Ajanta

.

We went to Ajanta back on December 2, but it's taken us a while to finally get around to writing it up. Forgive us if the details seem a bit sketchy at this remove.

We went on a Friday night and had a reservation right at the opening moment. Based on my observations, I don't think a reservation had been really necessary, but using OpenTable is a breeze (and, as of this writing, all tables are filled for the rest of the evening), so you might as well make sure you're in.

As an appetizer, we had the "TANDOORI CHICKEN CHAAT: Chicken pieces marinated, grilled in tandoor oven, shredded and then tossed with oil, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, ginger, and spices" ($6). This was the most attractively-plated Indian food I think I've ever been served. I mean---generally, plating consists of limiting the inherent unpleasantness of most Indian food's appearance. Not so here. Plus it tasted good. I could have gone for another stick or two of chicken, but so it goes.

We began also with "MANGO LASSI: Made with mango pulp and yogurt" ($3.50). Delicious.

As for our dinners . . . :

Dinners are served with Basmati rice, a side dish of spinach and potatoes (with non-veg dinners) or chickpeas (with vegetarian dinners), half of a naan bread, chutneys, and pickles. Dinners are served in a way that allows you to share dishes. A La Carte dishes are served with rice. Brown Basmati rice is available for $0.50 extra. Dishes can be ordered very mild, mild/low medium, medium, high medium or hot.

"TANDOORI BATERA (QUAILS): Semi-boneless quails, skin removed, marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices, cooked in tandoor oven and served on a sizzling platter (Punjab)" ($17)

"ROGAN JOSH: Boneless cubed leg of lamb cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, yogurt, ginger, Kashmiri Deghi chiles, garlic, onions, and spices, including paprika and turmeric (North India)"
($17)

Theric had the quails and Lady Steed the lamb. The quails were good of course but, darn quails, "semi-boneless" just meant the itty-bitty bones were gone. The little bones were still there. One exposed leg bone had turned completely to ash in the oven which was kind of awesome. The meat was delicious though.

The sides were interesting. Some good, some not, all conversational. The spinach thing Lady Steed loved, but Theric only loved for the first bite or two. He got over it pretty quickly. The naan was big enough but nowhere near too much.

As I look at the description of rogan josh, I'm just not convinced that's what Lady Steed ordered. The gentleman behind the counter was kind enough to make us a copy of our ticket and it's clear that unless there was another "Rogan" on the printed menu (but lacking from the online menu), that's what it was. So . . . she'll tell you about it in the comments . . . .







KHEER: Indian rice pudding (listed as $4.50 on the website, but we were actually charged $5)