I was first introduced to Middle Eastern food--more specifically, Moroccan--when visiting Northampton, Mass. We ate lunch at Amanouz Cafe, where I had my first kabab and, most memorably, Moroccan mint tea from an intricately designed teapot.
Middle Eastern cuisine shares much in common with Mediterranean cuisines. Given the diversity of the region, the food is also diverse and there are many regional specialties. In general, however, the Middle Eastern diet is healthy and includes foods such as olive oil, pitas, honey, chickpeas, mint, eggplant, and many of the same aromatic spices found in Indian food as well as saffron and cinnamon.
My recommendations:
Shish Kabob House of Afghanistan, West Hartford: www.afghancuisine.net/
The food: Delicious, authentic Afghan food served with style, elegance, and class. The dishes looked so beautiful and colorful I almost didn't want to mess them up by eating them! Almost. For an appetizer, we ordered samosas (fried pastries stuffed with peas and potatoes). The real highlight of the dish was the green chutney sauce to dip them in, and it took me a little while to figure out that what made it so amazing was the cilantro! For my meal, I had the chicken kebab, succulent and moist chunks of spiced chicken grilled on a skewer. It came with light spinach rice and a pumpkin puree (I love anything and everything pumpkin). For his side dish, Kevin had eggplant, which he thought was cooked perfectly in a sauce and was one of the best parts of the meal. If you want to try something unique to make the whole meal come together, order the Afghan tea on ice (black tea, cardamom, and milk). It was similar to Thai iced tea, but with its own distinctive flavors.
The vibe: The ambiance here perfectly complements the meal. Downstairs is a bar and hookah lounge, but upstairs is a gorgeous dining room, with oriental rugs, paintings, romantic lighting, and fine china. I felt as though I had travelled to Afghanistan. To make it even more special, go on a Friday night for a live oud performance.
The value: Although expensive, it was worth it for the experience.
Go for: Celebrating a special occasion
Tangiers International, West Hartford: www.tangierswh.com/
The food: Widely regarded as having the best falafel (fried chickpea patties) in West Hartford, they also have gyros, interesting imported drinks like ginger beer, and irresistible baklava. While you are waiting for your food (it doesn't take long), browse the grocery items. Several of them you would probably have a hard time finding anywhere else. I even contemplated buying some Turkish delight!
The vibe: A hole-in-the-wall, family owned place. Although primarily an import grocery store, you can order takeout and there is limited seating at the counter.
The value: Pretty good, although they don't list their prices anywhere so you may want to ask about the cost before you order.
Go for: Lunch on the go
Layla's Falafel, Fairfield: www.laylasfalafel.com/
The food: Also (unsurprisingly) known for their falafel. I had the chicken shawerma (grilled on a spit) instead. Now, my disclaimer is that I am ordinarily not a big fan of shawerma, having had some pretty bad cheap kebabs in Europe. However, the chicken here tasted fresh and they gave me a huge portion of it, with plenty of lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic sauce. Their other dishes come from the countries of Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Turkey, and Palestine.
The vibe: Utilitarian and clean
The value: Excellent, especially since they have discounts
Go for: Lunch break
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Cuisines: Greek and Mediterranean
My first forays into Greek cuisine began at Greek diners--perhaps not the most sophisticated of locales, but they did get me to try more interesting dishes like moussaka over the usual burger and fries. In fact, before I even liked eggplant, I loved moussaka! Along with baklava (phyllo pistachio pastry dripping with honey), they became my favorite Greek dishes. My own stumbling block to truly appreciating Greek cuisine: my utter disgust of olives.
Mediterranean food is becoming more and more popular, due in part to its healthy nature. Olive oil, a healthy fat, is an important part of the diet, along with red wine, cheese, yogurt, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Hummus (mashed chickpeas and tahini) is a good alternative to ranch dip, and Greek yogurt with a little honey is much better than sweetened yogurts. But if the health benefits don't convince you to try Mediterranean foods, then this will: they're delicious!
My recommendations:
Tapas, West Hartford: http://www.tapasonline.com/ordereze/Default.aspx
The food: West Hartford is a town blessed with restaurants featuring nearly every cuisine in the world, and out of them all, Tapas is my favorite. I am addicted to their Greek salad, particularly their "almost famous" dressing (which they sell). It's worth coming here for a salad alone, which is high praise for any restaurant. Despite the name, their dishes are not really tapas (Spanish small plates). Instead, the menu consists of flat bread pizzas and platters (including gyros, souvlaki, falafel, spanakopita, muffaletta, and other Greek classics). Their flatbread "pizzas" are loaded with tantalizing toppings; my favorite is the Basque tapas (sausage, mushrooms, ricotta, brie, and sundried tomatoes). Their pita bread gyros are also excellent and you can choose either their Madd Greek or Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and dill) sauce.
