I lost your email address Sethu, but I still have the fantastic Primer on Indian Cuisine that you sent me years ago. With thanks, and in it's original form...

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For guidance,

Start with => Mulligatawny Soup

and on the appetizer part, check with them whether they can serve you the mixed platter of => Onion Bhaji + Samosa + Vegetable Pakora + Chicken Tikka (each item of two pieces will be enough to make you understand the differences)

and on the Bread part => Masala Roti, chapati, (the naan and paratha varieties aren't good for our digestive system and health, you can ask them to replace the naan with Roti if that option is available)

and on the Tandoor part => Tandoor and Tikka both are good, only the look and handling it on the table will make difference, so if possible try the platter once, it will be like a full course and all the items are in it, you will feel the full meal when you are done with it single handily

and on the Biryani part, => Try Shrimp and or Vegetable to feel the contrast For your basic idea, Chicken items are tender and will taste good mostly if you try it dry as that of Tandoori and Tikka items Lamb or Beef will taste fine inside gravy/curry bcos all the herbs essence will be inside those meat cubes as they are long cooked and left for simmering throughout the day, so better if you order a Shrimp or Veg biryani with a Lamb or Beef curry

and on the Curry / Dishes part => Try the dishes which are not SWEET otherwise you don't like it next time, the sweet taste will stop you in the middle of the course, but little spicy will help you to finish the whole stuff, just start your endeavour with curries ordering one by one newly each time when you visit there. MADRAS is the item from my hometown

My preferred way of trying any of these items will be take away, as we can't enjoy it within a short time as when we sit for dining at the restaurant. I just keep a cup of rice boiled in a cooker and open it HOT HOT just before start at dining table and just order 2 or 3 number of Roti (hot wrapped) - along with your preferred curry/dishes. Eat slowly till you see nothing left and finish with few sips of sweet and salty Natural home made Lemon/Lime juice. And within 5 or 10 mins you will be flat out on the bed or may be on the dining table or on the couch or on the floor if you are eating there. Will be laid at-least for the next 2 hours, open your eyes and you will see this beautiful world and will be getting ready for the next round.

No more boring here with my stupid writeup about the Indian food, you will be master soon no doubt!

By the way, both the pics are very good. thanks. Can you share the family pic? Where is your husband/partner? Where your daughter is? It seems you are away from home on your own, that's why I asked.

Tell me when are you coming to Johannesburg?! What are the best interests in your mind?

Have a wonderful day/evening/night ;-)

Best Wishes, Sethu