Calcutta Brasserie isn't your usual Indian eatery – even before you step inside, that much is clear.
How many other dining experiences begin with you venturing in to a 17th century grade II listed chapel?
It's a large split level dining space, and manages to retain an intimacy that belies its size.
Calcutta Brasserie is famous in Stony Stratford and beyond for its terrific copy of Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam, which leaves guests open mouthed the first time their eyes take in the beautiful art.
But it's a swift change from open-mouthed to full-mouthed, thanks to a menu that offers a huge choice – as vegetarian diners, it's really nice to see a full list of meat and fish-free food.
We crunch on the obligatory poppadoms while waiting for the mixed vegetable platter to share.
It starts things off perfectly - a busy plate of colour and texture which is keenly appreciated.
Paneer tikka, crisp vegetable samosas, chowk ki tikki, mushroom pakora and onion bhaji shake awake the taste-buds and settle us in nicely.
It is generously portioned, and we have added a sneaky extra to the load – tandoori broccoli, spiced and cooked in the clay oven.
If you think that broccoli is the all-too-often overcooked green stuff that accompanies a Sunday lunch, this taste-sensation will make see it in an entirely new light.
Manager Ali Ajmol has talked us through the menu choices, and there is no need to plump for the usual fail-safe mixed vegetable curry, with plenty of alternatives.
Punjabi chole (chick peas cooked in a north Indian style, with yogurt and a special chana massala) is going down especially well with Al, who manages to devour lots of it in very little time.
It's a spiced, hot dish, with full-some flavour that comes with a cheeky little after-kick!
Two cheese dishes are on our menu this evening – Chilli paneer stir fried Indian cottage cheese with peppers and green chillies, and the paneer karahi which brings bell peppers and karahi massalla to the party.
Trying the two together shows just how different the dishes are – with the latter affording a sweeter edge.
Again though, it's empty plates all round, including the obligatory basmati rice portions.
And I say all-round, because there are actually three of us here tonight, and carnivore Chris is going meat-free for the meal too.
A creature of habit, ordinarily he would plump for a chicken tikka, and we meet him halfway – choosing veggies smothered in the tikka sauce.
The menu described it as a 'satin smooth' tomato onion gravy, butter and cream, and satin is the word.
As it turns out this veggie parade has impressed Chris too: "I've not missed the meat at all," he declares.
The side portions of plain naan and tandoori paratha prove just a little too much for us, but the success of this banquet dining is in the main course dishes, which have all been emptied.
Having arrived ravenous a couple of hours ago, we are now well and truly stuffed!
Then, the question that tips many a hardy diner over the edge: 'Would you like the desert menu?'
With a sharp intake of breath, we nod.
If presentation is everything, the mango kulfi, ferrero rocher ice cream (seriously, it's a perfect imitation of those chocolates favoured at the ambassadors receptions) and mango brulee set down before us are all winners.
But as the spoon smashes through the crisp brulee exterior, and the ice cream portions melt away, it's clear that they all taste as good as they look.
The three wonderful choices call time on what has been an exceptional evening in an exceptional restaurant, with service to match.
When it comes to fabulous dining in a unique setting, Calcutta Brasserie ticks all the boxes – and it seems everyone agrees; the restaurant has just been voted Best Asian Restaurant at the 2018 Milton Keynes Food and Leisure Awards.
And now it's got full marks from Total MK too!
Visit: 7A St Pauls Ct, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK11 1LJ
Visit www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk or call 01908 566577
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