staff were very attentative
• The Painted Heron is fine dining without being stuffy
• The most fragrant of herbs and spices and stunning presentation even the poppadums are served with an easel of coloured chutneys
• The chicken tikka three ways is a great starter to share
• Their wine list is wonderful and get carried away with champagnes by the glass
• Then The Painted Heron (Chelsea) is truly something else
• Friday evenings are everyone&rsquo
• That is reason enough to want to celebrate with a great meal
• People always ask me what my favourite food is and without being cliché
• Re greeted with delicate coconut fish dishes
• These appetising dishes are greeted by guests with looks of joy and hunger
• An area which is mainly residential
• It does not mean you are not welcome
• The team behind Painted Heron are well versed in the cuisine that they offer
• Let's start with the interior
• On arrival there is a small bar
• Work your way past this and there is a hidden labyrinth of space with tables neatly spaced out for couples dining or small groups
• Neutral area with the creative focus being firmly on the food
• Sitting right underneath the main vent made you feel like you were in Greenland
• The menu was introduced to us with three courses on offer
• Kicking off with a specific starter choice
• Prisca had the seafood selection with pollock fish tikka
• The wagyu beef in particular was so delicate and tasty
• Following the starters there was an avocado lassi
• Black tiger prawns with hot and sour goan spices
• Rose veal sir fried and griddled with red onion and chilli powder
• As if that was not enough
• The mango was ripe and sweet which is worth mentioning
• The menu is well structured and interesting enough for anyone with a love of Indian food to enjoy
• The Painted Heron is a must visit for a fine dining and experimental experience
• Whilst many of the dishes were traditional in its base
• Some of the ingredients were curve balls to redefine your thoughts on a normal curry house encounter
• The Painted Heron is a high end Indian restaurant that has been serving the Chelsea locals for almost 15 years
• One wonders whether this was intended to create a sense of exclusivity
• The restaurant is housed in elegant if slightly understated surroundings composed of various shades of brown
• The menu is extensive with traditional Indian dishes and quite a few more interesting combinations
• Using less typical ingredients with a fair amount of game on the menu
• I hunted this in vain it was unfortunately not to be found on the menu when I visited
• The painted Heron is a fine dining Indian restaurant in Chelsea
• There are parts of London which are so exclusive the lack of a local underground station is totally irrelevant
• The place has won a fistful of awards and is clearly a popular local venue
• Having once ordered and quite enjoyed their food via deliveroo takeaway my expectations were rather high
• The food quality was overall good but somewhat lacked finesse and wow factor
• Some dishes were better (chicken and lamb curries were very good)
• 100 which in my view was overpriced for the quality
• Was surprised once I was served Daal makahni
• Mutton biryani was perfect too

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