Yesterday I had no time to include my review of our meal itself on our visit to Lal Quilla, held over until today doing justice to our favourite local Indian restaurant.
This outlet, discovered ten years ago, is a worthy successor to my favourite in London – Edgware Road’s Akash.
The restaurant’s website: https://www.lalquilla-lymington.co.uk contains full details of the establishment, founded in 1987, its menus, and a short video of the presentation of Asia Today award of 2021 for the best Indian restaurant in Hampshire. This is no mean feat and we were not surprised to learn it.
We have enjoyed friendly and efficient service under the management of Raj who has always welcomed us and remembered our likes. The food has always been exemplary and plentiful. Indeed, as we have aged we have needed to reduce our intake.
Raj and his staff, who also remember our companions, welcomed us as usual last night. We are always led to our seats, whether booked in advance or not. The manager, in particular, always has time for conversation.
This evening main courses included chicken makhani; chicken korma; chicken jaljala; chicken sag; and
Becky’s sheek kebab, which came with salad, fried onions, and mint sauce was declared the best she had ever experienced.
Ellie in this picture may well have been tucking into what Raj accurately recalled on greeting us was her favourite popadom seeped in mango juice. She certainly extended to him her greeting arm motions and glowing smile.
Ian, having arrived late following his afternoon’s work, was greeted at the door, handed a pint of Kingfisher, had his order taken and embarked upon immediately, led to his seat, and hardly blinked before he was given an opportunity to catch up eating with the rest of us.
Dillon and I also drank Kingfisher; Jackie and Becky Diet Coke; and Flo and Ellie J2O.
It is apparent that we are not the only customers given such attentive service and welcome.
Gentle traditional music plays quietly and unobtrusively in the background of these well decorated rooms with open and partitioned sections.
As our evening was coming to a close Raj and two waiters advanced on our table singing Happy Birthday to me and presenting me with a suitable ice-cream cake on a chocolate base. Finally we each, except for Flo, received a tot of Bailey’s, which in our household is now called a complimentary.
Happy birthday, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Marina
Don’t usually read posts on weekends, but I had to read this one as I knew it was about your birthday celebration. What a fine feast you all had. And Ellie certainly is developing a sophisticated palate. Again, a very happy birthday to you!
Thank you so much, Laurie. I am honoured that you did read it.
After all, it was your birthday celebration! Couldn’t miss reading about that.
X
lovely! glad you had such a good and gastronomical birthday.
Thank you very much, Zakiah
What a wonderful birthday celebration you had, Derrick! It’s wonderful to have a restaurant like this where the food is excellent, but which also makes you feel at home. I looked at their menu. It’s interesting to me that the menu seems much different from what most “Indian” restaurants offer here, though of course, some choices are the same. I’m certain everything was delicious.
Thank you very much, Merril
Happy Birthday, dear Derrick
The celebration was gorgeous 😉
Thank you so much, Luisa
You’re more than welcome <3
What a fabulous review! Thank you for the extras.
I love the images too.
I’m so glad you had a lovely birthday, what a special night. 🙂
Thank you so much, Sue
Happy Birthday, Derrick! You’re looking great. It’s so nice to go to places where they know your name and treat you with such respect. ????????????
Thank you very much, John
☺️
Happy Birthday, Derrick! What a nice night out. I like the term “complimentary” – that’s perfect!
Thanks very much, Barbara
Happy Birthday, Derrick. It sounds like you had a nice evening and pleasant meal.
Thanks very much, Bridget
Happy Birthday, Derrick. It looks like you and the rest of your company had a grand time! ????
It was lovely, GP. Thank you very much
(Don’t ask me where those questions marks came from, Supposedly I clicked on an emoji of a birthday cake there.)
Thanks a lot, GP. This happens to many people
If I were granted an ice cream cake on a chocolate base, I suspect I’d be smiling exactly as you were. What a fine celebration!
Thank you very much, Linda
What a perfect dining experience on your special day!
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
What a lovely presentation and story, Derrick. Restaurants that remember what you like and treat you like family are to be treasured. We have a few such around here. Miss Ellie is becoming quite the personality .
Thank you so much, Pat. She is, indeed
What a delightful place to have a celebratory meal with family!
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
What a lovely, wonderful place to celebrate your birthday, Derrick! I’m so happy for you! 🙂
Thanks for the great review of the restaurant, too!
(((HUGS))) ❤️
PS…”Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
Happy Birthday, Derrick! How fortunate to have a prime Indian restaurant so close, and to celebrate your birthday there on top of it.
Thank you very much, Doug
Sounds like a great place. We don’t mind a good Indian every few months. Hope you day was a good one.
It was. Thank you very much, Chrissy
Sounds like a culinary heaven!
Thanks very much, John
We all need neighbourhood restaurants like these
thanks very much, Sheree
How lovely, Derrick, to have such a wonderful friendly place as your local. A lovely celebration!
Thank you so much, Sandra
wow one candle, aren’t you the lucky one.. blessings dear friend. waves across the pond.xxxo
Thanks very much, Q X
Looking good for one.
Sounds like a terrific eatery and a great dining experience.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
What a lovely meal! And Happy Birthday Derrick!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Happy Birthday, Derrick! It is a pleasure to be able to go to a good restaurant where thy know the customers and enjoy making them feel like family. Looks like a delicious birthday dinner!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
A lovely place to celebrate a special day. Cheers to you!
Thanks very much, Rupali
Happy Birthday Derrick.
Thanks very much, Lindsey