Sofitel Hotel, Sharm El Shiekh

Having reserved a table on the terrace in order to enjoy the splendid vista of nighttime Namma Bay, we arrived to be offered an option of an inside table also reserved for me due to the sub zero temperatures outside. Thoughtful! I wish I’d had the same choice when the Italian animators performed their " show " last time I was there. I do not appreciate a million decibels of Makaraina with my vindaloo

However, the bland interior is no match for the view and, donning arctic survival suits, we opted for the open air. Red Obelisk in hand, we ordered starters and perused the menu. Being a vegetarian of the discerning variety I went for Palak Mushrooms and Vegetable Massala with a nutty rice, whilst my dining companions chose Murgh Curry (chicken) and Jhinga-Buna-Massala (prawns, easier to eat than pronounce).

Within a comfortably short period we were actually served our meal, a rarity down here. The Mulligatawny soup was, as ever, impeccable though the salads were a touch boring. My vegetarian choice was more than tasty, the chicken mild and creamy, the prawns delicious. What more can I say?

The sweets were, well, they were very sweet! No cappuccinos, but a couple of Indian teas were a viable alternative considering we were dining in an Indian. The bill, including wine, came to 334LE, thus dispelling the malicious rumour that The Indian (there is only one) is expensive. I agree, it’s not cheap. However, to be treated like a valued customer and fed a mouthwatering meal is worth 30 bucks of anyone’s money.