The Ambrette to compete in national restaurant challenge

The Ambrette in Margate has been recognised as one of the nation’s leading fine dining Indian restaurants, in being invited by the Craft Guild of Chefs to compete in the Indian Restaurant Challenge, to be contested at the Restaurant Show at London’s Earl’s Court on 13th October.

A team of four, led by executive chef Dev Biswal will pit their skills against London’s Bombay Bicycle, Massala from Chobham in Surrey, Zanzibar in Edgware and Brighton’s Chilli Pickle.

Dev’s team, with four hours to prepare and serve a starter, main course and dessert for 8 diners, before being judged on taste, menu balance, working practices, presentation, teamwork, skills and hygiene.

The panel of judges includes prestigious chefs, restaurant managers and top journalists within the food industry.

The front of house will be assessed on table lay up, approach and style, attitude and customer service, food and wine service skills, team work with kitchen, wine and beer recommendations. On the morning of the competition staff will be given a presentation and mini-masterclass on wine and beer matching, following this they will be expected to choose one wine and one beer from a selection available and to offer their choice to the guests.

The Ambrette is far removed from typical high street curry houses. There’s no curry on the menu. Nor are there any poppadums.

“You wouldn’t go into a Michelin-starred French restaurant and start your meal with a bowl of crisps,” explains Dev Biswal, who is on a mission to drag the Indian restaurant scene out of its “1940s time bubble” and fast-food mentality.

"It’s a great honour to have been invited to take part in the country’s most prestigious culinary event – I hope or presence help but this part of Kent on the gastro map of Britain."

The Ambrette Restaurant is located at 44 King Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1QE - theambrette.co.uk.