On Sunday, Sterfanie and I had some really good Indian food at...Bombay Bistro in Rockville. It was good. They had a buffet set up so we went with that and go to try all sorts of goodness. I had some chicken, rice, lamb, chickpeas, bread...all very good. There were some other things, but I wasn't too sure what they were so I stayed away. The food was really good.
Last night, we went to dinner with Jason's cousin and her boyfriend. At a recommendation of someone, we went to Udupi Palace in Langley Park/Takoma Park. (Intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard.)
Go Go Go!
Their tag is: Pure Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine
I would say: Pure Amazing
When I saw that this place was all veggie, I was a little worried because I had a preconceived notion of what that was going to be. I was wrong. The menu was HUGE and they had something for everyone.
We placed our order and a short time later, the wait staff came over with a smaller half sized table and lined it up with ours...we were conversing, so we just looked at them, like what they heck. The response...you have lots of food, you'll need more room...oh lord what did we get into.
I ordered Alu Bonda for an appetizer (potato dumplin mixed with spices). OMG! Why did I share them. My entree was Chana Masala (chickpeas cooked in erotic...exotic spices) and I ordered the paratha (multi layered whole wheat bread). All so amazing!!! The dumpling was perfect. A slight crust on the outside and tender potatoes cooked in curry and other fragrant spices. The chickpeas were simple and amazing. I used to hate them...chickpeas...for no reason really than I don't like hummus...still not so much...but this was awesome. Great spice! The bread was pretty tasty as well, but the naan, although different, at Aatish On The Hill is abetter bread.
Other dishes ordered were Bhendi Masala (tender okra with herbs and spices, cooked in a traditional Indian style), Butter Masala Dosai (crepe filled with potatoes, onion and cooked in butter). THIS thing was amazing. The crepe was about the size of Rhode Island and rolled to look similiar to a cornucopia, with a pile of potatoes in the middle. Hilarity ensued as we sat in awe of the behemoth sitting on the table. There was also Onion and Peas Uthappam (Indian style pancake made from ground rice and lentils, this one served with onions and peas). and a puffy fried bread; Batura.
I was sooo stuffed, but had to try one sweet; Rice Kheer (rice cooked in condensed milk, garnished with pistachios.) Sterfanie had this at Bombay Bistro on Sunday and loved it and this looked really tasty, and it was...but it wasn't a winner with us. We loved the taste of it, but there was something about the texture that didn't agree with us.
When all was said and done, four of us had a bill of about $65, not bad for an unbelieveable amount of great food. The one downside of the restaurant...well two things...1) the service was fast, but not really helpful, we didn't really know what we ordered so when they brought the food, there were moments of confusion on our part and the waitstaff...who gets what. And 2) the location. Middle of know where, Bad traffic, a million people...chaos. I had to make a turn as I missed the drive for the restaurant (in a strip mall, FYI) and I said...I feel like we're in Tijuana, the traffic, the masses of people, the seeming chaos. I wonder how many accidents happen there.
But regardless of all that...this was an amazing dinner. Again, I highly recommend it, it's even worth a special trip!!!
Udupi Palace-South Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
1329 University Blvd. (Hwy 193)
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301.434.1531
This location neighborhood area is also known as Langley Park.
They also have two locations in Illinois:
2543 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
777.338.2152
730 Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
847.884.9510
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5 comments:
In terms of both restaurants, Sterfanie shared a bit of wisdom someone had told her...you know it's a good Indian restaurant when there are Indians eating there. Both restaurants had many Indians enjoying dinner. So I consider it authentic!
Scott you have got to try two more. India Grill, also in Rockville on the Pike past Wintergreen Plaza, behind the IHOP. Great food and they make their paneer from scratch. Also Woodland's, another vegetarian restaurant one block from Udupi in Langley Park. Both have buffets. One nice thing about the India Grill. They always ask you how you want your food prepared: mild, medium or hot.
It was all very good and VERY filling.
I sent ScottE a picture I took on my camera phone of the ginormous dish - hopefully he can find a way to upload it here.
Have you tried Tandoori Nights in Clarendon? Soooo good. I'm addicted. If you go, be sure to order their special homemade appetizer the raj kachori.
I've been back in an Indian food mood lately. About 2 weeks ago, when Evan was visiting, we went back to Taj Mahal in Dupont. I hadn't been there in about 2 years, but it was still darn good. Bombay Bistro is a long-time fave but since you have to be in a car to get there I also hadn't been there in about 2 years. I want to try the new place that's near Woolly Mammoth (why does that look spelled wrong? is it?) on D St in Penn Quarter. I think it's pricey - but anyone want to join me?
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