Roy Beers has been raving to me about the Rijsttafel Nights, at Stravaigin Ruthven Lane, for quite some time, describing this 'rice table' as "the classic way of enjoying Indonesian cuisine, Dutch style".

I eventually went along to try it out a few weeks back with my friend, Maggie Graham, who is always great company, and we were both enjoyed our evening at Stravaigin. We have been converted to the joys of Rijsttafel and were both very taken by the mouth watering combination of dishes offered - quite a feast.

On the menu there was:

• Geng Som Plaa Ling Maa - Thai sour orange, grey mullet fillet and aubergine
• Geng Gari Fak Tong - Aromatic Thai pumpkin curry
• Kare Kare - Briased oxtail, Philippine peanut sauce

• Sat Al Lilit - Balinese seafood satay skewer
• Urap Buncis- indonsesian spiced green bean and fsh coconut salad
• Cucumber and sesame pickle
  Mango sambal
  Galagal lemongrass Jasmine rice

It all sounded very impressive and a bit overwhelming. Apart from the Jasmine rice it was all new to me but having had a glance at the next table - the dishes looked thoroughly appetising.

I was also happy to see the young musician, Alistair Ogilvie, who works at Stravaigin, dining in the restaurant - always a good sign when your staff come along on their night off. Alistair assured me that he was a huge fan of the Rijsttafel Nights and wouldn't miss this monthly treat.

Maggie and I were delighted with the what Roy describes as: " A whole barrage of dishes" which arrive simultaneously "all looking deeply myserious". Certainly if you fancy something very different then you will not be disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the Kare Kare and the Thai pumpkin curry - but every dish was gorgeous.

And as Roy points out those diners who had ordered more conventional fare were intrigued by the Rijsttafel diners. Not only does the food look wonderful but indeed the dishes are delicious, 'utterly fascinating' and "beguiling".

The cost is £16.95, great value and you even get a complimentary bottle of Tiger beer. The service is excellent and the staff are very pleasant and helpful.

I think this special night in the West End is bound to become more and more popular and would take Roy's advice and book. It really makes for an extraordinary eating out experience.

The cuisine is down to two talented Australian chefs, who have worked hard to replicate authentic Indonesian dishes, and they've produced something which, for Glasgow, is genuinely innovative and even a bit daring. I hope rijstaffel ("rice table", in Dutch - Indonesia being a former Dutch colony) catches on." Roy Beers November, 2007

Roy , your prediction was correct - it's definitely caught on and I can't wait to go back.

To book telephone: 0141 334 7163 - second Tuesday of the month. If you are out and about in the West End watch out for the blackboard advertising the event.

Stravaigin, Ruthven Lane, off Byres Road, Glasgow G12

Pat Byrne, 2010<.p>

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