The vibe: There's such a friendly, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere here. You will immediately feel "at home."
The value: The great prices have made me visit Tapas multiple times!
Go for: Family dinner with the kids
Sara's Pockets, Storrs (UConn): http://www.saraspockets.com/
The food: I first discovered this place as a freshman at UConn. Bored of bland and salty dining hall food and getting sick of the college take-out diet of pizza and wings, I found Sara's Pocket's, a haven of fresh veggies and real meat. This is healthy fast casual at its finest. They actually have a pretty comprehensive menu, but I've only ever had their grilled kebab pockets. They are chicken, beef, or lamb wrapped in a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tahini or lemon garlic sauce. Their chicken tastes just as good as chicken you could grill out on the deck at home. I love both sauces, though I prefer the garlic (tahini sauce is made from a ground sesame seed paste). Save room for some homemade baklava.
The vibe: A true, authentic family place. Every time I've been in here, the owner has been friendly and helpful. You have to walk up stairs to get to the restaurant (it's on the second floor of the building) and there is outdoor and indoor seating.
The value: Perfect for broke college students!
Go for: Quick take-out, vegetarian-friendly options
Mediterranean food is becoming more and more popular, due in part to its healthy nature. Olive oil, a healthy fat, is an important part of the diet, along with red wine, cheese, yogurt, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Hummus (mashed chickpeas and tahini) is a good alternative to ranch dip, and Greek yogurt with a little honey is much better than sweetened yogurts. But if the health benefits don't convince you to try Mediterranean foods, then this will: they're delicious!
My recommendations:
Tapas, West Hartford: http://www.tapasonline.com/ordereze/Default.aspx
The food: West Hartford is a town blessed with restaurants featuring nearly every cuisine in the world, and out of them all, Tapas is my favorite. I am addicted to their Greek salad, particularly their "almost famous" dressing (which they sell). It's worth coming here for a salad alone, which is high praise for any restaurant. Despite the name, their dishes are not really tapas (Spanish small plates). Instead, the menu consists of flat bread pizzas and platters (including gyros, souvlaki, falafel, spanakopita, muffaletta, and other Greek classics). Their flatbread "pizzas" are loaded with tantalizing toppings; my favorite is the Basque tapas (sausage, mushrooms, ricotta, brie, and sundried tomatoes). Their pita bread gyros are also excellent and you can choose either their Madd Greek or Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and dill) sauce.
The vibe: There's such a friendly, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere here. You will immediately feel "at home."
The value: The great prices have made me visit Tapas multiple times!
Go for: Family dinner with the kids
Sara's Pockets, Storrs (UConn): http://www.saraspockets.com/
The food: I first discovered this place as a freshman at UConn. Bored of bland and salty dining hall food and getting sick of the college take-out diet of pizza and wings, I found Sara's Pocket's, a haven of fresh veggies and real meat. This is healthy fast casual at its finest. They actually have a pretty comprehensive menu, but I've only ever had their grilled kebab pockets. They are chicken, beef, or lamb wrapped in a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tahini or lemon garlic sauce. Their chicken tastes just as good as chicken you could grill out on the deck at home. I love both sauces, though I prefer the garlic (tahini sauce is made from a ground sesame seed paste). Save room for some homemade baklava.
The vibe: A true, authentic family place. Every time I've been in here, the owner has been friendly and helpful. You have to walk up stairs to get to the restaurant (it's on the second floor of the building) and there is outdoor and indoor seating.
The value: Perfect for broke college students!
Go for: Quick take-out, vegetarian-friendly options
Friday, July 22, 2011
Cuisine: Mexican
I considered tagging this post "Food Everybody Likes" since who doesn't like Mexican? I'm sure there's someone out there, but I don't know them. Usually even when someone isn't a fan of international cuisines (or hasn't experienced them much), they still like Italian and Mexican.
