Frankie has a 'happy special night'...

Some offers often seem just too good to be true. Delicious food at a delicious price? Quit teasing!

But that’s exactly what Essence restaurant of Altrincham offer every Sunday with their “Happy Special Night” menu; 7 tantalising, taste-bud satisfying courses at just £11.95 per person.*

Yes friend, you most certainly DID read that correctly, and let me assure you; whilst the evening’s name may be questionable, the food most certainly is not.

Sitting comfortably in the deceptively large restaurant, almost all tables were already occupied at 6pm by fellow food lovers, most of which bantered confidently with the waiters, prompting the thought that this was not an establishment you visited just the once.

Our server kindly took our drinks order and confirmed our urgent need for poppadoms, bringing us one each in accordance to the “Happy Special Night” set menu along with the usual accompaniments.



The poppadoms were light with that delightful crisp “snap” as you break your disk into bite sized portions. As somewhat of a poppadom enthusiast, it can be somewhat very difficult to limit yourself to just the one; such moreish morsels, you’ll be more than tempted to raise your hand and ask for more, but savour it my friend, you still have another 5 courses to go.

With four starter options, there is definitely enough choice on the set menu to make you feel spoilt. Half of our party opted for the Onion Bhaji with the other half selecting the Mixed Tandoori, both total hits for the table.



The Mixed Tandoori offered a selection of meaty, tender chicken pieces and lamb skewers, marinated in familiar, warming herbs and spices and barbecued for that delicious charred flavour.

Four medium sized Bhaji’s took to the plate of the opposing starters with remnants of the sizzling fryer still dancing on its addictively crispy coating. Their chickpea fried bodies crunched satisfyingly revealing the encased pungent flavour of yellow onion; truly a top notch bhaji, adorned by the same generic salad dressing (which I’m actually quite fond of...).

For the main portion of the meal, you are given the option of many a curry classic from mild kormas, tempting balti’s and taste-numbing jalfrezi’s along with a side dish and a choice of rice or naan.



We ordered a selection, including chicken Passanda, Lamb Dupiaza (partially ordered because it’s a sheer joy to say), Chicken Karahi and Lamb Balti along with side orders of classic Pilau Rice, Cauliflower Bhaji, mixed vegetable and Bombay potatoes.



The delicate sweet notes of the Passanda are something I never tire of; the nutty flavour complimenting the thick pieces of chicken and balancing the background heat of the mixed vegetable and cauliflower bhaji sides.

Chunks of succulent lamb helped to create an indulgent and flavourful balti, thick and juicy bites coated in the satisfying sauce made up of spices, softened onions and chilli.



The Karahi was aromatic and generously spiced with plenty of warmth in each bite. Slow cooked and thick, this was the most filling and flavourful dish of them all.

All dishes were served in balti pots, creating the perfect portion size that not one scrape of sauce were left behind.

There we were 6 courses in, stuffed? You bet your bhaji’s we were...but miss out on the final course? We’ll have naan of that thank you...

Our final course was simply a dish of vanilla ice cream. No frills here, but a welcomed and sweet cooling treat all the same.

For me, the meal overall was a satisfactory success. The chef’s ability to create welcoming and homely dishes is the answer to its clear popularity with locals and those nearby.

The only downside to our experience was the lack of parking; getting to the restaurant isn’t exactly convenient due to its location and can be a bit of a nightmare if you plan on driving, but this can be solved easily by prior planning and had no lasting effect on our overall enjoyment of the evening.

Whilst it may not be the most blow-your-socks-off Indian experience of your lifetime, I can guarantee excellent service, hearty and traditional dishes that will leave both your appetite and wallet more than satisfied.

*Admittedly one of the courses IS a glass of house wine, but since when was that ever something to whine about?

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Posted: Wednesday 29th June 2016
ID: 2185 - 1718