Tampilkan postingan dengan label bay area restaurants. Tampilkan semua postingan
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Sabtu, 12 Juli 2008

Roti Indian Bistro - San Francisco, California

roti-bistro-san franciscoLocated in the West Portal district of San Francisco, Roti Indian Bistro is a small yet wonderful restaurant serving eclectic Indian food. A place that's really hard to get reservations for, we were finally able to make it to this restaurant last week for dinner, and everyone at the table was happy with what we got. But as a chef and a food-critic who loves trying out new restaurants, I personally felt that it was a good experience, but I don't think it was one of my best experiences, especially with all the hype I'd heard about it. Neverthless, Roti Bistro is a better than average Indian restaurant in San Francisco, and surely deserves a few words of credit.

Located in the busy portal district, Roti Indian Bistro is a small place, compared to other grand indian restaurants I've seen elsewhere. But the cute place is nicely decorated to make the dining room a warm and inviting space with dramatic colors on the walls, soft light, and photos and paintings that portray the rich cultural essence of India. The kitchen at the end of the dining room can be seen from any seat, and you can watch the cooks in action. The owners, Rustom and his wife, are Burmese, but they are well-versed with Indian food, its tastes and methods of preparation. All of the wait staff is extremely well-trained, courteous and efficient. But they are not too helpful if you are new to Indian food and need real suggestions! Our waitress just recited the house specials as recommendations, and I knew she wasn't as conversant with indian food as expected.

Roti's is the first menu where we could NOT find "Malai Kofta" or "Paneer Butter Masala". Can you believe that? We went for the next best- Paneer Makhani, Bhindi Masala, which was tasty, hence compensated for us not finding our favorites on the menu. The appetizers are strictly ok, nothing glamorous here. The Tandoori section offers a better variety, but there's not a single vegetarian entry, not even Paneer Tikka! That was a huge negative for me!

They have a range of veg and non-veg curries, with loads of options for lamb, chicken and seafood lovers. The breads are also average; we simply ordered the Assorted Bread Basket which comes with Roti, Garlic & Basil naan, and Onion Kulcha - again, just ordinary. The Mango Lassi was $5.00, and I was shocked at the exorbitant price! The Drinks menu had quite a few indian classics, like Kingfisher beer and other premium wines. The Kulfi was really nice for the dessert, and I'd recommend it for sure.

Roti Bistro is a high-end restaurant, and you can expect a tab of at least $20-$25 per person. But be prepared for this - SFO now has a policy of mandatory health-care, and apparently, most of the restaurants add this to you bill, and at Roti Bistro, it was 4.5% of our bill; and that's besides a 15% gratuity!! I think that's outrageous, and would seriously make me think twice about visiting again!

To sum up, on the positive side, the food is good, and the ambience is pleasant. But there are several negatives to consider - very small space makes it difficult to get reservations, the open kitchen combined with the small space makes it a bit stuffy, especially if you are right next to the kitchen, and I think the food is definitely not worth the price. So I'd rate this restaurant a 3.5/5, maybe because I'd prefer Shiva's, Darbar or Amber India restaurant any day over this place. But for someone who's in the area and is looking for Indian food in San Francisco and doesn't mind blowing off some money, you can try to give Roti Bistro a chance and see for yourself!

Address:
53 W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)- 665-7684
Roti Indian Bistro

Roti Indian Bistro on Urbanspoon

Minggu, 29 Juni 2008

Fiesta Del Mar Mexican Restaurant - Mountainview (bay-area)

fiesta-del-mar mexican restaurantIf you are craving authentic Mexican food, try the Fiesta Del Mar restaurant in Mountainview downtown, and I'm sure you'd thank me for it! With 2 locations, one on Shoreline and another on Villa, you are all set to get some margaritas and some delicious and spicy mexican food, which has been modified a bit to suit the American palate. Literally meaning "celebration of the sea", this promises to be a treat for those who love mexican sea-food. But they also have several other equally delectable options to choose from, including vegetarian. With an ambiance that totally transports you to the shores of Mexico, and food that keeps you wanting to come back for more, the Fiesta Del Mar is an ideal weekend restaurant for dinner!