Unfortunately, most Mexican restaurants are made to suit American tastes, often more Tex-Mex than real Mexican. My own deep dark secret is that I still like those places, even if they aren't authentic. To me, the wonderful thing about Mexican restaurants is that they are so diverse and versatile. You can get a cheap burrito (or a not-so-cheap burrito from Chipotle), or experience fine dining. The two restaurants I'm reviewing in this post illustrate this idea.
Besito, West Hartford: www.besitomex.com/
The food: This is what I call "gourmet Mexican." If, like me, you've been to so many Mexican restaurants that they all seem to run together, you are in for a pleasant surprise here. The dishes are intriguing, innovative, and prepared perfectly, with quality ingredients like salmon, adobo chicken, and filet mignon.
I had the enchiladas de mole poblano, a shredded chicken enchilada in a mole sauce with cilantro (one of my favorite flavors) and onion. The highlight of the meal was the mole sauce, the best I've ever had (mole is a rich chocolate and chili pepper sauce). It was also the ideal amount of cilantro, and not overpowering at all. Kevin had the enchilada suiza, the same dish but with a tomatillo (green tomato) sauce. It was the same high quality as the mole.
We also got delectable fried sweet plantains for an appetizer. If you want to splurge, the waiters will make fresh guacamole for you right at your table.
The vibe: Gorgeous. I was absolutely enchanted by the decor, and I thought I was in Mexico. The whole place was alight with candles and ornate lamps, giving the restaurant a romantic touch. I can't do it justice, so check out the pictures online. The tables were immaculate, as was the service. At the end of the meal we were each given piping hot cinnamon churros and small "worry" dolls to take away worries at night. All of these little touches made this such a memorable dining experience.
The value: The downside to all this, of course, was the price. Yes, it was expensive, and I probably wouldn't order drinks at the bar there. But for a special occasion, it is so worth it.
Go for: A fancy date...your date will be so impressed!
For a much more typical--though affordable--experience, try:
Coyote Flaco, Hartford and Mansfield: mycoyoteflaco.com/
The food: The menu is average, but they have a nice variety of combo platters. They also give you a lot of food--be prepared for leftovers! Everything is tasty (if not that spicy), including their homemade salsa and chips. My favorite part of the dinner, though, was dessert--fried ice cream. Everything is better deep fried, and you can get ice cream with a fried shell at Mexican or Asian restaurants. The Asian variety uses tempura batter, while Mexican versions use cornflakes to coat the ice cream. I prefer the Mexican way, though both are delicious.
The vibe: Casual and fun, with lots of interesting Mexican decorations.
The value: It depends on what you order, but most entrees are reasonably priced and you'll still have money left over for that margarita!
Go for: Night out with friends
Puerto Vallarta, Southington: www.puertovallartausa.com/
The food: Fellow foodie Steph and I recently came here for dinner. It had great reviews, and it did not disappoint. In fact, everything looked so good on the menu that we had great difficulty deciding what to order! Some of their dishes are quite unique--I wasn't quite brave enough to try the cactus burrito! We started off with guacamole made fresh at our table (since Steph had a coupon, found on their website) and chips and salsa. We ordered the guacamole made slightly spicy, and both the guac and salsa were delicious since they had lots of cilantro. For dinner, I had the mole enchiladas poblano; it had tons of mole sauce, but that was a good thing, since I cleaned my plate. Take a look at the dessert menu before you leave, since they have lots of options, including flan, sopapillas, and fried ice cream with chocolate and honey.
The vibe: Friendly and casual. When we walked in, the greeter began by welcoming us in Spanish. They also have a live mariachi band, adding to the fun atmosphere.
The value: Good, especially since the menu is so extensive that you can choose between pricy or more affordable dishes.
Go for: Happy hour or dinner
Unfortunately, most Mexican restaurants are made to suit American tastes, often more Tex-Mex than real Mexican. My own deep dark secret is that I still like those places, even if they aren't authentic. To me, the wonderful thing about Mexican restaurants is that they are so diverse and versatile. You can get a cheap burrito (or a not-so-cheap burrito from Chipotle), or experience fine dining. The two restaurants I'm reviewing in this post illustrate this idea.
Besito, West Hartford: www.besitomex.com/
The food: This is what I call "gourmet Mexican." If, like me, you've been to so many Mexican restaurants that they all seem to run together, you are in for a pleasant surprise here. The dishes are intriguing, innovative, and prepared perfectly, with quality ingredients like salmon, adobo chicken, and filet mignon.
