After a long week, I was absolutely stoked to receive an invitation to dinner with my favorite…read morehost. Even better? We're going to my favorite Indian spot in the state.
We started off with the vegetable platter, which features three delicious vegetarian appetizers. In addition to vegetable pakoras and samosas, there was bhajita, spinach and onion stuffed potato wedges. These came with delicious little cups of chutney--one mint and one tamarind. This appetizer was a hit, even for the most devoted carnivore in the party.
We also tried the pashwari naan--it's a sweet naan that is filled with coconut and golden raisins. My mom in particular loved it. It would be a wonderful foil for a spicy curry.
For our mains, mom ordered the kebab, which came with dal (we picked the golden lentil dal, and I might possibly have had "just a taste" several times. (Verdict: it's yummy!) I ordered the paneer chili balti, a comforting balti that is sweet, savory, and salty with warming spices. The rice was also exactly right--fluffy, perfectly salted, and just the right texture. We also got the mango chutney, which is a tart, sweet, salty, savory, amazing flavor bomb. Try it at least once.
For dessert, we shared the kulfee and ras malai. These aren't on the menu at every Indian restaurant, and since first having tried them (at India Palace, in fact), I know that they'll always be my first choice when I see them, especially the kulfee. Holy wow.
As usual, the service was great--friendly, attentive, prompt, and helpful, the staff here makes sure you get what you need. Despite the fairly full house, it was easy to have a conversation. This is a relaxing place to enjoy a meal. The music is quiet, the decor interesting, and the seating comfortable. All in all, the cure for a bad week!