Tufty (1 February 2009)

I visited on a Saturday evening with my wife. It is not a huge place but it was busy and bustling with a lively atmosphere. The décor is modern and clean but a bit dull. The menu selection is traditional although they do have a small specials selection, which I assume changes regularly. The wine list is average but not much selection by the glass, the usual selection of domestic and 'imported' beers are available. I had the balti but it was nothing like any balti I had ever had before. It was best described as strange? Having lived in the balti belt in Brum and the original home of the balti believe me I know what a good balti is and unfortunately that was not it. It wasn't even served in a balti dish? My wife had the chicken tikka masala, yes predictable I know; again it was not fantastic and had a decided taste of Heinz Cream of Tomato soup about it. It would seem that Masala Art is trying to put their 'unique' slant on the traditional curry dish but frankly these two just did not work. However, the poppadums were excellent, very fresh, light and crispy and the plain naan was excellent too, if not just a little greasy. With our bill arrived a review card, I wouldn't normally fill one in but as we had to wait so long for the bill, we though we would. We provide constructive criticism but overall still rated the food as good. The owner then appeared waving the card in his hand and demanded we explain our review! He was aggressive and rude and then had the audacity to ask if we were leaving a tip! It is fair to say that we would probably not have gone back anyway but we certainly will not now. Overall, its okay but I would pay the extra and go elsewhere personally.