Although I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on my humble blog before, from time-to-time, I have the incredible fortune of writing restaurant reviews for a couple of local magazines – which, as you may have guessed, is one hell of a fine way to while away the spare hours. And of all the places I’ve visited in Derby over the past five years or so, Anoki, unassumingly situated on the outskirts of the city, is the place that stands out above any other.I’ve since returned on a few occasions - most recently last Friday night - to find that, true to form, the Anoki experience is better than ever. And that’s what lifts it above anything else in the city. Eating at Anoki is an experience to remember; something you want to tell all your friends about; something you want to share with the world. It’s a restaurant with a distinct difference - which is fortunate, as its name literally translates as 'unique' – and provides a definitive and lingering experience in both food preparation and comprehensive customer care.
Some may dismiss Anoki’s rose-petal adorned entrance as nothing more than a gimmick. It is in fact your prelude to a truly indulgent night of Indian dining. From the chandeliers - imported from Italy - through to the hand-made chairs and pure crystal glasses, the attention to detail is astonishing without ever feeling stuffy or overly pretentious (something that is often levelled at places like Darleys and Masa). The place is always buzzing and offers an environment conducing to both dining as a large group or as an intimate couple.It also goes to show that a restaurant doesn’t have to live or die by its location; it’s what you do with that location that counts.
In my (admittedly, self-set) crusade to “joyfully celebrate the good and suitably lambaste the bad” in Derby, my glowing enthusiasm for Anoki hopefully levels out any gripes I’ve expressed so far.