I had the enchiladas de mole poblano, a shredded chicken enchilada in a mole sauce with cilantro (one of my favorite flavors) and onion. The highlight of the meal was the mole sauce, the best I've ever had (mole is a rich chocolate and chili pepper sauce). It was also the ideal amount of cilantro, and not overpowering at all. Kevin had the enchilada suiza, the same dish but with a tomatillo (green tomato) sauce. It was the same high quality as the mole.
We also got delectable fried sweet plantains for an appetizer. If you want to splurge, the waiters will make fresh guacamole for you right at your table.
The vibe: Gorgeous. I was absolutely enchanted by the decor, and I thought I was in Mexico. The whole place was alight with candles and ornate lamps, giving the restaurant a romantic touch. I can't do it justice, so check out the pictures online. The tables were immaculate, as was the service. At the end of the meal we were each given piping hot cinnamon churros and small "worry" dolls to take away worries at night. All of these little touches made this such a memorable dining experience.
The value: The downside to all this, of course, was the price. Yes, it was expensive, and I probably wouldn't order drinks at the bar there. But for a special occasion, it is so worth it.
Go for: A fancy date...your date will be so impressed!
For a much more typical--though affordable--experience, try:
Coyote Flaco, Hartford and Mansfield: mycoyoteflaco.com/
The food: The menu is average, but they have a nice variety of combo platters. They also give you a lot of food--be prepared for leftovers! Everything is tasty (if not that spicy), including their homemade salsa and chips. My favorite part of the dinner, though, was dessert--fried ice cream. Everything is better deep fried, and you can get ice cream with a fried shell at Mexican or Asian restaurants. The Asian variety uses tempura batter, while Mexican versions use cornflakes to coat the ice cream. I prefer the Mexican way, though both are delicious.
The vibe: Casual and fun, with lots of interesting Mexican decorations.
The value: It depends on what you order, but most entrees are reasonably priced and you'll still have money left over for that margarita!
Go for: Night out with friends
Puerto Vallarta, Southington: www.puertovallartausa.com/
The food: Fellow foodie Steph and I recently came here for dinner. It had great reviews, and it did not disappoint. In fact, everything looked so good on the menu that we had great difficulty deciding what to order! Some of their dishes are quite unique--I wasn't quite brave enough to try the cactus burrito! We started off with guacamole made fresh at our table (since Steph had a coupon, found on their website) and chips and salsa. We ordered the guacamole made slightly spicy, and both the guac and salsa were delicious since they had lots of cilantro. For dinner, I had the mole enchiladas poblano; it had tons of mole sauce, but that was a good thing, since I cleaned my plate. Take a look at the dessert menu before you leave, since they have lots of options, including flan, sopapillas, and fried ice cream with chocolate and honey.
The vibe: Friendly and casual. When we walked in, the greeter began by welcoming us in Spanish. They also have a live mariachi band, adding to the fun atmosphere.
The value: Good, especially since the menu is so extensive that you can choose between pricy or more affordable dishes.
Go for: Happy hour or dinner
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Cuisines: British
All right, so I made some slightly disparaging comments about British food in my last post. But I was only taking the mickey! In fact, the food of the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) has come a long way in recent years, and has its own unique charm.
Of course, unfamiliar cuisine can be fraught with dangers. Once, at a quaint hotel on the sacred island of Iona, in the Scottish Hebrides, I went out with some friends for a "cream tea." First mistake: thinking that "cream tea" meant "creamy tea." It's actually tea with scones, clotted cream, and raspberry jam. Second mistake: Plopping a dollop of the cream onto the scone as if it were a biscuit and then trying to eat it with my hands, like an uncivilised American. My friends were shaking with laughter as the clotted cream melted off of the scone, creating a huge mess. I then watched in mortification as they all neatly cut the scone in half and spread the cream onto it with a knife, like butter. Whoops.
Fortunately, unless you're at high tea with the Queen, British fare is usually hearty and down-to-earth. You can get some great deals in pubs, where you can feast on homemade shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, toad in the hole, fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, pasties, and Sunday roast while paying a fraction of the prices found at sit-down restaurants.
Most of the following restaurants are pubs, so you can go either for dinner or for drinks with friends. Go have some craic!
The Corner Pug, West Hartford: http://www.cornerpug.com/ordereze/Default.aspx
The food: This pub combines the best of British dishes with the best of American dishes, so there's something for everyone. The food is so comforting and homey, and I've been back time and time again because of it. I especially recommend their shepherd's pie, roasted chicken, and kettle potato chips. They also serve up a neat platter of delicious homemade bread before the meal.
