Buddha Lounge

This place is being talked about a lot in the North East. Transformed from club, to steak house to thai in the last 12 – 18 months there has been some major works going on both inside and out!
The building has always been impressive with three floors and raised seating the owner has outdone himself with huge trees and twinkling fairy lights. The food and drinks menu has been well thought out, clear and concise its not huge but I like the idea that they have picked a few dishes that they will do very well!
The service in here started off a little on the shaky side having seated someone else in our seats we were a bit unnerved to see them move people for the the last booth in the raised area. Although it was explained those seating areas were for food only and the people who were moved were only having drinks…
Moving swiftly on we were talked through the menu on what was a suitable amount for starter and main etc. We ordered a selection of starters to share; the prawn dynamite sushi was tasty although reading the menu you would think you get a selection of the six offered you do have to choose one as it is handmade to order — nice touch! Next was the spring rolls with duck which were very good with more flavour than your ordinary vegetable variety! My favourite was the pork and prawn dim sum –arriving in a basket to keep them warm they were amazing! Cooked to perfection the rice paper was thin and the pork went so well with the fish. Served with a very hot chilli dip it gave it the kick it needed!
Next was the tricky decision between the thai red curry or the monkfish. On recommendation I went for the monkfish (which isn’t explained on the menu in detail but is in fact small bites of fish breaded!) served with rice or chips. The curry sauce dip on the side was refreshing and light and the sticky rice came served in the lotus leaf –again a nice touch! I wouldn’t normally have went for a fish dish but the waitress had excellent knowledge of the menu which I liked!
We finished the meal off with some coconut ice cream and some sake — again something I hadn’t tried. Served in a jug and warmed through it was good — definitely worth giving it a go! With one final cocktail for the road — the Guava Royale is one I would recommend I will definately be coming back to try my thai curry!
5* for service — from drinks to food tips and a great atmosphere for a relaxed evening out!