ALLIUM FREE REQUEST was met.
This was a last-minute takeout order because I was not up to cooking. Tamarind dining experience is a bit hit and miss, but I'll give them props for trying to accommodate my allergies to alliums, especially at the last minute.
SERVICE: I called the order in and spoke with who I think may have been the manager or one of the wait staff, he ultimately passed me over to another lady who took my order by way of the kitchen. The ordering process was a lengthy one since I had restrictions. It was dinner hour when I called so I appreciated them accommodating our request.
We were craving butter chicken, but without advance notice, there was no way they could prepare that without onions and garlic, so we got it for my daughter, and I relegated myself to the recommended dishes of a paneer with a velvety tomato based sauce, most likely made with yogurt. The seasonings were lovely.
As always, the proteins are far outweighed by the sauce, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since I tossed the sauce in with some chickpeas to make up another meal.
The vegetable dish I got was mixed with cauliflower, carrots, and some other veggies. The sauce was mildly spicy and the vegetables fresh. It was missing something, but I couldn't tell what.( don't say "onions and garlic" because my reviews are always based on my pallet, which is used to NOT having onion and garlic ).
The other allium-free dish was made with lentils in a sauce. It was really excellent. The reason I'm not going to give you the names of these dishes is because they were basically custom ordered. If it sounds good to you, just ask them to make something without garlic and onion, shallots, and chives, etc..
BUTTER CHICKEN: we Americans seem to love butter chicken don't we? My daughter had a craving. Sometimes I make it at home, but it's never as authentic as the one you get at a restaurant. She said that it hit the spot.
NAAN: i'm sure they make the naan -from scratch and it's really delicious with a great chewy pull and just enough char.SATISFYING!
TIP: order extra to keep in the freezer.
The yogurt sauce was pretty much a waste of time- watered down yogurt with a few slivers of carrots. Not worth the money. Pass on that and make it at home. I appreciate them trying to make a garlic free however it lacked any flavor.
PORTION SIZE: I'm pleased to report that the takeout portion sizes seem to have been more normalized. In the past, we've spent $70+ plus tip for a couple of entrees, naan, and a side and still been hungry afterwards.
PACKAGING FOR TO GO.
I'm also really impressed at the new takeout packaging which seems to be eco-friendly, instead of those plastic containers that we've grown accustomed to but are not good for our health nor the environment. So they get a star for that.
A GOOD EXPERIENCE OVERALL: Would I order the mixed vegetable dish again? probably not. I would order the Dahl/lentils. And extra naan.
FOR THE MANAGEMENT: great job accommodating my allergies with no advance notice. I suggest adding a few more vegetable options that can be prepared any style.
The takeout containers are brilliant. Increase the portion size a bit more. BY THE WAY, our order without tip: $99 although we did enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day, Tamarind is a luxury takeaway dining experience. I would encourage the restaurant to have some more family friendly take away packages to encourage more diners, especially during these very difficult economic times read more