We went to the downtown location, which, by the way, is called Fiesta Del Mar Too, thought I have no idea why that is so! The bright and colorful decor welcomes you to a world that is so typically Mexican. There's a small bistro area up-front, including a bar area, as soon as you enter the restaurant. Be prepared to wait for some time as this place is pretty famous and almost always crowded, especially as they do not take prior reservations. After giving your name at the counter, you'd probably have to wait outside the door as there's no waiting area, per se, unless you want to stand behind the bar! But you can surely kill some time enjoying the colorful decor and Mexican artifacts; the walls painted in blue, green and red are not as garish as they sound, and almost every wall has a huge shark or whale sculpture hanging on them. The furniture matches the ambiance and is painted in colorful patterns too, but has an appealing charm to it. There's another passage where there's more seating, more suited for families or intimate couples. The whole place has a happy feeling to it, if you know what I mean!

Once seated, a cordial waiter will help you with the house specials and the menu, and leave on your table a basket of fresh tortilla chips served with 3 different kinds of salsa, all of which are pretty spicy; the green tomatillo salsa with chunks of white onion, a blended red salsa with a smoky chili taste and finally the traditional red chunky salsa. Everything on the menu is good, seriously, and most meals come with beans and rice or side-salad! We went for the Drunken Fajitas, the Veg Burrito, and the Verano Enchiladas topped with green sauce, which I have to say, was something I've never tasted at a mexican restaurant before. The helpings are generous, and the specialities include Shrimp and Salmon. Entrees can be ordered as combos, which work great if you are the sharing-type. The food is tasty, and the flavors are like a fusion, with a touch of italian or american spices, keeping the American clientele in mind. But it is delicious, and that is all that matters!

You CANNOT go to Fiesta Del Mar and not order a "margarita", unless you'd prefer their "tequilla"; we had the Blue Dessert and the El Boxeador, but I also had the Virgin Pina Colada, which I think was the best I've tasted in some time now! With 100% Blue Agave tequilas, and home-made sweet-n-sour key-lime juice, the drinks are the highlights on the menu.

"Fun, colorful and spicy" is how some people would probably describe Fiesta Del Mar, and they would be totally true in saying that! We did not expect this place to be so good, but I'm so glad we found a great mexican restaurant that's different and definitely delicious. As any other restaurant in that area, this place is priced a little above average, but with bigger portions, I don't think it can be called over-priced. As long as you are prepared for waiting (at least 20-30 mins), do not mind noise, banter and high-spirited atmosphere, you are sure to enjoy Fiesta Del Mar restaurant for their amazing mexican food, great service, and a fitting decor!

Address:
1005 N Shoreline Blvd
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650)965-9354

735 Villa St
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650)967-3525
Fiesta Del Mar

Fiesta Del Mar Too on Urbanspoon

Minggu, 01 Juni 2008

Ginger Cafe Sunnyvale - Chinese Fusion Food

ginger cafeWe love asian food, especially Malaysian, Thai and Fusion-Asian cuisine, and I'd been having the craving to try vegetarian Dim-Sum since quite some time now. Looking around for recommended options, I couldn't have found a better place than Ginger Cafe in Sunnyvale! I had heard good reviews about this cafe's branch in Gilroy and it sure looked nice in the pictures, so when my colleagues offered to treat me to a birthday lunch, I chose to give this place a shot. And I have to tell you, it was truly worth its while! Ginger Cafe is hidden in a tiny but extremely busy complex across the street from PF Chang's in Sunnyvale. With an inviting ambience, great prices and better than average food, its a great choice for lunch options or to grab a quick bite, followed by a smoothie at Smoothie King next door!

Ginger Cafe offers eclectic chinese fusion cuisine, with a modern twist on classic asian entrees. With a modern upscale decor, with bold colors and soft lighting, as well as lovely asian-style lanterns hanging on the walls, it has an instantly inviting appeal. Authentic oriental artifacts, including large Buddha heads are tastefully placed high up in wall-brackets, adding a soothing and peaceful asian touch to the decor. The unsymmetrical table settings with sofas and high-backed chairs add their own charm to the fusion look. The staff looks helpful and friendly as well.

They call their food as Asia Pacific Rim Chinese Cuisine, which basically means asian-chinese food made with ingredients that combine the traditional taste with the freshness and natural flavor of local ingredients. The Dim-Sum is the highlight here, and they have more than 15 choices just for dim-sum on their menu. We tried the Veggie dumplings and they were simply wonderful. The Blue Crab dumplings and the Vietnamese Shrimp rolls were a hit with my colleagues. Lunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm and ranges from 8-10 bucks, which is a great price for the portion that they serve. The Lunch has an extensive menu with loads of vegetarian options. The Crispy Tofu & Eggplant in Garlic Sauce were excellent, while my friends enjoyed the Mango Chicken and Satay Three Delight. The Dinner menu is a lot more extensive, with loads more entrees for seafood, beef, chicken and vegetarian. A long list of soups and appetizers as well as salads make it a worthy meal.

