The great news is there are a couple restaurants that offer the fantastic flavors and textures of Indian food with a more contemporary approach. Here are Nutmeg's choices:
Mango Shiva (www.mangoshiva.com), located on Stephen Avenue the decor is best described as "lounge East Asian". There is definitely a bar feel at night without the bar scene. The gals paid a visit this week for the annual Christmas season dinner and drinks. It was the same night we got hit by yet another rush-hour snowstorm that created road chaos. So lovely Cilantro had about 40 minutes to wonder if she had the right night? right restaurant? and check her blackberry a few times. The great news is Cilantro is not one to waste time so she flirted with the cute waiter and decided on the dinner choices. Finally the gals showed up; Curry Murray, Cayenne Newman, Sage and Nutmeg.
The great news is Mango Shiva and Cilantro did not disappoint in the choices. Must tries:
- Grilled prawns and mango salsa
- Stacked Eggplant
- Butter Chicken
- Lamb Sausage
- Garlic Naan
- etc...
Rasoi (Kitchen) www.rasoikitchen.com is Nutmeg's other choice. This small Marda Loop restaurant has just the right feel, small, cozy, short menu and wine list. This one is covered in an earlier blog but is worth noting again as the food and service are consistent. The great thing about Rasoi is they use eastern flavors and ingredients with a focus on non-traditional dishes, no butter-chicken on this menu. Try any of the following and you will not go wrong:
- Heirloom tomato salad
- Steamed mussels
- Salmon with black lentils
- Beef tenderloin
I couldn't agree more with your choices for the best indian food in Calgary. However, there is one glaring omission from your list of suggestions - dessert!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the rice pudding at Rasoi, and I used to absolutely despise the stuff! One taste of this dish and you'll be hooked.
Good point Sage!! So Nutmeg has to admit she is not the desert part of the team. Usually Ginger is around to try and comment. Thanks for pointing out the omission.
ReplyDeleteWell here is a bit of an update on Rasoi. The food is still delicious but they have added some traditional Indian dishes on the menu including Butter Chicken. I guess the demand was high and the price point is lower.
ReplyDelete