12:19pm Monday 23rd March 2009
TUCKED away, a hop and a skip away from Darlington's main street, is a doorway to a world away.
For Café Spice, in the rejuvenated and historic Clark's Yard, has been gathering something of a reputation.
Opened last summer, the 54-seater restaurant, owned by business partners Noorsahan Begum and Asaddar Choudhury – brings sizzling spice to its dishes and a simmering cool in its atmosphere.
After moving in last year, the building has had a complete makeover, transforming it into the modern restaurant it is today.
The bright, clean, crisp surroundings have earned Café Spice five stars from Darlington Council in its inspections. Recessed lighting sets the mood, serving nicely to soothe the diner as the brisk and friendly service spirits to you all manner of offerings.
Perhaps the shaslik balti can tempt, with its choice of chicken or lamb tikka cooked with charcoal-grilled peppers, onions and tomatoes in a traditional style – or the Bangladeshi dish of shatkora gosht, from the Sylhet region, in which the fantastic fragrance of the shaktora gives the lamb a mouthwatering taste. Try, too, from the lengthy selection of main dishes the likes of kakrah kufta – succulent white crab, stir-fried with spring onions, garlic and ginger in a bhuna sauce.
Vegetarians, too, will not go short of choice – with a huge selection of dishes from korai or Sri Lankan hot curry through to vindaloo and biryani all available in a choice of meat or vegetable options.
As many options, in fact, as reasons to explore Clark's Yard and discover this treasure.
Tel: 01325-468783 or 07809-113794
Address: 19 Clark’s Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QH
Open: Daily noon-2pm, 6-11.30pm.
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