The vibe: Classic English pub, with an obsession with pugs, as the name suggests. Pictures of patrons' pug dogs line the walls, and overall there's a great sense of family and Elmwood community here. Bar is always crowded, but there's plenty of booth space and a huge back room for larger parties.
The value: Good deal, especially for West Hartford.
Go for: Family gatherings or a pint
Mrs. Bridges' Pantry, Woodstock: http://www.mrsbridgespantry.com/
The food: As authentic as it gets. I had English breakfast tea (makes me nostalgic) and a ham and cheese quiche, while my friend had Earl Grey and a scone. Both dishes were excellent, and the clotted cream was so good I could have eaten it with a spoon. There is an extensive tea menu.
The vibe: Too cute for words, both inside and out. Quaint English tea room, with lovely table settings and china. There's also a shop that sells British import goods, including candy, tea, and other staples.
The value: The tea room is a good value, but the import store was a bit expensive for my taste. Still, if you're an expat or Anglophile, it might be worth it.
Go for: Afternoon tea
O'Neills Pub and Restaurant, Norwalk: http://www.oneillsono.com/
The food: Good food, and a lot of it! I could barely finish my shepherd's pie after filling up on piping hot bread. I did get a Guinness (of course), which was perfect. Best of all, they have curry on their menu!
The vibe: We went on a Friday night, so the place was hopping! The word that first comes to mind when I think about this place is "cool." Not necessarily a traditional Irish pub, but a chic place to hang out.
The value: Entrees are more expensive than you would think, but each night of the week there's a different deal on food and drinks.
Go for: Happy hour, pub quiz every Tuesday night
McLadden's Irish Publick House, West Hartford: http://www.mcladdens.com/
The food: I've only ever had appetizers here (nachos and mini burgers), which were good but fairly typical. Their actual menu looks like it offers more sophisticated dishes than your usual pub grub.
The vibe: Every time I've been there, it's been packed! Live music is always playing, and everybody is having a good time--that is, if you can get to the bar! Luckily they do have a back room if you'd like privacy and quiet. There's also free popcorn from a popcorn machine, which I appreciated.
The value: Entrees are quite expensive, so go for the happy hour deals.
Go for: Drinks with friends after a long work week
Of course, unfamiliar cuisine can be fraught with dangers. Once, at a quaint hotel on the sacred island of Iona, in the Scottish Hebrides, I went out with some friends for a "cream tea." First mistake: thinking that "cream tea" meant "creamy tea." It's actually tea with scones, clotted cream, and raspberry jam. Second mistake: Plopping a dollop of the cream onto the scone as if it were a biscuit and then trying to eat it with my hands, like an uncivilised American. My friends were shaking with laughter as the clotted cream melted off of the scone, creating a huge mess. I then watched in mortification as they all neatly cut the scone in half and spread the cream onto it with a knife, like butter. Whoops.
Fortunately, unless you're at high tea with the Queen, British fare is usually hearty and down-to-earth. You can get some great deals in pubs, where you can feast on homemade shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, toad in the hole, fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, pasties, and Sunday roast while paying a fraction of the prices found at sit-down restaurants.
Most of the following restaurants are pubs, so you can go either for dinner or for drinks with friends. Go have some craic!
The Corner Pug, West Hartford: http://www.cornerpug.com/ordereze/Default.aspx
The food: This pub combines the best of British dishes with the best of American dishes, so there's something for everyone. The food is so comforting and homey, and I've been back time and time again because of it. I especially recommend their shepherd's pie, roasted chicken, and kettle potato chips. They also serve up a neat platter of delicious homemade bread before the meal.
The vibe: Classic English pub, with an obsession with pugs, as the name suggests. Pictures of patrons' pug dogs line the walls, and overall there's a great sense of family and Elmwood community here. Bar is always crowded, but there's plenty of booth space and a huge back room for larger parties.
The value: Good deal, especially for West Hartford.
Go for: Family gatherings or a pint
Mrs. Bridges' Pantry, Woodstock: http://www.mrsbridgespantry.com/
The food: As authentic as it gets. I had English breakfast tea (makes me nostalgic) and a ham and cheese quiche, while my friend had Earl Grey and a scone. Both dishes were excellent, and the clotted cream was so good I could have eaten it with a spoon. There is an extensive tea menu.
The vibe: Too cute for words, both inside and out. Quaint English tea room, with lovely table settings and china. There's also a shop that sells British import goods, including candy, tea, and other staples.
