OK, so we couldn't make the New York bash, but we could certainly sample the menu at The British Raj, the restaurant that recently flew out a five feet long Bangladeshi Ayre fish for that now infamous feast that Kanye West may well be tucking into.

Once the site of a busy public house, the restaurant nowadays sits rather incongruously on a side road adjacent to the Rogerstone by-pass.

Once through the door, a warm and genuine welcome awaits and staff are courteous without being overpowering.

Owing to the size and number of eating areas within the restaurant the atmosphere is both private and discreet.

An extensive menu covers all the bases.

For starters I opted for the King Prawn Butterfly - jumbo prawns with breadcrumbs, fried in butter, whilst my companion chose Chicken Chat - chicken cooked in a spicy, sour sauce.

Well presented and tasty, they both effectively triggered the anticipation for the main courses.

We were not disappointed.

The stuffed chicken massala - breast of chicken stuffed with spicy potatoes, onions and almonds and cooked in yoghurt and medium sauce was an entirely new option for me.

Tasty, yet delicate, a choice of coconut rice complemented the dish well.

The chicken madras, was, as promised, fairly hot without being overbearing whilst the choice of keema fried rice as an accompaniment gave it a slightly different twist.

Portions were generous, so desserts would have been a step too far.

The bill, including a couple of soft drinks each plus unlimited coffee, £37.45.