Indian Spice Company

Tradewinds

Went to Indian Spice last night to order my usual dishes - only to be told that they are short staffed / have new staff in the kitchen and as a consequence, they are only offering a very reduced menue for the next few weeks. No prawn dishes at all.
I've been ordering my food there for a long time now and the two men working last night were new to me;
Is it under new ownership?

Charlie-Bravo

No, it's not under new ownership. Unfortunately one of their main chefs fractured his hand and to make matters worse, their other main chef is away on annual leave at the moment - hence the hired help for the interim. Normal service is due to resume shortly.

Tradewinds

Good news. Thanks for the information.

heavyballs

dam just got another very average take-away from the Royal Park,think it's gone down hill big style and i never think of IS which is far superior imo although maybe unfair to compare chinese/indian

Blandpebbles

Royal park? Is that still open? Surely everyone in Ireland knows how poor it is by now.

heavyballs

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Royal park? Is that still open? Surely everyone in Ireland knows how poor it is by now.

well smart hole the place is always full on the w/e so NO everyone in Ireland doesn't know,btw ur missing a few:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:'s

Blandpebbles

You buy very average take aways, say how it's gone down... But it's always full? Everyone in Ireland with taste buds and the sense not buy low grade take away time and again knows it's bad.

heavyballs

Blandpebbles wrote: »

You buy very average take aways, say how it's gone down... But it's always full? Everyone in Ireland with taste buds and the sense not buy low grade take away time and again knows it's bad.

Your grammer is very bad.

ciaran67

heavyballs wrote: »

dam just got another very average take-away from the Royal Park,think it's gone down hill big style and i never think of IS which is far superior imo although maybe unfair to compare chinese/indian

My auntie really cant get her head around the difference between Indian curry and Chinese curry. Ive given up trying to explain. She also now realises she doesnt like spicy food after trying my vindaloo.

I liked ISC a lot. But it is v expensive. Had a curry back home in S. London two weeks back, and the same price for two at ISC, fed 6. They do struggle with cooking their spuds though for the Saag Aloo.

LEIN

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Royal park? Is that still open? Surely everyone in Ireland knows how poor it is by now.

Last warning for trolling.

heavyballs wrote: »

well smart hole the place is always full on the w/e so NO everyone in Ireland doesn't know,btw ur missing a few:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:'s

Please do not insult others.

LEIN

Thread reopened due to some requests via pm.

Anymore messing and it will be locked instantly.

Thanks,

Damo

Taltos

Is Spice still open?
Tried calling from 1730 - had to leave work and then rang again around 7 when I made it home but still the message that it was closed and what the opening hours were - 5pm to....

Hoping someone knows if they are still around as that food is damn good.

MyPerfectCousin

They were open on Sunday evening.

Charlie-Bravo

Its closed on Mondays for the moment - Conversely, they will be open on the Easter Monday (25th April) which is a public holiday.

It looks bad that I know so much....damn good food keeps me going back!

Taltos

astrofluff wrote: »

Its closed on Mondays for the moment - Conversely, they will be open on the Easter Monday (25th April) which is a public holiday.

It looks bad that I know so much....damn good food keeps me going back!

Glad to hear - ended up getting a great pizza instead.
Shame about Mondays - shame the sites we visited had no mention - but glad to know either way

Cheers for the update. Roll on the weekend - might just have a takeaway then too if I get in enough miles on the bike.

Blandpebbles

I believe it is traditional for most take away/restaurants to be closed on Mondays. Certainly in the UK it is.

darter

Blandpebbles wrote: »

I believe it is traditional for most take away/restaurants to be closed on Mondays. Certainly in the UK it is.

I thought it was always open on Monday's before, and their advertising blurb says so:
http://www.takeaway.ie/indian-spice-company-greystones?tnsid=c7a920cd65aead77eb0c23512ac930b1

Possibly at this time with reduced staff they are closing on Mondays...

Charlie-Bravo

darter wrote: »

I thought it was always open on Monday's before...

yes it was

darter wrote: »

Possibly at this time with reduced staff they are closing on Mondays...

I believe this is the correct assumption.

Blandpebbles

Perhaps the simple proferring of these questions to the staff would elicit a response thereby negating the need for the further elongation of this thread.

Charlie-Bravo

Are my comments not enough? I did say I'm in there all too often!