The value: The tea room is a good value, but the import store was a bit expensive for my taste. Still, if you're an expat or Anglophile, it might be worth it.
Go for: Afternoon tea
O'Neills Pub and Restaurant, Norwalk: http://www.oneillsono.com/
The food: Good food, and a lot of it! I could barely finish my shepherd's pie after filling up on piping hot bread. I did get a Guinness (of course), which was perfect. Best of all, they have curry on their menu!
The vibe: We went on a Friday night, so the place was hopping! The word that first comes to mind when I think about this place is "cool." Not necessarily a traditional Irish pub, but a chic place to hang out.
The value: Entrees are more expensive than you would think, but each night of the week there's a different deal on food and drinks.
Go for: Happy hour, pub quiz every Tuesday night
McLadden's Irish Publick House, West Hartford: http://www.mcladdens.com/
The food: I've only ever had appetizers here (nachos and mini burgers), which were good but fairly typical. Their actual menu looks like it offers more sophisticated dishes than your usual pub grub.
The vibe: Every time I've been there, it's been packed! Live music is always playing, and everybody is having a good time--that is, if you can get to the bar! Luckily they do have a back room if you'd like privacy and quiet. There's also free popcorn from a popcorn machine, which I appreciated.
The value: Entrees are quite expensive, so go for the happy hour deals.
Go for: Drinks with friends after a long work week
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Cuisine: Indian
As with Thai, I didn't try Indian food until I studied abroad in England. Due to Great Britain's colonial past in India, they have some of the best Indian in the world. In fact, the UK's national dish is chicken tikka masala (supposedly invented in Scotland). That says a lot about how amazing Indian food is...or how bad British food is!
Indian has the reputation for being spicy, and it often is. I'll never forget the time in Inverness, Scotland when I ordered chicken vindaloo. The waiter gave me a dubious look and said, "Why don't you try chicken korma instead?" Not being very adventurous at that point, I took his advice. It was still delicious--but one of the milder Indian curries.
Indian cuisine is also incredibly diverse, just as much as American regional cuisines. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know that Indian dishes use delightful spices of cumin, turmeric, cardamom, chai masala, and many others. Basmati rice is a aromatic alternative to boring, plain brown rice.
There are many wonderful Indian restaurants right here in the States. Here are a few:
Taste of India, West Hartford: http://www.tasteofindiawh.com/index.htm
The food: I love their tikka masala (ginger, garlic, yogurt, tomatoes, and cream). Just the right blend of spices, and not so overpowering that you can't savor the taste. Dishes come with rice but don't forget to order garlic naan (unleavened bread baked in a clay oven) to scoop up that last bit of sauce.
The vibe: A small place, nicely decorated.
The value: Check out their specials! The lunch buffet has a wide variety of offerings and is a reasonable price for the amount of food.
Go for: Family dinner, lunch buffet
Masala, Hartford: http://www.masalafinedining.com/
The food: We went for the lunch buffet, so we tried a bit of everything. It was all good, though I still like Taste of India's buffet better. What sticks out most in my mind was the dessert, kheer (Indian pudding). It was the first time I'd tried it.
The vibe: Very hip, cool, a bit bohemian. It felt much more modern than most Indian restaurants seem to be.
The value: Slightly more expensive since it's in the city, but still much cheaper than most restaurants are.
Go for: Lunch with coworkers
Utsav Indian Cuisine, Vernon: http://www.utsavcuisine.com/ (ignore the garish website, because this restaurant is actually quite good!)
The food: This was the first Indian restaurant I went to in the U.S. Let's just say, I was not prepared for how spicy some of the food would be, particularly my friend's rogan josh (lamb curry)! But it's nice that here you can specify to your waiter how spicy you'd like your dish to be.
The vibe: Well, it was a long time ago, so I'm afraid I don't quite remember! But I have to give a shout-out to the waiters because when I was here with a large group of friends (many who were new to Indian food) they were nice enough to give us free samples of appetizers to try.
The value: Pretty standard prices.
Go for: First time Indian
What are some other good Indian places, either in CT or further afield?
Indian has the reputation for being spicy, and it often is. I'll never forget the time in Inverness, Scotland when I ordered chicken vindaloo. The waiter gave me a dubious look and said, "Why don't you try chicken korma instead?" Not being very adventurous at that point, I took his advice. It was still delicious--but one of the milder Indian curries.
