THE Misbah Tandoori restaurant in Priory Street has put Monmouth on the map.

The Misbah, a small family-run Bangladeshi restaurant, is one of only five restaurants in Wales in the top 100 of the 2001 Good Curry Guide.

The Misbah is new to the top 100 and the guide praises its atmosphere and food.

The entry reads: "D Miah opened his 32 seater restaurant in 1990. This cosy, comfortable venue exudes customer care, but being so small, booking is advisable. Mr Miah's Misbah attracts celebs, and he's delighted to tell you about them (ask him - each one has a tale).

"Super stuff. Restaurants like this are what this Guide is all about. Welcome to our Top 100."

The Misbah has beaten most of the big town and city restaurants in Wales to receive the accolade.

Mr Miah said: "The Misbah, which is my first venture, opened in 1990. When I took over this 28 seater premises, I decided that the only way to make a success was to go upmarket where the demand was greatest. There have been many refurbishments and improvements both to structure and decor over the years taking the capacity to 34 seats.

"The latest improvement is significant. A large function room overlooking the picturesque river Monnow and lush green Wye Valley, which takes our capacity to nearly 100 seats.

"From the start my philosophy has been that the most important element of business is the customer and excellent customer care, good team work and enthusiasm. Everything that I have done has been with this aim in mind. We pride ourselves on our quality and service.

"To be amongst the best you have to offer something uniquely different from the others. We blend our own recipe of spice and herbs which has remained constant throughout and unique to Misbah only. We have introduced many new dishes to our menu with mouth-watering flavour.

"Our policy is to avoid using artificial colourings as much as possible to allow the true authentic flavours to exude.

"We attract celebrities to our restaurant such as rock bands, politicians, both local and national, sports' personalities, TV presenters and movie stars.

"I owe all I learned to my father who taught me from my boyhood to achieve excellent quality of customer care. I believe his hand has guided me this far. Big thanks to my family who have supported me all the way.

"I want to say special thanks to those who work hard for me and many thanks to my customers old and new and to the Monmothians who have supported me for a decade."