Eat My Words: We try Highland Hospice fundraising curry at Miltonduff Hall
There’s nothing quite like an Indian takeaway on a Friday night - but this wasn’t your average dinner in front of the telly.
This one came with a side of community spirit, generous portions, and a very worthy cause.
For just £30, I tucked into a three-course Indian meal that was not only homemade from scratch but also helped raise funds for Highland Hospice - all thanks to Chris Dixon, multimedia manager at Highland News and Media (and my colleague!), who’s bravely stepping out of his comfort zone to compete in this year’s Strictly Inverness.
The annual dance competition, taking place this May, sees novice dancers from across the Highlands and Moray train intensively to master three routines.
It’s all in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre — and competitors also take on the challenge of organising their own fundraising events.
Speaking about why he signed up, Chris said: “The Highland Hospice is such an important charity, and I lost a previous partner to cancer, so I want to do this in memory of him. Strictly Inverness felt like a great challenge for me — both physically and mentally.”
His passion for the cause was clear in every thoughtful detail of the evening.
Held at Miltonduff Hall, the night had a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a lovely buzz throughout.
The setting was modest, but the sense of community and the quality of the food elevated it to something special.
We were treated to Aloo Tikki Chaat for the starter, crispy potato patties topped with tangy chaat flavours, fried chickpeas, tamarind drizzle and coriander chutney.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the best Indian starter I’ve ever had. It’s something I wouldn’t normally choose — but I’m so glad I did. Spicy, creamy, crunchy, sweet — it had everything.
I went bold with my main and tried the Pheasant Ruby, a rich, buttery makhani-style curry with a splash of cream.
I’d never had game in a curry before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was absolutely delicious.
So much so that I cheekily went back for seconds. For those going veggie, the Paneer Ruby offered the same luxurious sauce paired with grilled tikka paneer - equally tempting.
There is also a chicken option for those not fancying pheasant.
Dessert was a delight: Mango Malai Kulfi with a Scottish twist. Creamy Indian-inspired ice cream with mango and cardamom, topped with a buttery shortbread biscuit. As a mango lover, I was in heaven.
Beyond the food, what really stood out was the warmth of the evening — meeting new people, sharing laughs, and knowing every bite was helping a fantastic cause.
SCORES
Food: Every dish was homemade with care and full of flavour — from the flavour-packed starter to the indulgent curry and refreshing dessert. This was restaurant-quality food at a community fundraiser. *****
Drink: It was a bring-your-own-bottle setup, which added to the relaxed village hall vibe. No formal drinks menu, but everyone seemed perfectly content — and it kept the focus on the food. N/A
Decor: Being held in Miltonduff Hall, the setting was simple but welcoming. It had that classic village hall charm — nothing over the top, but just right for a cosy, community-led evening. ****
Staff: Considering it was just Chris and his partner running the show, the service was incredibly efficient. Plates were served hot and cleared quickly, and nothing felt rushed or chaotic. A seriously impressive effort. *****
Price: £30 for a generous three-course meal, cooked from scratch, all for charity? An absolute bargain. Easily one of the best value nights out I’ve had. *****
Strictly Inverness is more than just a dance show - it’s a community movement that raises thousands each year for vital local charities. And events like this one show just how much heart goes into every step (and every bite).
You can support Chris and the rest of the dancers as they prepare for their big night — and explore more ways to donate here.
The next Indian supper is on Friday, May 9, at Roseisle Hall. To book visit: https://tinyurl.com/IndianSupper
