Crikey, it’s a hard life being such a sociable little bird!!! Hubster flies into the nest with a chirpy “oooh, there’s a buffet night being introduced at Nirvana Indian Restaurant in Heanor next Sunday evening. Shall we go? “ Well, an invitation like that can’t go begging can it ? Being the close-knit flock that we are, my mummy and daddy bird were invited along too.

So after a quick hop, flap and fly we arrived at Nirvana and were very cordially greeted by Faz and his staff and shown to our table. I have to say that the decor is absolutely gorgeous with feature aubergine walls, flamboyant wallpaper that accentuated pillars and beautiful chandeliers all combining to create an upmarket dining area. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the full benefit of the lighting effects as it was still fairly light outside .All the tables were beautifully set with purple napkins edged in gold and pristine white cloths with gleaming cutlery in a fan design upon them.

Top marks for style and appearance so far, the evening was starting off in full- flight mode. Could the food possibly be as good? Faz escorted my little flock over to the buffet area and described all the entrees, main dishes and sides in fine detail (including the level of spicing as my Daddy had said that he doesn’t especially like fiery curries). Once we had had the “tour” we sat back at our tables (and the seats are sublimely comfortable) and tucked into the poppodoms and pickle trays that Faz had brought to us. The poppodoms weren’t the usual flat discs that are the norm, rather they were curled up into a more tubular style, which actually makes them more “sauce friendly” believe it or not. When we had finished those we went up to the buffet table to sample the 3 starters on offer, and a member of the staff appeared from nowhere to whisk the covers off the tureens, so we didn’t even have to do that ourselves. Murmurs of satisfaction were coming a–plenty from our table, even from my Daddy bird (who can be somewhat picky with his food).

At this point in the proceedings mummy bird and my little chick had to pay a visit to the ladies powder room, so we had a little break from filling our crops. Upon their return Mummy bird remarked that she had never been in such immaculate facilities; they were, in her words “spotless”. The chick was impressed by “the fragrant smoke” in the corridor, which we eventually found out was incense.

We then all hopped back to the buffet table for the main course dishes. They  ranged from mild to fairly hot Madras level in spicing, so there was something to accommodate all taste buds, and that good old favourite “ Chicken Tikka Masala “ was even included. The boy wonder and myself sampled all 5 curries on offer, the other 3 flock members had 3 or 4 of them. My Daddy bird was so impressed by the standard of the cuisine that I persuaded him to try the lamb from the spiciest curry on offer that evening. Whilst the sauce was too hot for his personal taste buds, he did say that the lamb was beautifully tender and perfectly cooked -  a compliment indeed. My husband even sampled the Mushroom Pilau Rice (normally he will avoid mushrooms like the plague) and declared it to be very tasty, and my chick said that the ordinary Pilau Rice was lovely and fluffy.

Faz explained that they would be offering different curries each Sunday on their buffet table, enabling returning customers to experience more of Nirvana’s extensive range of dishes.

By now the restaurant was full to bursting, only 2 tables remained unoccupied, yet Faz and his team remained utterly calm and attentive to all the tables at all times. It takes a certain skill to be unobtrusive yet attentive, and it has to be said that the Nirvana staff are on top of their game.

After a brief interlude our group ordered four desserts and four coffees, bringing the evening to a very enjoyable conclusion.

Whilst we were there, the restaurant was presented with a prestigious dining award for their cuisine by the local MP, Nigel Mills. In my opinion, this award was hugely deserved and very much justified. This was my flock’s first visit to Nirvana, and it most certainly will not be our last. If you want to go to a top-notch Indian restaurant, this should be your first port of call - you won’t be disappointed.
 

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A few photos of Nirvana