Indian cuisine is also incredibly diverse, just as much as American regional cuisines. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know that Indian dishes use delightful spices of cumin, turmeric, cardamom, chai masala, and many others. Basmati rice is a aromatic alternative to boring, plain brown rice.
There are many wonderful Indian restaurants right here in the States. Here are a few:
Taste of India, West Hartford: http://www.tasteofindiawh.com/index.htm
The food: I love their tikka masala (ginger, garlic, yogurt, tomatoes, and cream). Just the right blend of spices, and not so overpowering that you can't savor the taste. Dishes come with rice but don't forget to order garlic naan (unleavened bread baked in a clay oven) to scoop up that last bit of sauce.
The vibe: A small place, nicely decorated.
The value: Check out their specials! The lunch buffet has a wide variety of offerings and is a reasonable price for the amount of food.
Go for: Family dinner, lunch buffet
Masala, Hartford: http://www.masalafinedining.com/
The food: We went for the lunch buffet, so we tried a bit of everything. It was all good, though I still like Taste of India's buffet better. What sticks out most in my mind was the dessert, kheer (Indian pudding). It was the first time I'd tried it.
The vibe: Very hip, cool, a bit bohemian. It felt much more modern than most Indian restaurants seem to be.
The value: Slightly more expensive since it's in the city, but still much cheaper than most restaurants are.
Go for: Lunch with coworkers
Utsav Indian Cuisine, Vernon: http://www.utsavcuisine.com/ (ignore the garish website, because this restaurant is actually quite good!)
The food: This was the first Indian restaurant I went to in the U.S. Let's just say, I was not prepared for how spicy some of the food would be, particularly my friend's rogan josh (lamb curry)! But it's nice that here you can specify to your waiter how spicy you'd like your dish to be.
The vibe: Well, it was a long time ago, so I'm afraid I don't quite remember! But I have to give a shout-out to the waiters because when I was here with a large group of friends (many who were new to Indian food) they were nice enough to give us free samples of appetizers to try.
The value: Pretty standard prices.
Go for: First time Indian
What are some other good Indian places, either in CT or further afield?
Cuisine: Thai
Thai is one of my all-time favorite cuisines, evidenced by the fact that my past two birthday parties have been at Thai restaurants! Yet I didn't even try Thai food until my junior year of college, when my friend Diep introduced me to it in London. Since then, I've been hooked--I rarely pass up the opportunity to have Thai, which is why this list is so long! I started with Pad Thai as my favorite dish, then moved on to Thai curries, which are different than Indian curries, but just as tasty. Thai food is fresh, healthy, light, and a little bit spicy (though it doesn't have to be). The flavors of lemongrass, basil, coconut milk, cilantro, and chili peppers are tantalizing.
Interesting in Thai? Check out these restaurants:
Papaya Thai, Norwalk: http://www.papayathai.com/home.html
The food: Absolutely delicious and tasted very high-quality. I had the massaman curry (potato, pineapple, peanuts, and onion) because I wasn't in the mood for anything too spicy, and it was perfect. Kevin had a lunch box (Pad Thai, dumplings filled with spicy lime chicken, and salad). The Pad Thai didn't taste as peanut-y as ones I've had before, which was interesting. Both our meals also came with a sour vegetable soup. For dessert we had delicious mango and sticky rice, a classic.
The vibe: The atmosphere was tropical and relaxing. It almost felt like we were on vacation!
The value: The lunch special was a great deal, with all the entrees priced much less than on the dinner menu.
Go for: A date or happy hour after work
Hot Basil Thai Cafe, West Hartford: http://www.hotbasilcafe.com/
The food: Excellent, very fresh, and with quite large portions--I had to take some home. I had the yellow curry, one of my favorites. I also remember the Thai iced tea (spiced black tea) being very good as well.
The vibe: Dark and romantic. Fairly upscale.
The value: On the pricier side.
Go for: A date
East West Grille, West Hartford: http://www.eastwestgrille.com/
The food: Very tasty, and they have Laotian food in addition to Thai. I had either the yellow or green curry, it's a bit too far back to remember. They have a huge menu, so there's something for everyone, including several less "exotic" dishes if you're not familiar with Thai cuisine.
The vibe: The quirkiest Thai restaurant I've ever been in. It's in an old-fashioned diner, slightly incongruous with the food but super fun.
The value: Good, you won't necessarily go broke eating here. Going for lunch is much cheaper.
