Galloping Gourmet: Anaheim
Staying in the Disney area of town - but not actually every going to Disneyland, I don't think I really hit all the culinary highlights of Anaheim, let alone Orange County!
In addition to the usual Starbucks, mostly in hotels, I also had a tasty lunch at the Hilton (a very good burger) and also a nice breakfast at the Clarion Hotel (once the buffet, one ordered).
I also stopped in at a Carl's Jr, but it wasn't the same as I
recall from my youth. Since the Carl's Jr. didn't really have breakfast, I had to go down the street to the Denny's (for the "All American Breakfast).
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Trimurti ... Three faces of Indian Food!
Trimurti Indian Cuisine
Trimurti is the visage of Shiva with three faces, one terrible and wrathful, one beautiful and peaceful, and one calm and aloof. In Toronto, Trimurti is one of a trio (or are there more?) of Indian restaurants on Queen Street. On a recent trip to Toronto,we were only hit two of them (see Little India). Comparisons later, descriptions first!
At Trimurti, we started off with the pakoras which were well done, not too heavy, and quite tasty. We had to ad the Mango Chutney (described as being "Mango in Erotic Spices" - not sure exactly what the erotic spices were, but it was a nice mango chutney just the same.
For entrees, we had Saag Paneer (spinach and cheese), Bhindi Masala (okra curry), and Sada Pilau (a delightful basmati rice). Added to this were a nice Tandoori Roti and raita.
All the dishes were excellent. Careful to ask for a mild this time (after the spicy Little India!), the dishes were just right.
Decor and ambiance were nice; there was a good crowd, but not an overwhelming crowd. Service was excellent with an engaging and informed staff.
So, how do the two Queen Street Indian restos compare? Both were excellent and I'd return to either. The food at Little India was a little too spicy (when one wasn't expecting it), but overall, you can't miss on either.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 1 December 2008
Address: 265 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4, Canada
Website: http://trimurti.ca
Trimurti is the visage of Shiva with three faces, one terrible and wrathful, one beautiful and peaceful, and one calm and aloof. In Toronto, Trimurti is one of a trio (or are there more?) of Indian restaurants on Queen Street. On a recent trip to Toronto,we were only hit two of them (see Little India). Comparisons later, descriptions first!
At Trimurti, we started off with the pakoras which were well done, not too heavy, and quite tasty. We had to ad the Mango Chutney (described as being "Mango in Erotic Spices" - not sure exactly what the erotic spices were, but it was a nice mango chutney just the same.
For entrees, we had Saag Paneer (spinach and cheese), Bhindi Masala (okra curry), and Sada Pilau (a delightful basmati rice). Added to this were a nice Tandoori Roti and raita.
All the dishes were excellent. Careful to ask for a mild this time (after the spicy Little India!), the dishes were just right.
Decor and ambiance were nice; there was a good crowd, but not an overwhelming crowd. Service was excellent with an engaging and informed staff.
So, how do the two Queen Street Indian restos compare? Both were excellent and I'd return to either. The food at Little India was a little too spicy (when one wasn't expecting it), but overall, you can't miss on either.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 1 December 2008
Address: 265 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4, Canada
Website: http://trimurti.ca
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Korean Grill House: DIY Grillin'
Korean Grill House
After leaving Little India, we saw The Korean Grill House right across the street. Good news, Mmm'mmm. Bad news, won't get to think about where to go to dinner the next night!
Those of you looking at the calender will note that the day we visited was the U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting to grill my own turkey or have pumpkin pie for dessert. It was just another day in Canada, but still the Korean Grill house was pretty packed (for a Thursday, a weeknight remember!). Luckily we didn't have to wait long for a seat and soon found ourselves at a table with a hot grill in front of us.
For appetizers, we had an order of fried spring rolls that were fine.
We also had an order of Chicken Bibm Bahb (a sort of Korean Pho or soup with a variety of ingredients) and, because the Korean Grill House is a "cook-it-yourself" place, the BBQ Meat Combo (chicken, beef, and pork). Along with the meat combo came a vegetable sampler (Kimchee, Bean Curd, Bean Sprout, Spicy Bean Sprout, Pickled Radish) that was really great (and they kept the kimchee coming as the dish got empty!).
It was a bit of work to keep the meat on the grill, make sure it was done, and eat all at the same time, but the end results were worth the effort. A very tasty meal at a very reasonable price.
(Note: The Korean Grill House has four other locations in the Toronto area).