They also have a nice collection of wines and cocktails, with some interesting drinks like Mudslide, Tamarind Margharita and Zombie. Desserts are normal, nothing quite extraordinary about them; just the regular asian sweets. They also have a 2- person menu where you can choose your appetizer, rice, 2 main course dishes and dessert for one price from $32-$40. The service is prompt, and the waiters are really friendly. The biggest drawback of this restaurant is the location, as there is a very small parking place and in lunch time, it took us 10 mins to find a spot. Other than that, I don't have any cons for this place. But its not an authentic chinese food, its more like fusion cuisine, so don't expect traditional chinese food.

Ginger Cafe offers decent food at a very fair price. The ambience, large range of options in food and friendly service will tempt you to visit this place again. You can surely add Ginger Cafe to your Sunnyvale lunch-place options. We enjoyed our lunch a lot, and I'll definitely be going back for dinner!

Address:
398 W El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 736-2828
Ginger Cafe

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Sabtu, 10 Mei 2008

Spago Beverly Hills Restaurant - A Celebrity Destination

spago-beverly hillsWolfgang Puck is a name not unknown to anyone. Spago Hollywood on Sunset, originally known as Bistro Garden and a favourite with all hollywood celebrities, has been re-surrected as Spago Beverly Hills, the latest venture by chef Puck, and remains to be a cherished dining destination for the people of Los Angeles. With its beautiful ambience, shaded patio with tall trees and the inviting open-kitchen architecture, Puck and his wife have truly created an upscale restaurant in the already star-studded Beverly Hills. Standing the tests of time and taste since 1997, Spago is undoubtedly one of the best in terms of cuisine, standards and style! Romantic yet affable at the same time, and featuring the creativity of celebrity chefs, there's no way you can go wrong with Spago!

The interior is aesthetically done and carries the sophisticated, elegant and warm touch that is a bit uncharacteristic of designer Barbara Lazaroff. At the center of the sophisticated restaurant is the old Bistro Garden's romantic patio, beautifully designed and shaded by tall pepper trees. It offers a relaxing outside venue for a lunch. A fountain inscribed with the word "passion" (in various languages) stands next to a pair of 100-year-old olive trees imported just for Spago. But the highlight has to be the spectacular kitchen, which can be viewed through a giant wall of colorful, etched glass. The dining room is striking, with colorful tiles, vibrant stained-glass windows and wildly colorful carpets. Spago is a place where you can expect to be given the red-carpet treatment; it does not matter that you are a "somebody" sharing the space with the hollywood stars! Original artwork and jeweled details surround the dining room and add to the beauty of the restaurant, which also offers two private dining rooms with a separate bar for receptions and functions.

As Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant, Spago remains at the forefront of L.A's dining style. Executive chef Lee Hefter's menu features such signature dishes as the deservedly famous salmon and creme fraiche pizza. Using the finest ingredients and his artistic flair, Hefter creates culinary masterpieces. It's difficult to list the best dishes, but we had the Risotto with oregon Porcini Mushrooms and the famous Sweet White Corn and Mascarpone Agnolotti, followed by the Giant Farmer's Cheese Ravioli, and I have to tell you everything about the dishes, from taste to texture to presentation, was simply fabulous! They have several daily specials with cheese and seasonal produce, and the salmon dishes, variety of salads, pasta and noodles, everything is a classic. Actually, I was surprised to find so many choices on the Menu- there's something for everyone to enjoy! But the nightlight, and also the primary reason we visited Spago, was the classic desserts by Pastry Chef Sherry Yard. I own her cookbook and marvel at her creations, and though the luscious Tiramisu and the buttery Apple Streudel was all we could eat, you'd want to sample every entry on the menu!!

They also have an extensive wine list to suit the rest of the menu. You can easily expect a tab of $70-100 for a couple, but that's pretty competent with other upscale restaurants like Tantra Indian Restaurant and La Fondue, and definitely worth the quality of food and service. You are sure to enjoy your time at Spago, with the added bonus of sighting your favorite hollywood celebrities, and you'll leave feeling culinarily blessed! If you are looking for an upscale romantic and memorable lunch or dinner destination, Spago at Beverly Hills will not disappoint you!

