July 2008 Update
Imran Khan visits
THE legendary cricketer and politician Imran Khan was guest of honour at a local fundraising event. Mr Khan attended the charity dinner at the Aakash restaurant in aid of the Savayra Foundation. The charity, which was founded by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi in 2003, supports vulnerable women in Pakistan. Speaking in Urdu, Mr Khan told the 300-plus guests he became involved in charity work after his mother died of cancer. He realised there was not one cancer hospital in Pakistan, and decided he would set about building one. He founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, which built a cancer hospital funded by donations he raised from around the world. Mr Khan played cricket for Pakistan from 1971 to 1992 when he led the team to victory in the World Cup. A cricket bat signed by the team in 1992, which had been presented as a gift to local cricketer Solly Adam, was auctioned at the Aakash. It went to Sajid Butt for £3,700. Raffle prizes included a T-shirt signed by Mr Khan. He praised the work of the Savayra Foundation at the event last Friday, which raised £15,000. Baroness Warsi said the charity began by providing water coolers to schools, and moved on to empowering vulnerable women such as widows, divorcees and orphans. She said: "We are stopping women having to go out onto to the streets begging and being abused. "The Savayra Foundation has no employees in the UK. You can rest assured every single penny goes to those who deserve it." Javed Iqbal, a senior trustee of the charity, said: "The event was a great success and attracted people from across the north of England. "It was the first time Imran Khan had visited the area and we were delighted that he lent his support to the charity." After retiring from cricket Mr Khan founded the Pakistani Movement For Justice party, of which he is an MP. He is also known in the UK for his personal life, having been married to the heiress Jemima Goldsmith. By Adam Wolstenholme 31 July 2008
Spring 2008 Update
A Venue for All
AS THE WORLD'S largest Indian Restaurant the Aakash is licensed to seat 870 people and whilst that has never been achieved (yet) many large groups have been accomodated. The downstairs function room with its own private bar has seen live music performances, conferences, meetings, training sessions, fashion shows and seminars as well as being the ideal venue for weddings. With gret food available, secure parking for 125 cars and coaches and only one mile from Junction 26 of the busy M62 notorway, this venue is as different and impressive as it gets. General Manager, Naseem Akhtar said "we can adapt to anyone's requirements, however large or small the group or occasion providing an ideal setting that is a splendid alternative to anywhere else."
Five Star Aakash
Aakash has been awarded a coveted 5 star top marks for hygiene. The award is made by the 'Safer Food Better Business Scheme' in conjunction with Kirklees Council and is given only when inspectors have checked every stage of the food chain, from sourcing to serving, looking for only the very best practice in ensuring food hygiene and cleanliness. Restaurant Manager, Azhar Mahmood was delighted with the success and said "we take great pride in our standards of hygiene and have so much confidence that chefs often allow customers to view our kitchens".
Aakash To Go
Now you can have the great taste of Aakash food in the comfort of your own home. Pick up a take-away menu, choose the dishes you want and simply call 01274 878866 with your order. We will have it piping hot, freshly cooked just the way you like it and ready to go.
Sunday and Tuesday Special for Families only £9.95 each
We have found that not everyone wants a large meal on a sunday evening or early in the week, so the Aakash chefs have prepared a special buffet for Sundays and Tuesdays that still offers an excellent choice of dishes yet only costs £9.95 per person, and if you want to introduce children to the great taste of Aakash food then at £4.95 each this is a real opportunity. Children must be under 10 years of age and are very welcome, making the Aakash experience one for the whole family at a very affordable price. This fabulous special is served from 6.00pm till 11.00pm so you can enjoy it as high tea, evening meal or supper.
Recipe - Chicken Tikka
|
Learn how our chefs create our exotic dishes. Chicken Tikka - Serves 6 |
Ingredients |
|
Method |
1. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. |
2. After 20 minutes place 6 pieces of chicken on a skewer and char grill, gently turning until chicken is cooked. |
3. Serve with a salad garnish. |
Recipe provided by Ejaz Hussain, Chef, Aakash Restaurant.
Wine of the Month
Drinking wine with curry is becoming more and more the thing to do. The spicy flavours of Aakash food are complemented by some really great wines at exceptional value prices. As an introduction why not try the house wine? Both red and white from Argentina and are amazing quality for just £10.95 a bottle. The red is a Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon, full bodied, combining the spicy, roasted character typical of the Malbec with the strong blackcurrant flavour of the cabernet. The house white is a Torrontes-Chardonnay, grapey and aromatic using the unusual Torrontes with its exotic lychee and spicy character combined with the good mouth feel of the Chardonnay. Either wines are recommended but please do try the wines from India, especially as you will be eating Indian food! Both labels are Tiger Hill and come from the Sahyadri Valley, the red wine being a Merlot-Shiraz and the white wine is Chardonnay-Semillon. Priced at £13.50 a bottle these wines are of excellent taste and complement Aakash's fine cuisine.
