Recon at India Grill

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Five of us tonight doing a recon of new dishes for Margie's next monthly wine dinner. We met at India Grill in Cypress, www.ocindiagrill.com. Traffic was a beast tonight so I was running late. The group had already started with an appetizer  of "onion rings". Not your typical American version. Smaller and far more flavor. They were good cold.

A plate of "Seekh Kabal" arrived. Minced, ground lamb shaped into small logs and grilled.  Even Margie ate this type of lamb so there is hope for her . These were good, mild flavor, not too spicy and loads of flavor. Served with sauteed onions and bell peppers.

We tried a bowl of "Yellow Dal Soup", lentils with spices and herbs. Not my thing. It was a texture problem for me. I am not a big fan of lentils, black eyed peas, etc. because of the texture. I will eat them if served but do not go out of my way to seek them out. I guess the flavor was good because everyone else ate theirs.

A plate of Chau Chau (noodles) with chicken and a masala sauce was next. Really prefer the  regular Chau Chau without the sauce.

An eggplant dish was next. I do not like eggplant but was very surprised at the taste of this dish. I went back several times for another spoonful. It is called Bengan Bharta and consisted of roasted eggplant that was pureed with spices and a cream sauce. Very good. Served with a Tandoori Roti (bread).

Another bread we had was Aloo Paratha, Naan stuffed with potatoes and peas. Different and tasty.

Last dish was a mixed vegetable with curry and masala sauce. These had good flavor also.

So it will be interesting to see what new dishes show up along with a few old favorites on the dinner in January

Wines tonight were really good. No dogs here.

2012 Niederosterreich, Gruner Veltliner
2009 Clos Pepe VS, Pinot Noir
2007 Merry Edwards, Klopp Ranch, RRV, Pinot Noir
2006 Robert Mondavi, Napa, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Sea Smoke, Southing, Pinot Noir
NV  Tattinger Brut