Spago Beverly Hills on Urbanspoon

Address:
176 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)-385-0880
Spago Beverly Hills

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Sabtu, 19 April 2008

Masala Indian Fusion Restaurant - Danville, San Ramon

Anyone who has eaten Indian food knows that it is characterized by the rich spectrum of spices in which it is cooked, giving the food its inimitable flavor and aroma. These spices are known as "Masala", which is nothing but an intricate combination of different spices used to flavor the food. But Masala Indian Fusion restaurant takes the traditional indian food one step further by pairing the indian culinary techniques with western ingredients to make it more appealable to an international audience, and I must say they do a great job of it! Located in Danville, more like the San Ramon area of East Bay in california, Masala Fusion is an upscale restaurant sure to serve you a memorable dinner.

Masala Fusion is located in the danville downtown area on San Ramon Valley blvd, and has the look of a typical downtown eatery. Quaint and artistically decorated in warm colors with white tablecloths, it is not very overly-done, and has its warmth and appeal. The highlight is definitely the open kitchen area where you can see the chef Rajesh Khanna in action, who by the way, is also the owner. His wife Anu is a gracious hostess, ever-smiling and exuding warmth, which makes you feel quite at ease and relaxed. The low-lighting, small wooden partitions and plants create nice individual spaces, both comfortable and inviting. During day-time, the open glass windows give a nice view of the downtown while you enjoy your food.

The food is definitely the best I have eaten in a long time, and I'd put it in league with my other favourites Shiva's restaurant in mountain view and Amber restaurant in santana row. There is an extensive Wine List to choose from, and a nice menu with loads of vegetarian and non-veg options. All the dishes we ordered were just perfect, and the entrees are served with saffron rice. From tender lamb to grilled mahi-mahi, pepper chicken to mussels, calamari or scallops, the non-veg options are plenty. But the vegetarians have loads to enjoy too! The pan-fried baby eggplant and grilled portobello mushrooms were great as appetizers, and their tomato-coconut bisque(soup) is the closest to indian tomato soup I've had anywhere in the bay area! We were really impressed by their gravies, which had some unique blends like pine-nuts and saffron, carmelized onion and grape, or the cashew and chilly sauce! And their Vegetable Biryani was simply superb; perfectly cooked and spiced. They also have several tandoori classics and breads to choose from. But please notify them about your spice level as some of their dishes can get really hot! But don't worry, a mango creme brulee or a pista-ssaffron kulfi will soothe your tongue and your senses.

Desserts at Masala Fusion deserve a praise of their own. Even with just 4 choices, their Creme Brulee and Indian kulfi is a classic end to a perfect dinner! Their very-well-priced lunch buffets are a delectable option for under $10. They are closed on Mondays, but if spices and indian cooking interests you, they offer Cooking Class & Food Tasting every Monday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the restaurant for $6. We've already been there two times and I have nothing but good reviews to share about Masala Indian Fusion. You really have to try this restaurant for a unique take on indian food. A warm ambience, commendable food, friendly staff and a unique blend of flavors will lure you to visit them again. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself and see!

Address:
499 San Ramon Vly Blvd
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 362-4900
Masala Indian Fusion

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Sabtu, 08 Maret 2008

Darbar Indian Restaurant - Palo Alto, CA

Living in the Bay Area definitely has its perks, especially in terms of choices in food! We have never been more satisfied by restaurants than here, and for foodies like us, that means a lot! So last weekend, we decided to explore the Palo Alto downtown on foot. It's a quaint little downtown close to the upscale residential area of Palo Alto. There are several restaurants to choose from, but an American friend at work had recommended an Indian place called Darbar Restaurant, and we decided to check it out. It was totally worth the trip, because the fresh and homemade-style food, with no additional garnishes required, was so good that it spoke for itself!

Darbar is not a very upscale restaurant; in fact, the first look from outside may put you in second thoughts about the place! But open the door and you'll see a vibrant indian restaurant, a huge bronze statue welcoming you at the entrance. The decor is fitting with warm tones of light yellow and orange. The place is really small though, and they have a setting for the buffet table at the end of the room, making the dining area even smaller. I wouldn't rate it high on the ambience, but then the food will make it worth your while!

