So, I decide to (finally) stop into Bombay Grill for lunch buffet yesterday and I was not disappointed. I'd like to share with the forum some of what I learned or relearned about Indian culture and cuisine. Of course, I'd also like to start a conversation about the subject to teach any other Indian rookies, like myself! So here's some of my observations:
The Indian to Westerner ratio was off the charts. Only 3 Westerners in the store and they were packed. Always an auspicious sign of authenticity!
My host/ server seemed to be less than thrilled to see me. Not sure why, but it might have had something to do with the 'enthusiastic white boy' thing. He was probably saying to himself 'poser!' No harm done. Service was just fine.
Indians truly are masters of spice. I saw a few techniques that are little used in other culinary forms. The spiced chai tea was tamed with milk which also added a nice texture. I was a bit curious as to why one would want to wash down spicy foods with hot tea, but the milk is the trick here. Whole spice aromatics and chilies were added to many of the dishes. Designed, I assume to be taken out as one eats the dish. What at first, seemed to be cinnamon, I believe was actually cassia bark.
There seems to be a dichotomy of spicy (not necessarily hot) dishes balanced by the cooler, more subtle flavors of the flatbreads. Very nice.
I got a new recipe/ technique for using canned spinach. Their spinach dish had white potatoes in it. Textures and flavors were fantastic. I could eat that one all day. In fact, expect me to add my own little take on it and prepare it regularly. Canned spinach and the canned white potatoes (insert flavor here... it's all good!) Very economical, with a lot of bang for a little buck.
Red Curry Goat! Need I say more?
Maybe someone can help me here... There is a body language habit Indian people do where they kinda shake their head from left or right. Smiling and looking squirrely. Does this generally mean 'it is what it is?' or 'c'est l'avie?' I found myself smiling on the inside, kinda like listening to someone laugh.
Everyone was very friendly. One lady helped me out with the little steel bowls. Kind of an all purpose ramekin/ soup cup/ pudding holder. It would also seem that some of the dishes were made to go with specific breads.
Um, lentil flour, Stephen, get to know it!
A double starch dish showed up. What seemed to be a lentil- flour crepe wrapped around a potato filling. Double starch dishes are rare in western cooking (except the Italian love of potatoes in pasta.) I like it. Whoever said you couldn't do double starch?
Finally, they had Indian music videos on the TV. I found them fascinating as an old B-boy. Big, bold colors and a lot of primary ones at that. And the choreography? Are they pop-locking? Yes they are! LMOAROFL But kinda in a 'Vogue' style. And with a lot of people, giving the illusion of a flowing sea of color and body parts. Pretty cool. There seemed to also be a bit of the old-school characters. Like the crazy old man type. Eyes wide open, he was doing the head movement thing in a video that kinda reminded me of beach blanket bingo. Freaking out all the youngsters on the beach. 'What a square!' lol
Either way, expect me to return often not only for the excellent food and people, but also to learn more about a culture that I have been depriving myself of too long. Anybody care to join me?
Name the time and place and I will be there!