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 27 November 2008
Address: 214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2, Canada
Website: http://www.koreangrillhouse.com/
After leaving Little India, we saw The Korean Grill House right across the street. Good news, Mmm'mmm. Bad news, won't get to think about where to go to dinner the next night!
Those of you looking at the calender will note that the day we visited was the U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting to grill my own turkey or have pumpkin pie for dessert. It was just another day in Canada, but still the Korean Grill house was pretty packed (for a Thursday, a weeknight remember!). Luckily we didn't have to wait long for a seat and soon found ourselves at a table with a hot grill in front of us.
For appetizers, we had an order of fried spring rolls that were fine.
We also had an order of Chicken Bibm Bahb (a sort of Korean Pho or soup with a variety of ingredients) and, because the Korean Grill House is a "cook-it-yourself" place, the BBQ Meat Combo (chicken, beef, and pork). Along with the meat combo came a vegetable sampler (Kimchee, Bean Curd, Bean Sprout, Spicy Bean Sprout, Pickled Radish) that was really great (and they kept the kimchee coming as the dish got empty!).
It was a bit of work to keep the meat on the grill, make sure it was done, and eat all at the same time, but the end results were worth the effort. A very tasty meal at a very reasonable price.
(Note: The Korean Grill House has four other locations in the Toronto area).
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 27 November 2008
Address: 214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2, Canada
Website: http://www.koreangrillhouse.com/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Little India: Big Portions!
Little India
Before heading to Toronto, I wanted to see if there were any Indian restaurants near my hotel (Sheraton City Centre). Indeed, just a few blocks away was a whole street full of well-rated places. What to choose!
So, on our first night, we selected Little India. Good choice! Located on Queen Street, the comfortable restaurant was warm and snug on a slightly chilly night.
The menu was quite interesting and had a few things that I've not seen before. But even before ordering, we received a basket of pappadum and a tasty parsnip chutney which I've never seen before. Cut into little cubes, at first I thought it was carrots til the waiter informed us otherwise.
For appetizers, we chose the Onion Bhajia and, again, because it's not usually found on the menus of Mutton Rolls. The Onion Bhajia was very good and the Mutton Rolls were good (but not great), basically they were little meat pies, a bit heavy on the dough.
For main courses, we went with the Palak Paneer and a Vegetarian Thali with rice and roti all around. It was a good Palak Paneer and the Vegetarian Thali had a very nice selection of various vegetarian dishes.
Overall, the portions were very large (we had way too much food) and a little on the spicy side (even though we asked for mild) - I'd never had a Palak Paneer that was that hot!
Dinner ended with a complimentary serving of Gulab Jamun. Never one of my favorites (just tooooooo sweet and sticky), so I can't really judge how good it was.
Relatively inexpensive, and even more so with the US/Canadian dollar exchange. Highly recommended.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 26 November 2008
Address: 255 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4, Canada
Website: http://www.littleindia.ca/
Before heading to Toronto, I wanted to see if there were any Indian restaurants near my hotel (Sheraton City Centre). Indeed, just a few blocks away was a whole street full of well-rated places. What to choose!
So, on our first night, we selected Little India. Good choice! Located on Queen Street, the comfortable restaurant was warm and snug on a slightly chilly night.
The menu was quite interesting and had a few things that I've not seen before. But even before ordering, we received a basket of pappadum and a tasty parsnip chutney which I've never seen before. Cut into little cubes, at first I thought it was carrots til the waiter informed us otherwise.
For appetizers, we chose the Onion Bhajia and, again, because it's not usually found on the menus of Mutton Rolls. The Onion Bhajia was very good and the Mutton Rolls were good (but not great), basically they were little meat pies, a bit heavy on the dough.
For main courses, we went with the Palak Paneer and a Vegetarian Thali with rice and roti all around. It was a good Palak Paneer and the Vegetarian Thali had a very nice selection of various vegetarian dishes.
Overall, the portions were very large (we had way too much food) and a little on the spicy side (even though we asked for mild) - I'd never had a Palak Paneer that was that hot!
Dinner ended with a complimentary serving of Gulab Jamun. Never one of my favorites (just tooooooo sweet and sticky), so I can't really judge how good it was.