Darbar serves both North and South Indian cuisine, and has lunch buffet specials from Monday to Friday in the noon, which has more than 20 items on the table. It's affordable, and definitely a great lunch place for people working around the area. The Dinner Menu is like any other restaurant, with lots of choices for appetizers, tandoori dishes, vindaloo, vegetarian entrees, meat, seafood and desserts. While you wait for your food, they serve you a complimentary plate of potato fritters. The gravies and curries are very tasty and flavorful; not the typical curries with an overload of cream and a few spices. While we enjoyed the Paneer Do Pyaza and the Malai Kofta, our friends relished the Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Kurma and Tandoori Pomfret. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the balance of spices and flavors with the sauce or veggies was really commendable. Another highlight was the Biryani, which I must say was very delicately flavored with spices and saffron. It's not easy to make a good biryani, but the chef at Darbar seems to know the trick!

We were surprised to see a lot of americans dining at this restaurant, and they all seemed to be really enjoying the food! On the down side though, they don't have a sufficient wait staff, and hence you might have to wait long before you get to enjoy your dinner! Being small, it easily gets cramped, so either go in early to beat the crowd or make reservations ahead. If you are looking for a fun place for a large and boisterous group, Darbar may not be the ideal choice; it's more like a highly affordable family restaurant to enjoy good indian cuisine. And after dinner, you can walk down to one of the gelato cafes in the area for a perfect dessert! On the whole, I'd say Darbar Indian Restaurant is a place I'd definitely visit again for their food.

Darbar Indian Cuisine in Palo Alto

Address:
129 Lytton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650)- 321-6688
Darbar Indian Restaurant

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Sabtu, 23 Februari 2008

Temptations Restaurant and Bar (Indian Chinese Fusion), Mountain View California

Anyone who has walked down the Castro street in the quaint Mountain View downtown knows that there are several interesting restaurants and cafes here that serve delectable cuisines! This area is a food-lover's paradise, and to sustain a restaurant in this highly competitive place, you need to provide something unique to the foodie's palette. Temptations seems to be holding its ground by providing Indian-Chinese fusion food, basically, authentic indian food prepared with asian/chinese spices and curries that essentially translates hot, spicy and deliciously tantalizing!

Temptations deserves a special note for its chic, colorful and asian-indian interior with bright-colored walls and soft lights. The decor focusses on two main colors: Blue and Orange colors representing Water and Fire, and signifying Hot and Cold, Yin and Yang, Sweet and Sour, Spicy and Mild tastes of dishes. The place is a bit cramped though, especially around the bar area. They have an extensive choice of wines and cocktails. The place is kid-friendly, but if you are a larger group, I'd recommend calling ahead for reservations. As a romantic alternative, you can opt to be seated on the heated patio.

The food and excellent service are the highlights though. Chicken Lollipop and Monchow Soup are great for starters, followed by main course entrees comprising of stir-frys, gravies, rice dishes and noodles. Gobi Manchurian, Szechwan Noodles, Ginger Manchurian Dry, Paneer Chilli are worth a try, and all entries are available with chicken, lamb and shrimp option. For people looking for authentic north-indian or mughlai food, they also offer the traditional cuisine that you'd find in any other restaurant. But indian-chinese food is what makes this restaurant special! The waiting staff is courteous and helpful, guiding you through the menu choices. The service is a bit slower, and I'm just affiliating that to the fact that cooking fresh food takes time:), but the food is worth the wait. Spicy and flavored with authentic spices, the taste leaves an impression far after you are done with your dinner!

The dessert doesn't offer more choices, and Rasmalai and Pista Kulfi are the best choices. As I said, the place is small, hence I wouldn't recommend it for a large party, unless you choose a non-peak time. They also have a lunch menu which can offer a welcome reprise from your daily meals and sandwiches. Overall, I'd say Temptations is an above-average experience, and if you are looking for some different kind of food in the mountain view downtown, give this a try!

Temptations in Mountain View

Address
288 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
Phone - (650) 625-1234
Temptations Indian Restaurant

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Minggu, 17 Februari 2008

La Fondue - The Best Romantic Restaurant in South Bay

When we choose a restaurant to have dinner, we are mostly craving some good food, but when this combines with an almost-perfect ambience, you surely have a winner! La Fondue in Saratoga (South San Jose) is one such gem that is sure to capture your attention. It offers a unique fondue experience, serving more than 50 different types of fondue varieties. People have called it "Magical", "Indulgent", and some have even gone as far as saying that "It is the best place to have a kiss!!" Now that speaks volumes, right?! All I can say is that words would not describe the grandeur of this restaurant. As its said, some things are best experienced than learnt!

