VOUJON: Early-bird winner

Voujon

Voujon,
690, Manchester Road,

Oldham

0161 682 4600

GOT to be somewhere for 8ish - then nipping out for a tasty curry at 6.30 won't be a problem, will it?
Those were my ill-fated words as we made our way with anticipation to Hollinwood restaurant Voujon.
Our veteran currymaster Sports Editor had come back in the office earlier that week with a glowing recommendation.
So imagine my timekeeping horror when we arrived to find it buzzing with atmosphere.
How many Asian restaurants can say that so early of an evening?
We were greeted like long-lost friends - it later turned out the owner mistook me for a regular and led us straight to a table. We didnÕt complain.
The restaurant is bright, modern and compact with the tables placed close to each other.
Choosing what to eat from the extensive menu was not easy because as well as containing the usual suspects and sizzling platters there was at least 10 specials starters, 15 special mains and a full page of fish dishes. A nice touch was the use of low cholesterol oils and the organically farmed meats and the notes that if requested any foods could be ordered and cooked specially to suit your dietary needs.
So engrossed were we in the menu that by the time we had chosen and ordered a drink the restaurant was full.
I knew by now we were going to be in trouble with the clock.
We declined the popodoms and went a special chicken sag puri and meat samosas
The wait was 40 minutes - not helped I admit by my now constant clock watching but long even by normal standards - but at least the staff were polite enough to apologise on arrival.
Unusually, the puri was served on the side rather than as filled-pancake style.
The prawns could have been a touch spicier but the same was not true of the samosas as they carried a kick.
The popularity of Voujon obviously spreads to the takeaway menu as food was heading out as quick as it was going to the tables.
For main meals, Mrs W made an inspired choice. She went for a light option of salmon with peri peri sauce.
The fish was mouth-wateringly delicious and the fact that the sauce was served in a small pouring jug meant it could be applied to taste.
My shahi murgh (chicken and minced beef) was a huge portion, came mountainous on the plate.
I did my best and we both had chapatis on the side but with the clock now well and truly beating us, I had to call a halt.
In truth the clock was almost an excuse, I had well had my fill and yet did not seem to have made more than a minor dent in proceedings.
As we paid and dashed to our engagement, we could not help but notice a queue of people waiting to come in.
They are certainly getting it right for the good people of Hollinwood.