Darlington & Stockton times review Gareth Dant » Redefining the rule book on how Indian & Bangladeshi restaurants are received In a small town already well catered for with Asian food outlets, any new kid on the block is going to have to be either exceptionally good or radically different in order to cut the mustard (seed). In the case of Aroma, founders Nij, Sammy and Atikul Hoque say they aim to make to a good stab at both approaches. Firstly off, there's the name. Ditching the familiar lions, dynasties and spice from the name of your Asian restaurant instantly sets you apart from the crowd. Neither does the tasteful refit of the of the Zetland Street premises (most recently Woody's restaurant) give it away as a restaurant serving Indian and Bangladeshi food. Comfortable high-backed leather chairs and an open and well-lit environment give a more modern feel than that usually associated with curry houses. No flock wallpaper, no stylised paintings or pictures of elephant gods, although the latter omission is an obvious one in a restaurant established by proud Bangladeshis. But once sat down in front of the menu, seasoned curry lovers will regain a comforting sense of the familiar. All favourites are there in the massive selection, as well a few new styles and combinations. The luxuriously large range extends right through to side dishes and breads, and vegetarians will not run out of options until a great number of visits. Indistinguishable, overcooked dishes are Redefining the rule book on how Indian & Bangladeshi restaurants are received too common among curry houses. But on the evidence of a few of dishes alone, Aroma is clearly striving for quality, and easily avoids the curry curse of the bland. This year Nij and staff have taken Aroma to a whole new level winning an array of awards, including best Newcomers Awards. On top of this, Aroma won Best Restaurant in the National Customer Excellence Awards, an outstanding and well deserved achievement.. Aroma has held two highly successful annual charity nights and this years event, , sets to be no different, with all profits made on the evening, going to The Mayors Charity for the Special Care Babies Unit, at Friarage Hospital. Due to the success of previous years events, Nij is using this as the perfect opportunity to launch his new menu, a combination of traditional Indian cuisine and his own contemporary twist, including lobster, muscles and venison. Along with the launch of their unique wine matching menu these brothers have everything catered for. With a refurbishment planned for this year it seems that this restaurant is set to go all the way to the top! By Gareth Dant Darlington & Stockton times review Aroma Restaurant 1 Zetland Street, Northallerton 01609 774239 Open: Sunday-Thursday 6pm-11.30; Friday/ Saturday 6pm-midnight Ratings (out of four): Food quality 4 Service 4 Surroundings 3 Value 3
Aroma – Northallerton