Relatively inexpensive, and even more so with the US/Canadian dollar exchange. Highly recommended.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 26 November 2008
Address: 255 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4, Canada
Website: http://www.littleindia.ca/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Delhi Delicious: Delhi Dhaba
Delhi Dhaba
Arlington, Virginia, between Courthouse and Virginia Square (sorry for the local Metro references) has three Indian restaurants. I'm going to focus on my favorite of the three: Delhi Dhaba (the other two are The Delhi Club and Tandoori Nights - both are quite good, but in much different ways! Stay tuned for reviews of them in upcoming posts).
A Dhaba, in India and Pakistan, is a the South Asian equivilant of a truck stop or roadside diner. Located on Wilson Blvd., Delhi Dhaba isn't quite a truck stop - not nearly enough parking - but does have a friendly charm about it.
First off, there's no wait service. You order directly from in front of the steam table and take the food to the dining area (in warmer weather, there's an outdoor area). The dining area features Bollywood movies on two screens at no extra cost!
On weekends, the steam table becomes a buffet where you can get all you can eat for a very reasonable price.
I've eaten at the Dhaba for lunch, dinner, buffet lunch, carry out and delivery. Selecting from a wide variety of meat (chicken, lamb, goat) and vegetarian dishes, I've never been disappointed.
One of the best, and most authentic Indian experiences in the Washington area.
(Note: there are also two other locations in Bethesda, MD and Washington, DC).
Meal: Lunch Buffet / Dinner / Carry out
Rating: **** of 5
Date: Regular
Address: 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Website: http://www.delhidhaba.com/
Arlington, Virginia, between Courthouse and Virginia Square (sorry for the local Metro references) has three Indian restaurants. I'm going to focus on my favorite of the three: Delhi Dhaba (the other two are The Delhi Club and Tandoori Nights - both are quite good, but in much different ways! Stay tuned for reviews of them in upcoming posts).
A Dhaba, in India and Pakistan, is a the South Asian equivilant of a truck stop or roadside diner. Located on Wilson Blvd., Delhi Dhaba isn't quite a truck stop - not nearly enough parking - but does have a friendly charm about it.
First off, there's no wait service. You order directly from in front of the steam table and take the food to the dining area (in warmer weather, there's an outdoor area). The dining area features Bollywood movies on two screens at no extra cost!
On weekends, the steam table becomes a buffet where you can get all you can eat for a very reasonable price.
I've eaten at the Dhaba for lunch, dinner, buffet lunch, carry out and delivery. Selecting from a wide variety of meat (chicken, lamb, goat) and vegetarian dishes, I've never been disappointed.
One of the best, and most authentic Indian experiences in the Washington area.
(Note: there are also two other locations in Bethesda, MD and Washington, DC).
Meal: Lunch Buffet / Dinner / Carry out
Rating: **** of 5
Date: Regular
Address: 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Website: http://www.delhidhaba.com/
Monday, November 24, 2008
Shangri-la beneath the November moon: Kashmir
Kashmir
The eternally trendy Newbury Street in Boston has a number of fine restaurants, one of my all time favorites, however, is Kashmir. A well appointed Indian restaurant located down a flight of steps at the low numbered end of the street.
On a previous trip to Boston, I was shanghaied by co-workers who didn't want to make the trip across the Charles and instead led us to Mexican place in Cambridge that has since achieved notoriety among us for the persistence of olfactory memory it provides diners.
Though I was unable to satisfy my desire for Kashmir on that trip, I was able to later find fulfillment for my lamb rogan josh craving elsewhere in Cambridge.
(Was that too much information?) ... sorry, anyway, so when I needed to meet a colleague at her office in Boston Public Library, the lure of Kashmir just a few blocks away was impossible to resist.
Though mid-week, there was still a nice crowd - enough to not feel alone, but not too many to feel crowded. Greeted at our table with a tiny, complimentary, samosa, the night was off to a great start!
For appetizers, we had the Kashmiri Vegetarian sampler that included a nice selection of pakora, samosa and the like. As per my preference, the meal was accompanied by bread (an especially tasty and well done naan in this case), rice, and raita. I always find it a special touch when served a nice pickle tray, and Kashmir provided a nice selection of chutneys for the meal.
Feeling in a fowl mood, my companion and I selected two chicken dishes, Chicken Murgh Masala and Chicken Tikka Saag. Both were well done and served over tiny flames to retain heat. The Tikka Saag was quite good, but the Murg Masala was the winner of the two.
The excellent and attentive service was capped off with warm towels.
Highly recommended!
