Sunday the 4th of October saw the grand opening of the Rani Indian Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne, complete with great food, great entertainment and very special guests.
Set up by it's young restauranteur owner Fazal Tahir, Rani is the latest Indian restaurant to hit Newcastle's Quayside, and with its excellent food and prime location it is already set for greatness.
Acting as the guests of honour at the evening, local Councillor Dipu Ahad and Government Chief Whip Nick Brown were in attendance, with Brown officially opening the restaurant. With such a high profile figure in attendance, the night was already set for success.
The grand opening saw the luxurious restaurant flooded with guests who were kept entertained at all times by the food on offer, and of course, the entertainment. Guests were provided with champagne and a host of appetisers including Aloo chop, Malai menta chicken and Beguni Massala, with each dish proving more delicious than the last.
As if this wasn't enough, the delighted diners were then enthralled by a spectacular show, incorporating not only traditional Indian styles but also more contemporary dance such as energetic break dancing, mirroring the restaurant's traditional family values and appreciation of modern style and design. In this vein, the restaurant's dining room, with its large windows and high ceilings is decorated impecably transforming the interior into a comfortable but contemporary space.
After the excitement of the show and the appetisers, diners were seated for a more intimate three course dinner with a selection of dishes including Tandoori lamb chops, Machli bhuna and the beautifully delightful Bangladeshi halwa dessert.
One of the many factors in Rani's early success is Fazal's strong appreciation of family, and seeing his staff as an extension of this, with Rani's chef having been with the group for 18 years.
With a passion for both the modern and the traditional, while maintaining important family values, Rani is already on its way to become Newcastle's premium Indian restaurant.