LEIN

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Perhaps the simple proferring of these questions to the staff would elicit a response thereby negating the need for the further elongation of this thread.

Please leave modding to the mod's.

Jimjay

I am disappointed by their restricted menu which to be honest has gone on way too much longer than it should. No take away in my opinion can run a restricted menu for that long and not damage its reputation. Surely a business like this should have contingency plans or make plans without letting this go on for so long.

Can anyone say if this restriction is still in place? I ordered over the phone for delivery now well over a month ago and a polite lady gave me some reason as to why i could not order the food i wanted, i changed my order to something else after looking forward to my first choice of meal.
I then rang two weeks later and this time a man answered the phone, he spoke very quickly and came across rude just saying sharply that my chosen meals are not available and to choose something else.

when done right their meals are great. unfortunately about 50% of the time i have to reheat the food in a microwave as it is cold by the time it gets to my door, with this in mind and the and the fact our fave meals are not available at the moment i am not sure if i will use their services again.

darter

Jimjay wrote: »

I am disappointed by their restricted menu which to be honest has gone on way too much longer than it should.

Would be nice to know why they have restricted staff (surely there are lots of people who could cook Indian food???) and when the proper menu will be restored.

The restricted menu is very limited, and I won't order from there again until the full menu is restored.

Blandpebbles

Really? You're complaining they don't have a contingency plan? Honestly the business is clearly having issues and I don't think backseat managing is helping. If time is what is needed to find a superb chef then so be it. This forum has contributed to the demise of one takeaway already let's not deride another.

heavyballs

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Royal park? Is that still open? Surely everyone in Ireland knows how poor it is by now.

hhhmm,and you're complaining about people making negative comments ...........please,come on

darter

Blandpebbles wrote: »

This forum has contributed to the demise of one takeaway already let's not deride another.

Nonsense. This forum merely spread the news about the Irish Independent article in December listing "copious rat droppings" as the reason for the health order closure and highlighted that the owner lied to his valued customers about why the takeaway was closed. In and of itself this forum did nothing to contribute to the "demise" of a takeaway that was a health hazard - the owner did it all himself. Good damn riddance.

darter

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Really? You're complaining they don't have a contingency plan?

No I am not. I am complaining that the situation of the same reduced menu has gone on for too long. I have tried the reduced menu, and it's ok but very limited, so I won't be trying it again. If they cycled the reduced menu and had different options each week, then yes I would order at least once every week, as I have been doing for years now.

I love the place, and want it to get back to what it was, and have been supporting it in its challenging times by ordering. I just don't understand why the contingency plan isn't a short term contingency. There are lots of superb Indian food chefs that could be brought over from the UK for example on short or long term contracts to get them over their current difficulties.

Heck, I might have to start cooking Indian food myself again! (I was taught many years ago by a Punjabi how to cook Indian food.)

Taltos

Restricted or not - I still personally prefer the meals from here to the other "Indian" restaurant in the town.

Hope Indian Spice pull through - the foods here really do remind me of some of the best Indians I have had abroad. Until finding this place I had given up on having a decent Indian meal after my last evening in C's.

I also really find forums like this great - yes they can be used to highlight shortcomings in chains - but they are also a great source of normally honest feedback - something that most companies have to PAY for...

I mean - just look over the last few posts.
1. Website not reflecting actual opening hours.
2. Restricted menu causing boredom
3. Cold food being delivered.
4. Discourteous phone staff (this is unforgivieable in a service orientated market and needs immediate addressing).

+'s
1. Amazing food
2. A store doing all they can to stay open.
3. Friendly staff (my experience ) - though busy which is also good.

All of these can be simply and quickly addressed - a simple post here by someone using the restaurant (hate the word takeaway for this restaurant as the food here equals/surpasses the food I have had in many fine Indian restaurants - favourite is a tie between Budapest/Penang).

Jimjay

Blandpebbles wrote: »

Really? You're complaining they don't have a contingency plan? Honestly the business is clearly having issues and I don't think backseat managing is helping. If time is what is needed to find a superb chef then so be it. This forum has contributed to the demise of one takeaway already let's not deride another.

Are you serious? They have been on a limited menu for far too long which Is the only reason that stopped me buying from them. How is this not more damaging than complaints on a forum? They are doing a good enough job ruining their business, not us who complain about it on boards. And if you really think a bunch of peeps on boards contributed to a closure of a take away then you have delirious illusions about the power of this place. Good quality service, food and prices keeps a place open. Poor service and closures due to health issues etc closes places.