Go for: A birthday party! ;)
The Blue Elephant Trail, West Hartford: http://www.blueelephanttrail.com/
The food: Gourmet Thai, and everything tasted very fresh. Lots of interesting specials on their menu, including yums, duck, and frog legs!
The vibe: Very fancy and beautifully decorated.
The value: Pricy, but it's West Hartford Center, so that's to be expected.
Go for: A special occasion
Thai Room, West Hartford: thairoomct.com/
The food: Probably the most authentic and least "Americanized" on this list. Try one of their noodles or fried rice dishes.
The vibe: Definitely a "hole in the wall" kind of place. It's also near a neat Asian grocery store and an equally authentic Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Boston.
The value: Good, prices are better since it's not in the center.
Go for: A unique dining experience, if you're already a fan of Thai.
Sawadee Thai Cuisine, South Windsor: http://www.sawadeethaicuisine.com/index.html
The food: This was the first Thai restaurant I went to after returning to the States, and it did not disappoint! The Pad Thai was great, and they had fried ice cream, my favorite dessert (though I prefer the Mexican version).
The vibe: I remember it being nicely decorated, if not as new and cool as Hot Basil or Papaya Thai. We had a large party and they were very accomodating--we got a nice private section of the restaurant to ourselves.
The value: Very reasonably priced.
Go for: A birthday party
What Thai restaurants have you been to?
Interesting in Thai? Check out these restaurants:
Papaya Thai, Norwalk: http://www.papayathai.com/home.html
The food: Absolutely delicious and tasted very high-quality. I had the massaman curry (potato, pineapple, peanuts, and onion) because I wasn't in the mood for anything too spicy, and it was perfect. Kevin had a lunch box (Pad Thai, dumplings filled with spicy lime chicken, and salad). The Pad Thai didn't taste as peanut-y as ones I've had before, which was interesting. Both our meals also came with a sour vegetable soup. For dessert we had delicious mango and sticky rice, a classic.
The vibe: The atmosphere was tropical and relaxing. It almost felt like we were on vacation!
The value: The lunch special was a great deal, with all the entrees priced much less than on the dinner menu.
Go for: A date or happy hour after work
Hot Basil Thai Cafe, West Hartford: http://www.hotbasilcafe.com/
The food: Excellent, very fresh, and with quite large portions--I had to take some home. I had the yellow curry, one of my favorites. I also remember the Thai iced tea (spiced black tea) being very good as well.
The vibe: Dark and romantic. Fairly upscale.
The value: On the pricier side.
Go for: A date
East West Grille, West Hartford: http://www.eastwestgrille.com/
The food: Very tasty, and they have Laotian food in addition to Thai. I had either the yellow or green curry, it's a bit too far back to remember. They have a huge menu, so there's something for everyone, including several less "exotic" dishes if you're not familiar with Thai cuisine.
The vibe: The quirkiest Thai restaurant I've ever been in. It's in an old-fashioned diner, slightly incongruous with the food but super fun.
The value: Good, you won't necessarily go broke eating here. Going for lunch is much cheaper.
Go for: A birthday party! ;)
The Blue Elephant Trail, West Hartford: http://www.blueelephanttrail.com/
The food: Gourmet Thai, and everything tasted very fresh. Lots of interesting specials on their menu, including yums, duck, and frog legs!
The vibe: Very fancy and beautifully decorated.
The value: Pricy, but it's West Hartford Center, so that's to be expected.
Go for: A special occasion
Thai Room, West Hartford: thairoomct.com/
The food: Probably the most authentic and least "Americanized" on this list. Try one of their noodles or fried rice dishes.
The vibe: Definitely a "hole in the wall" kind of place. It's also near a neat Asian grocery store and an equally authentic Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Boston.
The value: Good, prices are better since it's not in the center.
Go for: A unique dining experience, if you're already a fan of Thai.
Sawadee Thai Cuisine, South Windsor: http://www.sawadeethaicuisine.com/index.html
The food: This was the first Thai restaurant I went to after returning to the States, and it did not disappoint! The Pad Thai was great, and they had fried ice cream, my favorite dessert (though I prefer the Mexican version).
The vibe: I remember it being nicely decorated, if not as new and cool as Hot Basil or Papaya Thai. We had a large party and they were very accomodating--we got a nice private section of the restaurant to ourselves.
The value: Very reasonably priced.
Go for: A birthday party
What Thai restaurants have you been to?
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