PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAJaipur “Bizarre” sounds like an affectionate misspelling, but it’s actually a rather appropriate name for this quirky Gladesville Indian, with its bright jumbles of cushions, curtains and art. Tie-dye textiles and bejewelled lanterns create a canopy of psychedelic colour above diner’s heads, and with the smell of roasting spices wafting from the kitchen, the place has the look and feel of a Rajasthani marketplace.
Rather unlike a Jaipuri street seller however, the staff at Jaipur Bizarre are exceedingly polite. Once you’re ushered in to the sari-strewn dining room, you’re gently encouraged to order drinks and starters to share. The mixed entree is a great value platter of samosas, chicken tikka, shish kebab, and aloo tikki (potato patties with spiced lentils, chickpeas, mint and tamarind chutney). Mains consist of meat, seafood and vegetarian curries and span a variety of favourites, from a hot and tangy beef vindaloo to an excellent dish of garlic prawns laced with Indian five-spice. For a sweet finish (and to soothe burning mouths), the mango kulfis and lassis are excellent. With a belly dancer on Saturdays and two exotic cushion rooms for private parties, Jaipur Bizarre is one of the best restaurants in the area for a fun, affordable evening.
Fiona Davies, October 2007