I think the food was great, when it did not arrive cold and hope they do sort out their problems.

Blandpebbles

Again, coming on here and complaining helps the business how? All it does it tell everyone else to avoid the place without letting them form their own opinions.

Your complaints would have been better directed to the staff and left at that. All you have done is propagate your ill feeling.

A reduced menu for some might be perfect, who knows.

Charlie-Bravo

If there is a positive to gain for this temporary situation is that the reduced menu has taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to try other dishes that I haven't tried before!

doylerd

Haven't had one in years but used to frequently get Butter Chicken or Punk Rock Chicken which, even for a vindaloo, was incredibly hot. Was a top notch indian though.

chocgirl

Really like Indian Spice so hope they can sort it all out, noticed recently that the delays collecting are so long though, little bit annoying.

psycho-hope

One of the chefs has gone home to India on holidays for 2 months I think( cant remember exactly what he told mum) so that would account for some of the short staffing, in fairness the other chef breaking his hand is just a freak accident that they couldn't have foreseen

darter

Bought from Indian Spice last week. They are back with a brand new menu (mostly older items but some new ones, such as Goa shrimp - lovely!) and reduced prices. Sadly, one of my favourite side orders, channa masala, is gone. No idea why.

Glad to see Indian Spice back!

ciaran67

darter wrote: »

Bought from Indian Spice last week. They are back with a brand new menu (mostly older items but some new ones, such as Goa shrimp - lovely!) and reduced prices. Sadly, one of my favourite side orders, channa masala, is gone. No idea why.

Glad to see Indian Spice back!

Yea i loved Channa Masala. You should ask, they'll prolly do it for you. We used to get a Dansak and it wasnt on the menu.

Delganyman

I think 'brand new menu' is stretching it. One or two new dishes but basically the same if not even less than was offered before. Still reasonable quality and prices but overall this menu is a bit disappointing.

Charlie-Bravo

yep, looks like a few dishes are off the menu - namely bricklane beef and one of the lamb dishes (one which I enjoyed alot!) Anyways, the menu looks like it is more stream-lined - perhaps they have cut out the less popular ones to make the menu more manageable and cost effective in-house - I suppose by doing this they can also adjust the prices downwards for us??? Just guessing really.

darter

astrofluff wrote: »

yep, looks like a few dishes are off the menu - namely bricklane beef and one of the lamb dishes (one which I enjoyed alot!) Anyways, the menu looks like it is more stream-lined - perhaps they have cut out the less popular ones to make the menu more manageable and cost effective in-house - I suppose by doing this they can also adjust the prices downwards for us??? Just guessing really.

That would be a very reasonable guess. Why reduce selection? Only because the less popular choices were too expensive to keep carrying I would assume.

Having said that, one new one is aloo channa (chick peas and potatoes). If they can do aloo channa, can't they simply do a chana masala, which is chick peas with potatoes but without the potatoes? As ciaran67 said, I'm sure they'll do it if I ask.

The side orders are about half price from before, but the portions are smaller too. Which is fine.

loyatemu

ciaran67 wrote: »

Yea i loved Channa Masala. You should ask, they'll prolly do it for you. We used to get a Dansak and it wasnt on the menu.

they have channa aloo on the menu, I'm sure they can do it without the aloo.

also disappointed to see they've dropped the beef dish, it was delicious.

Dmckeown

I had an indian at lunch today in Donnybrook.. only served to remind me how good Indian Spice really is. Railway lamb, murgh kadai.... unbeatable!

Charlie-Bravo

I've had the wraps off the Blackboard Special - absolutely savage. Now I would not normally post something about food unless there was something to rave about. There are two reasons, the first is they are delicious, of course, the second is Indian Spice are contributing towards volunteers workin on 'Haiti Built it Week'. €1 contribution per wrap so they say.

There are two wraps, one chicken (€6.50) and one chickpea (€5.50) in an Indian flatbread with fresh salad - I have tried both, and they're bloomin' amazing. There is also a choice of dressing, either mint raita or garlic and chilli. I like a little bit of spice and heat in my Indian cuisine so went with the garlie and chillie on both occassions.

