North India Bar & Grill

What's it like?

So, last night was New Year's Eve.

After turning down tickets to see Neil Diamond at the SaveMart Center, I had resolved to spend the night inside with the wife—we’re not really big on being out when it’s foggy and people are drinking (heavily).

I worked for most of the afternoon, and when I finally decided to call it quits, I didn’t feel like cooking. Kim and I shared a craving for North India, so I called to find out if they had room for us; I’m glad I did, as I was informed that dinner was being served buffet style, with no menus.

We arrived shortly after 6:00 p.m. The dining room was still fairly empty, but it started to fill before we left. We ordered drinks, grabbed a plate and made our way through the all-you-can-eat selections tabled in the middle of the restaurant. I don’t remember it all, and I didn’t try everything, but here’s an overview, of sorts:

• Three kinds of salad—one with calamari and sprouts, one with pickled vegetables and one with chicken and curry
• Tandori chicken
• Basil chicken
• Tandori beef (personal favorite)
• Chicken tikka misala (personal favorite)
• Green beans with potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese (didn’t try it)
• Meatballs in California gravy (didn’t try it)

There were a few other entrees (including one with lentils that I couldn’t pronounce), along with three kinds of desserts and an assortment of naan. We could actually watch the chef make the naan just before he set it out…

The service was even better than before, complete with a visit from the manager. And the buffet was a great way to try a few new things; evidently, this is something that’s done throughout the year, and an experience we highly recommend.

Actually, I just recommend North India (period). Indian cuisine is becoming my new obsession, and this is quickly growing to be my favorite place to eat. So much so that I’m claiming it as my favorite find of 2008 (for what that’s worth).