Review: My Choice Indian Bistro & Bar

What: My Choice Indian Bistro & Bar
Where: 20 Wharf St, Tauranga
Phone: 578 5533
Open: Seven days - lunch 11-2.30pm; dinner 5pm until late
Prices: Entrees $6.90-$24.90; mains $19.90-$21.90; desserts $6.90-$9.90; sides $4-$7

On the menu: There's a wide range of all the Indian favourites, including tikka masala, korma, vindaloo and rogan josh. There are dishes featuring lamb, seafood, beef and chicken, plus a wide range of vegetarian options. There is also a children's menu, and you can choose to have your food spiced from mild to chilli-hot.
I'll have: For starters, I went with Malai Tikka ($10.90) - chicken fillets marinated in yoghurt and Indian spices, then smoke-roasted in the oven. With a mint sauce to dip the chicken into, it was a beautiful appetiser that was full of flavour. The serving size was generous.
For mains I went with a mild rogan josh ($19.90), which is lamb coated with herbs and spices in a thick gravy. Elegantly presented, this was another taste sensation and the lamb was so tender it almost melted in the mouth. A warm and delicious piece of naan bread completed my meal.
She'll have: For starters, samosas ($6.90), which are made from pastry stuffed with spicy potato and peas. The two big pieces were very tasty, with a lovely light pastry. For mains, mild vegetable korma ($13.90) - a variety of vegetables cooked with cashews and mild spices. Again, the dish was wonderfully presented, both the vegetables and sauce were incredibly tasty and it seemed a crime to leave any behind.
We'll share: For dessert, and with stomachs that could not take too much more, we shared a Mango Kulfi ($6.90), which was the most wonderful frozen fruit treat you could ask for.
For the adventurous: I guess if you are not a regular Indian food eater, you can pick a number of different options to challenge yourself. Or simply up the curry content of your meal. Goat Handi (tender morsels of goat, sauteed with onions, tomato and fresh coriander, $19.90) was certainly an interesting choice.
Value for money: Nothing is too expensive, but if you want to enjoy a range of options, try one of the three set menus that range from $25 to $35 a person for two.
To drink: We chose an alcohol-free option - a Mango Lassi - and we were not disappointed. It was a thick, creamy treat which we didn't want to end. If you are wanting a bit of alcohol, there is a good range of wines from $30 to $55, as well as beers, port, spirits and soft drinks. The bistro is both BYO and fully licensed.
The buzz: We had a wonderful friendly welcome from both our waitress and the manager. They were attentive, helpful and hospitable. The decor was authentic, as was the background music.
The verdict: Having just opened, My Choice Indian Bistro & Bar is trying to get its foot in the door of a competitive culinary market.
There's no doubt they are doing a great job and turning out plentiful, well-presented and tasty meals. The food is not stodgy - it is light, tasty and leaves you wanting more. With great vegetarian and kids' menus, they are catering for all tastes.
I've never been much of a fan of Indian food before, but now I'm a convert. Give it a try.