So if you're peckish, do try them - I don't think you'll be disappointed!

birdwatcher

Right...just went down to Indian Spice to collect 2 x Railway Lamb (1 Hot for me and 1 medium for the wife).
Initial feedback is that I'm completely underwhelmed.:(
No difference in heat between the two dishes.....and paying that price for 5 average sized pieces of lamb in a very watery sauce.....I can honestly say I'm sorry I ever picked up the phone to order.
No point in complaining to the staff....they are the most ignorant customer unfriendly individuals I've ever encountered.
My two cents....but don't let that put you off....try for yourself. Personally I'll be heading back to Chakra next time.

Charlie-Bravo

Coincidence or what...had railway lamb myself tonight...totally agree, sauce was watery - was not satisfied...will be sending in a complaint tomorrow. A rare disappointment.

Delganyman

Unfortunately have to agree with astrofluff and birdwatcher. The food has gone downhill since the revised menu came out. They also need to be more customers friendly. For example, they do a Prawn Bhuna but try asking for a lamb or chicken version and the answer is no. I’m presuming that the sauce is already made so they just add the meat so not a big deal. Any other take-a-way will try to accommodate the customer. They also seem to be not as busy. There was a time when you could be on hold for 5-10 mins on a Saturday night but now it’s straight through. Back to Chakra take-a-way for us.

darter

Delganyman wrote: »

The food has gone downhill since the revised menu came out. They also need to be more customers friendly.

I disagree with you on your first point. Bought from Indian Spice a lot since the new menu came out, and was never disappointed. Esp. the new Goa Prawn is great. Don't eat meat, so can't speak for the meat dishes. There are far fewer side dishes though, which is a disappointment.

I agree on the 2nd point. I asked for a chana masala, as they used to have. Should be easy to do - just make a dish without potatoes. But no.

It's actually a good thing that they don't have a generic sauce that they throw whatever (beef, prawns, lamb) into and cook for a few minutes, but cook it properly from the start. Sign of an excellent authentic Indian kitchen.

I'm certainly staying with Indian Spice!

Charlie-Bravo

darter wrote: »

I agree on the 2nd point. I asked for a channa masala, as they used to have. Should be easy to do - just make a dish without potatoes. But no.

They have no issues with me asking for Aloo Channa without the aloo! It's very rare I ask for something with or without an ingredient that they can't accommodate. Obviously you can't ask for the sauce not have have something like corriander seeds!!!

Have you tried the paneer dishes Darter? If you like heat try the Kadhai Paneer. I mostly would have the chicken version of that one. Exceptional dish.

darter

astrofluff wrote: »

...try the Kadhai Paneer...

One of my favourites!

Charlie-Bravo

Just an update from what i can see:

There'll be a new menu out soon - was talking with one of the staff and a Chicken madras will be on the menu. they did a beef madras about two months ago and the sauce was amazing.

The other thing I noticed is that they have a facebook page Indian Spice Co. So 'Like' that if you want to see what the Specials are!

Also, online ordering is going to be available although I'm not sure if I'm quite there about ordering food online. I like to speak to someone to make sure all is good and how long it will be!

Jimjay

astrofluff wrote: »

Just an update from what i can see:

There'll be a new menu out soon - was talking with one of the staff and a Chicken madras will be on the menu. they did a beef madras about two months ago and the sauce was amazing.

The other thing I noticed is that they have a facebook page Indian Spice Co. So 'Like' that if you want to see what the Specials are!

Also, online ordering is going to be available although I'm not sure if I'm quite there about ordering food online. I like to speak to someone to make sure all is good and how long it will be!

I moved away from indian spice after a couple of poor experiences and now always order online through bombay pantry. You can choose a time for delivery on the online order form and if the delivery is going to be late they always call to let me know, this last weekend they called just to say the delivery had left their building. Just because you order on the phone doesnt mean that it will be when they say. Got fed up with indian spice saying it would be 45 mins then an hour and a half i have to call an then it turns up cold.

hamstervision

We gave up on the reduced menu and tried Bombay Pantry for a while, but the food was starting to arrive cold and the quality was getting steadily worse. A take-away is a big treat for us so we gave up on them too. We got a newer menu in from Indian Spice recently, tried it again and it was great! Being able to order any meal as a clamp-down mid-week is a fantastic idea too - great value for money. Will definitely try it again next time we treat ourselves to an Indian.