CHESTER could be on its way to getting a reputation similar to that of the "curry mile" in Rusholme, Manchester, or the "Balti triangle" in Balsall Green, in Birmingham.
 
Over the last year, there's been a Thai takeover of the city's restaurant scene. Within the last few weeks, Euro Asia has opened, a bizarre combination of what appears to be all things Asian and most things European.
 
And there's still enough Chinese restaurants to serve the demand of the locals.
 
East Glory opened on Northgate Street, taking over the premises vacated by the late lamented Blue Bell. That was something of a Chester landmark, serving traditional meals in a traditional way.
 
Maybe time passed it by. Maybe tastes have changed so much that there's no longer a place for a typically English restaurant.
 
But at least this new venue is trying hard. It is a world away from many Chinese eateries and feels classy but beware the metal-backed, wrist-breaking menus.
 
They contain more than 200 dishes and, had we not taken the precaution of studying the takeaway menu, we might well still be at the table trying to make a decision.
 
The night we went, it was almost empty, though that is not the norm at the weekend, our waitress assured us. Nevertheless, we sat at one rather curiously half-moon shaped table in full view of the pavement outside while three businessmen discussed work matters barely three feet away. The rest of the premises were deserted.
 
The arrangement of the menu, however, is a little odd. Most dishes familiar to English diners are there, but they really need to sort out what is to be found where.
 
There's steamed or crispy dim sum along with Thai style starters and skewers - or a seafood or dim sum platter. That's 25 starters. There's aromatic crispy duck, but in the same section, if you read on, you'll find delights such as salt and pepper soft shell crab. The soups will be found under "ribs and wings", while seafood specialities do not include lobster, oyster or squid, which can be found elsewhere.