The mere thought of our long overdue return to Stony Stratford dining emporium Calcutta Brasserie gets the tastebuds dancing.
But we're not visiting the dining establishment for a general sweep over the menu before choosing what takes our fancy, this time around.
We have been invited along to try out this year's Valentine's Menu. And - as regular readers of this section will know already - we're vegetarian.
A vegetable curry is a vegetable curry is a vegetable curry...surely.
To be preceded by an onion bhaji, or a cheeky samosa, perhaps?
Erm, nope actually.
Instead, once a trio pf poppadoms have put the crunch into the evening, a platter for two to share is set before us, with four mini starters to get to work with.
And so our candlelit table is joined by a Tandoori Stuffed Aloo, Tandoori Broccoli, Shahi Paneer Tukra and Bharwan Kumbh.
Where to begin? It's harder than you might think, as the platter arrives looking similarly impressive to the artwork that adorns the walls of the restaurant. That wall covering just happens to be a cracking interpretation of Michaelangelo's The Creation of Adam.
The original forms part of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. Here, the ceiling has been washed in blue hues, set to twinkle mode with gold stars aplenty.
It's impressively different and wow-inducing, the same as the eatery itself, which is set inside a 17th Century Grade II Listed Chapel.
But back to the food before us, and the aromas have taken over. Our willpower is gone and we set to work.
The Aloo is tandoori grilled potato stuffed with onions, nuts and spices. It's already a winner, I think, as it hits the mouth.
After all, I've never much enjoyed the Paneer (Indian cheese). Until I demolish the full mouthful and eye up the other side of the table where Al is getting busy himself. This cheese is a perfect blend of flavour, spice and texture and we are pleasantly surprised.
The Bharwan Kumbh (an entirely new taste sensation for us) is an interesting, moreish morsel...a portobello mushroom stuffed with that cheese we just mentioned, and spiced up with shahi jeera. It has a real sweetness ready to impart.
There is no reason for vegetarian food to be bland and that lesson was learned a very long time ago by the clever types at work in the kitchen who have excelled with this delivery.
The main course is equally as varied as the starter - a thali of shakahali dishes and appetisers, and appetise it does.
Lots of little taster dishes all scream 'temptation' in silent unity and so we dig in, taking from the katori bowls buzzing with colour and taste, and ably assisted with the obligatory naan bread and perfectly cooked rice.
Yeah sure, that might sound like an obvious ask, but too many 'fine purveyors' can't deliver the white stuff cooked correctly!
When it comes to the art of an Indian though, for us the proof is in the tasting of the Tarka Dhal.
Consistency too thick? Chick peas still a tad hard? Too watery? The art of a good platter comes down to the dhal. Simple as that.
And this was an absolute dhal-ight.
So, we've salivated, eyed up and munched. But though we throw in the hot towel, we aren't quite at an end.
Desert arrives in the shape of a Mango Kulfi - a frozen, creamy dairy desert, accompanied by heart cut strawberries.
As we said, this is the Valentine's menu. We certainly fell for it!
If you visit on Saturday, you will be greeted by a champagne reception.
Chocolates and a single stem rose will be presented 'to the lady' and the chink of glasses and cutlery will be dulled by live music by singer Tina Mason.
It's a perfect package, and let's face it, even if your Valentine turns out to be less divine and more of a whine, a visit to Calcutta Brasserie means your evening will still have a certain amount of spice!
The Valentine Menu costs £29.95 per person, rising to £44.95 for a V.I.P booth.
7A St Pauls Ct, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK11 1LJ
Visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk or call 01908 566577
By Sammy Jones