Located right in the center of Saratoga downtown, this is aptly termed as the most romantic restaurant in Northern California. The restaurant is dimly lit and the decor is very enchanting. La Fondue is an ideal place for a date, where couples get cozy in big comfortable chairs, under a ceiling that is appropriately adorned with star-and-moon motifs, and can share the decadence of chocolate. This place is extremely popular, so make sure you plan ahead and make reservations, sometimes they are booked even a month in advance! Like any other restaurant serving French or Swiss food, La Fondue is expensive, and its best to align your expectations and be prepared! but the food, the service, the atmosphere and the experience is well worth the price.

They have an extensive, almost surprisingly huge Menu, with cheese, fruit, veggies, meat and of course, chocolate! For our first-time at this place, the pristine wait-staff guided you through the fondue experience, and also led us step by step through the menu choices. You can either go for the Fondue Combinations, which are designed for 2 people, or choose from the Ala Carte Menu. We were lucky to find a wide range of vegetarian options, but they also have some specialities for the non-vegetarians, and the La Romantique combo or the Wild Thing combo (literally wild animals on this list!) are their recommended items. You are free to choose your cooking methods; we went for the Tomato-Basil bisque and the The Court Buillion. It really was an awesome experience, probably more because it was our first time! The salads are all great too, but the treat of the evening has to be The Chocolate Fondue!! With plenty of delicious flavors to choose from (Amaretto and Godiva are my favorites), this place can get you high! For the Cheese Fondue, we loved the Stinking Garlic, Bleu Tomato and the Pesto and Cognac flavors. Simply amazing!!

La Fondue in Saratoga is surely a class apart; From the rich European design to the colorful and cozy interiors, the excellent service, and the perfect food, this place is truly "Mood and Food at its Best!" And if that's not all, just add some liquor to your meal and you are all set for a luxurious, never-to-forget dining experience. The location offers ample parking, private seating, as well as a great setup for a family or friends night out. Except for a higher tab, we couldn't find anything wrong with this place, and would definitely go there again!

La Fondue in Saratoga

Address:
14550 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 867-3332
La Fondue-Saratoga

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Kamis, 23 Agustus 2007

Spice Hut - The best Fast Food restaurant in Fremont California!

I suddenly realized that it has been a long time since I posted a restaurant review. I've been so busy creating my own special recipes that I forgot about the great chefs working day in and day out to serve us quality food when we go to their restaurants!! So, here's a tribute to one of my special food joints; Spice Hut in Fremont, CA is the best self-serve Indian fast food restaurant that I've been to in the Bay Area. And with a large menu full of top picks from around the country, this is sure to win your hearts and souls (after all, great food touches your soul, right!!:))

Spice Hut is located on Cedar Blvd in Newark in a small place in one of the road-side complexes. The place is easy to miss, and we had to make a U-turn and come back to discover it. As the area is small, you have to stand in line as soon as you enter the door, to order for your food at the counter. They have ample seating, and you can join tables at the far end of the restaurant to accomodate large groups, and there's also the patio seating if you are in the mood. But even with all this, the place is always cramped; well, I told you, it has the best food at the right price!! Plus, it's not a lavish restaurant, so if you come here with that in mind, and if you are not wary of children creating havoc and having fun, you would enjoy Spice-Hut.

Now for the good part, the menu has a huge collection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian regional favourites, including "Indian-Chinese" food (yes, there's actually a food category by that name!!) I love their Paneer Chilly and Veg manchurian with Fried Rice!! amazingly simple and tastes so good!! Other dishes that deserve a mention are the Veggi Burgers, Mysore Masala Dosa, the Masala Fried Fish Combo and the biryanis.We went there once for a team outing and all my colleagues (mostly americans and chinese) loved the food there!! They also have combos so you can choose 2-3 items in a meal. This is ideal for first-time visitors who want to taste a little bit of everything. And don't forget to try out their chutneys and raitha which comes complimentary with your meals. I just love their tomato-onion chutney!!

They have branches in Sunnyvale, San Jose and Menlo Park too, but I like the Fremont one because it is the largest in area. The food is fresh and the staff is cordial. The price is also perfect for a quick lunch or an evening with friends. The restaurant is reasonably-clean for a self-serve one. You cannot expect the luxury of a dine-in restaurant, so don't come here with any pre-notions!! Overall, I would rate it a 4 out of 5. it loses the 5th star for the cramped place and the noisy environment. Not something for a quiet evening or a special date!! But the best in Indian food for your money's worth!

If you happen to be around Fremont or Newark, you have to try Spice Hut; and come back to share your experiences with us!!

Spice Hut in Newark

Address:
39277 Cedar Blvd
Newark, CA 94560
(510) 745-9870
Spice Hut

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