Oh my! If this is street food, I must be traveling on the wrong roads. This hole in the wall serves…read moreup some of the most sumptuous morsels, and not so morsels, in middle Tennessee. And I've been missing out all this time?! Well, no longer. Surati is now my go to, to sate my exotic whim.
This Caucasian family arrived on a sultry Friday evening. We had to wait until the monsoon had passed before we trekked to our destination. I mean to tell you, that it was a torrential downpour! But we were on a mission. As we approached, and before we even went inside, we were met with the intoxicating aroma of spice. I turned to my daughter, "uhhh Missy, I think that this is going to be epic." Oh yes, daddy, just wait.
A very friendly gentleman greeted us at the counter where you order. The poor guy. He had to explain to us several times what we were ordering, as our western ears strained to capture through his thick accent. Every time he explained, and we couldn't understand, my daughters voice got louder as if that would make it better. It didn't, but it sure made it more hilarious! Communication was finally struck and so too an understanding. Our order placed, we found a corner table and settled in. It wasn't beyond our sensing, that us four were the strangers in this land. All the more appealing.
It wasn't but for a few short minutes before our first dish found its way to the table. Now, before I go further, I have to warn you that I can't remember, much less, begin to pronounce the names of these items. I can only describe and tell you that they were all fantastic. Our first selection, was a platter of these crunchy puffed things. Our server explained, (a couple of times lol), how we are supposed to handle these delicate bites. "Punch a hole and put water in." We knew that he meant sauce, so that's what we did. Boy was that water ever tasty.
Next were the Samosas. Yes, I know. I remembered that name. But only because my daughter kept saying get the Samosas, daddy, get the Samosas. I did, and I conquered. They didn't last long. Next up, fried spinach things. Those may have been the best of all. But wait, there's more....boy was there ever.
The big dogs hit the table in short order. A giant crepe pancake stuffed with onion and potato, a spicy rice dish, and lastly a noodle dish. By the time we dug into these, the tanks were almost full, so half of it perfumed our car for the travel home.
The only thing left for that evening was to engage with our dreams. At this writing, I'm still having a conversation with Gandhi while on a barge floating down the Ganges.
Quick Tip: After indulging, head up the street to the Plaza Mariachi and grab yourself some cooked plantains at Tres Gauchos. Mmmmm plantainy. Those cowboys can sure rustle up a fine dessert.
Muy Bueno!