(for those of you confused by the title of this post, see: Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir")
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 19 November 2008
Address: 279 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.oneworldcuisine.com
The eternally trendy Newbury Street in Boston has a number of fine restaurants, one of my all time favorites, however, is Kashmir. A well appointed Indian restaurant located down a flight of steps at the low numbered end of the street.
On a previous trip to Boston, I was shanghaied by co-workers who didn't want to make the trip across the Charles and instead led us to Mexican place in Cambridge that has since achieved notoriety among us for the persistence of olfactory memory it provides diners.
Though I was unable to satisfy my desire for Kashmir on that trip, I was able to later find fulfillment for my lamb rogan josh craving elsewhere in Cambridge.
(Was that too much information?) ... sorry, anyway, so when I needed to meet a colleague at her office in Boston Public Library, the lure of Kashmir just a few blocks away was impossible to resist.
Though mid-week, there was still a nice crowd - enough to not feel alone, but not too many to feel crowded. Greeted at our table with a tiny, complimentary, samosa, the night was off to a great start!
For appetizers, we had the Kashmiri Vegetarian sampler that included a nice selection of pakora, samosa and the like. As per my preference, the meal was accompanied by bread (an especially tasty and well done naan in this case), rice, and raita. I always find it a special touch when served a nice pickle tray, and Kashmir provided a nice selection of chutneys for the meal.
Feeling in a fowl mood, my companion and I selected two chicken dishes, Chicken Murgh Masala and Chicken Tikka Saag. Both were well done and served over tiny flames to retain heat. The Tikka Saag was quite good, but the Murg Masala was the winner of the two.
The excellent and attentive service was capped off with warm towels.
Highly recommended!
(for those of you confused by the title of this post, see: Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir")
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 19 November 2008
Address: 279 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.oneworldcuisine.com
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Mmmm'mm Momo!
Taste of the Himalayas
I mentioned momo in my last post, so I have to mention Taste of the Himalayas! I was back on the West Coast for a meeting in San Francisco and staying in the Marina District. One of my goals for the trip was a revisiting Taste of the Himalayas.
Located on the busy and noisy Lombard Street, TotH is an island of peace and calm. On my previous visit, my companion and I ordered the prix fixe meal that was literally and endless feast of delights. As an added bonus, the restaurant was nearly empty and we received particularly attentive service from the staff. On this visit, that option wasn't offered, so the three of us selected from the regular menu. Our service, was great (but - note to self - I think I'm a bit too old to be sitting on pillows on the floor, take a seat next time!)
Of course momo was mandatory and we went with the vegetarian option. We also received the dal that came with the entrees. For entrees, we went with a selection of lamb, chicken, and vegetarian: Bheda ko Tarkari (lamb cooked in onion and tomatoes), Saag paneer (spinach and cheese) and a chicken curry. Sides of bread, raita finished off the meal.
If you're in the Marina District, you'll probably be tempted to stick with the chi-chi spots located alone Chestnut Street, but do climb that extra block to reach the culinary heights of Taste of the Himalayas!
More photos
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 26 October 2008 (17 January 2008)
Address: 2420 Lombard St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Website: http://www.tasteofnepalsf.com/Welcome.html
I mentioned momo in my last post, so I have to mention Taste of the Himalayas! I was back on the West Coast for a meeting in San Francisco and staying in the Marina District. One of my goals for the trip was a revisiting Taste of the Himalayas.
Located on the busy and noisy Lombard Street, TotH is an island of peace and calm. On my previous visit, my companion and I ordered the prix fixe meal that was literally and endless feast of delights. As an added bonus, the restaurant was nearly empty and we received particularly attentive service from the staff. On this visit, that option wasn't offered, so the three of us selected from the regular menu. Our service, was great (but - note to self - I think I'm a bit too old to be sitting on pillows on the floor, take a seat next time!)
Of course momo was mandatory and we went with the vegetarian option. We also received the dal that came with the entrees. For entrees, we went with a selection of lamb, chicken, and vegetarian: Bheda ko Tarkari (lamb cooked in onion and tomatoes), Saag paneer (spinach and cheese) and a chicken curry. Sides of bread, raita finished off the meal.
If you're in the Marina District, you'll probably be tempted to stick with the chi-chi spots located alone Chestnut Street, but do climb that extra block to reach the culinary heights of Taste of the Himalayas!
More photos
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 26 October 2008 (17 January 2008)
Address: 2420 Lombard St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Website: http://www.tasteofnepalsf.com/Welcome.html
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