Saturday, November 12, 2005

Taste of Nepal

I've been sticking close to home for blog ideas. Can't really explain it because normally I like to cruise about and see what's going on out there in food land. My daughter recommended a local restaurant that specializes in Nepalese and Indian cuisine. I hate to admit that this type of food is outside of my normal culinary comfort zone. I've never really had an opportunity to explore it. Today was my chance to stay close to home but challenge new food horizons.

I was underwelmed by the bland decor as we entered the restaurant. The good news for me was that most of the clientele appeared to be of Nepalese decent. This signals the food will be the genuine article. On arrival we were served a basket of what I later found out was Papad, a lentil cracker. They came with a taste tease of two dipping sauces. A cilantro/mint sauce and a tamarind sauce which were in a word ethereal. Light and tasty a great way to start a meal. After much agony with the menu we selected these dishes.

Daal Bhat Achar - steamed basmati rice with lentil soup and house chutney.
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Chicken Aloo - diced chicken cooked with potatoes in a spicy gravy
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Chicken Tandoori - chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, broiled in the clay oven served with onions and carrots- comes with naan
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All the dishes were excellent. With a double gold for the tandoori chicken.Yes that is steam rising from the sizzle plate! The portions were large enough to supply us with dinner fixings as well. Who can pass up dessert.?
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Mango Ice Cream -like a mango creamsicle
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Kheer- rice pudding with various spices.
Never found out what the various spices were. The only thing I found except rice pudding was almonds mixed inside.
Sometimes exploring new horizons pays off.
Taste of Nepal Restaurant
2033 Novato Blvd.
Novato, Ca. 94947
415- 898-8523

7 comments:

cookiecrumb said...

That's pretty cool. You're not saying where? Eep!

Beatrice Everett said...

the Mango Ice cream looks, and probably tastes,AWSOME!

Greg said...

Sorry about that cookiecrumb.The corection has been made. Mea culpa.

cookiecrumb said...

Novato is really happening these days!

Anonymous said...

A Taste of Nepal has folded. Not enough Nepalese in the area perhaps.

sagarmatha said...

I am sorry to see that the taste of Nepal folded. If you happen to travel in Adelaide, Australia please try Sagarmatha Nepali restaurant www.sagarmatha.com.au the first authentic Nepalese restaurant in Adelaide, South Australia. It serves authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as some popular south asian regional cuisine. Please visit sagarmatha and experience the unique Nepalese hospitality. For further information please visit their website http://www.sagarmatha.com.au

Doc said...

Greg,

I'd like to re-print your photo of Kheer-rice pudding in a children's quarterly newsletter we're writing. The current issue is Nepal, and I'd like to use your great photo to illustrate the recipe for rice pudding in our culture section. I'll gladly include whatever credit line you prefer. Thanks. Doc wflcomm@yahoo.com