I have been craving Indian food since BEFORE the COVID mess started, so I intentionally planned to get some this week. I also wanted to try a "new place" (which has been around a longtime!), rather than my "go-to" Indian restaurant, and I am glad...I did! I called in this order, for just myself, and was met with a warm and friendly voice on the phone. She was extremely friendly, like I had know her forever, and yet was not rushing me or robotic - a true customer service expert, but so natural. A nice start! I arrived about 20 minutes later (the quoted time for the order) and was able to get a good look at the place, outside and in. Usually I am driving down 4th Street watching traffic and such, not really checking out the businesses, so this was a good in-depth look for the first time. I first noticed that what would normally be a small storefront presence is now flowing out into an outdoor dining area. The area is quite large and nicely constructed. Very inviting. I then went inside and found a beautiful décor reflecting the expected Indian experience through colors, artwork and even chairs. I was welcomed by the same nice lady (Nala) who took my order. She noticed me looking around and taking some apparently no so discreet photos and even turned on the lights in the buffet area (not being used presently) so I could get a better shot! We easily chatted and I was given a tour of the place - literally - and was quite impressed. The place is rather large, even having a public entrance directly from the covered public parking area at Lootens and 3rd Street. They also have a small private dining area seating at least 16, and a large buffet area with lots of warming pans so I can only imagine what the buffet had looked like prior to COVID. And in case you were wondering, the ladies' restroom is MUCH nicer than the men's - don't ask how I know! LOL Overall, a wonderful and relaxing place to dine, inside or outside. I did find out that the city is letting restaurants keep their parklets/outdoor patios through the end of 2022, and perhaps will extend further. It is a great way to increase the pedestrian nature of 4th Street, and with "Dining Under the Lights" was born of COVID, I think it is viable to continue it indefinitely. So, getting back to the food - I had ordered a Pesto Paneer Pakora, a Shahi Paneer, and 2 orders of basmati rice. The order came out, and Nala kindly offered a complimentary soda. If you look at the outside board, you'll see a "free beer" with meal - nice hospitality! The food was to-go, so when I got home I plated it and enjoyed it very much. The shahi paneer sauce was similar but not identical to other places, so it was nice to have a little variety in it. The rice was extremely fragrant (think rose water), and I had enough paneer and rice for 2 full meals. I'm glad I got 2 rice! The pakora were not as good, but flavorful. The 2 sauces were spicy but flavorful as well. The texture was perhaps - not sure if dry is the best word - but chewy. I would try another appetizer next time. However, everything else about this place demands a revisit. If I could give a 4.5 rating I would. The ambience, the food, the wonderful and authentically warm service, and now outdoor dining are all win-wins! Treat yourself to a win as well.More
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