Golden Moments, Walsall

Surfing the internet proved to be well worth our reviewer Lisa O'Brien's time.

It's amazing how the internet has changed everything nowadays. At the click of a button you can do your shopping, book a holiday, connect with old friends or discover new places to eat.

And after stumbling across a couple of good reviews about Golden Moments online, I also found the restaurant's own website.

It boasted claims of being "highly regarded in the West Midlands dining out scene" and offering "the authentic taste of India".

With so many Indian restaurants to compete with in the area, I was intrigued to find out if the food was up to scratch. With a name like that you'd expect it to be, right?

Well, I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint.

Venturing into Walsall town centre on a Saturday night, I was expecting it to be busy and was glad we had booked ahead because nearly all the tables were taken.

After sitting on a comfy black sofa in the waiting area for a few minutes, we were led past the bar to the dining area at the back.

There were dozens of hungry diners and the tables did not stay free for very long – a good sign I hoped. Our drinks orders were taken immediately and a bottle of Muscadet wine, along with two glasses, were brought across.

The staff were very attentive, well presented and friendly, explaining the meals on the menu and how the chefs put their own twist on various dishes.

The menu was varied, with a range of chicken, lamb, specialities, tandoori and vegetarian dishes, and little pictures of hearts were next to the dishes that were classed as healthier choices.

The food seemed reasonably priced and the menu also advertised gourmet evenings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, when diners can enjoy a 'banquet meal' at a set price of £8.95 for adults or £4.50 for children under 10.

To start with we ordered some spicy poppadoms and a pickle tray, which came in four pots – containing a mixture of hot, spicy and sweet pickle dishes, alongside sauces and a plate of onions.

After polishing off the poppadoms, our starters arrived a few minutes later.

I opted for the pannir kebab, a vegetarian dish which came out in two sausage-like shapes alongside salad and was delicious.

My dining partner ordered the unknown and had already been warned that his starter was going to be a bit of a DIY dish. His pani puri consisted of several puffed flat breads which he had to break open to fill with chickpeas and tamarind sauce before taking a bite. But having to work for his food was worth it as I was assured it was very tasty.

The menu warned that the chicken chilli was a hot dish, prepared with fresh green chillies. It certainly delivered when I ordered it for the next course but wasn't too overpowering. Opting for a less adventurous dish for main, my partner chose chicken jalfrezi – but even that came with a bit of a twist.

It was coloured white and creamier than what might usually be served up in another restaurant. The chefs make it with yoghurt, green herbs, onions and green chillis.

The curries were dropped to our table in individual dishes which were placed on a central hot plate, while the pilau rice was poured onto our plates.

There was a good atmosphere, with people chatting away, and the only thing I can find to criticise is that we were maybe waiting a bit too long between our starters and main meals.

The restaurant also does a full range of desserts but we were both too full to try one. With a pint and bottle of Cobra, the bill added up to £48.40.

This restaurant definitely gets the thumbs up, especially for the service, and deserves another trip back.

ADDRESS

Golden Moments, 3 Ablewell Street, Walsall WS1 2EQ

Telephone: 01922 640363