Smita Nordwall

Eric, where can I find one in NoVa specifically? Any ideas?

How on EARTH did these people occupy us for so long? Drinking beer after eating something that hot??? Did we not teach them ANYTHING? Sorry, a late night anti-colonialist rant.

Eric, for those of us who can't come in to dine... is there a way we can contribute thru the takeout menu? Or just make a cash donation?

Is this where the Village Wharf used to be? My vet (Hollin Hall Animal Hospital)) and my favorite neighborhood hardware store (Village hardware)) are right there. Excited.

I am fascinated by the Indian style Thai curry.. seems so many cuisines have adopted and transformed the Indian "curry". Sounds like the making of a research paper there...

Had my first dinner at Monty's tonight. We weren't hungry enough for starters and went straight to the entrees. My companions ordered filet mignon steaks while I opted for the lamb chops . All the meats were perfectly cooked. My lamb chops were incredible. Very flavorful, tender and perfect. My companions seemed to really enjoy the steaks. The sides we really loved were the sauteed mushrooms and roasted tomatoes. The one major oddity was the sweet zucchini bread like offering with the bread basket. Way too sweet for the start of a dinner. The bread basket over all was a bit of a dud. For dessert we shared the mango panna cotta. I was not very impressed. It wasn't awful, but I found the texture a little rubbery and the mango flavor too subtle. At one point during the meal, out server found out that though I lived in the area, it was my first trip to Monty's. "What took you so long?" he said. What indeed.

From The LA Times: Marcella Hazan, whose many cookbooks introduced Americans to the true food of Italy, died Sunday morning at her home in Longboat Key, Fla., according to her husband, Victor Hazan. She was 89 and had been in failing health for several months. Her daughter-in-law Lael Sara Caplan Hazan announced Hazan's death on her Facebook page. "The world of authentic home cooking has lost a giant today. My mother-in-law Marcella Hazan, melted away peacefully, my father-in-law Victor was at her side." Hazan was sometimes compared in importance to Julia Child, and if she never quite achieved Child's personal popularity, her impact can be measured in the widespread popularity in this country of the cuisine she loved and championed.

Sorry for the delay folks. But as they say about the best laid plans.... my work schedule has changed so I am no longer able to do a Tuesday dinner. If others want to stay with a Tuesday dinner, I will happily organize it. Or, we could meet up for lunch on any day or a Friday dinner.

We have eaten here a few times. Here are my observations: Momos: Have only tried chicken. Flavorful filling. The dough for momos is always heavier than one for Chinese dumplings. That said, the wrappers at Namaste are less doughy than ones at Momo in Springfield. Goat curry: Excellent. Super tender meat, luscious gravy. Appropriately oily and on the bone -- as all curry should be. Lamb vindaloo: I asked for a REAL vindaloo and the spice level was delivered. Again, very well cooked. Chicken 65: If you want the authentic version, ask for it spicy. I was not crazy about the texture -- thought the chicken could have been more crisp. But, I didn't eat at the restaurant so that may be a transportation issue. Lunch buffet: I took my Indian Mom to this. She is a vegetarian. The buffet has more vegetarian than non-vegetarian dishes so she was delighted. The buffet selections also change (perhaps daily?). The buffet is not overly stocked as at other Indian places, so the food seemed more fresh. They also make naan (which is included in the meal) after you have settled at the table, which means it comes to you right out of the tandoor but perhaps not as quickly as you would like. It is not the best naan I have ever tried but its freshness makes up for all other shortcomings. I was not at all impressed with the chicken tandoori. I think that had more to do with not using the best quality chicken than anything else. Unfortunately, chicken tandoori is best served by using a superior quality meat, like all grilling. The buffet also offered pakoras as an appetizer the day we were there and they were surprisingly crisp. The best offering though was the warm carrot halwa. Not overly sweet, tender and lovely. I have been chatting up the guys that run the place. They are sweet and very eager to please. I am really, really hoping they make it. My neck of the woods definitely could use a decent restaurant. That said, would anyone be interested in going to it for a $20 Tuesday? If so, someone please message me how to set up one of those outings and I will be happy to do it.

So was I Eric. And not just reading and posting about food... I bet I gain weight every time I see your photos.

Ohhhhh. A billion or so Indians would strongly disagree with you Eric. I am not one of them. I eat the wonderful foods of my childhood while my Mom is here in the Summer to cook for me. Add homemade fresh rotis to the mix and it is deadly. And despite being almost 95% vegetarian during that time, I invariably gain weight. Yeeesh!

Most Indian grocery stores carry Thums Up.

I think we need to get the Mayor of Springfield on the job here. South Pickett St. seems to be turning into "Little Addis" of its own. A couple of Ethiopian markets and at least two new restaurants. I know, that's not a lot.. but hey.. it's a small street.

Thank you, Don.

This might be considered heresy, but .... Palella!

There is an African market in the same shopping center as HeeBeen. I have seen palm oil there.

South China is what the takeout menu on my dining room table says. I am almost positive they even have a sign now that proclaims it.

This place has opened up in the place formerly occupied by Chef Chen's. The space is much bigger than Tempt Asian but still kind of drab despite a remodel. We have been there a couple of times. They have a "Chinese menu" that is translated and easily available along with the usual Sino-American fare. We have had the spicy fish pot that was Excellent. Also loved the Nanjing salty duck, bamboo cumin fish (although the cumin could have been more pronounced and beef in dry pot. The spicy dishes are hot but not unbearable so. Talked to the owner's son one evening before he went back to school. He said they have high hopes for this location and might even consider moving the whole operation here. Asked couple of different people but didn't get an answer to why they didn't just name it Tempt Asian II. My little corner of Alexandria desperately needed a good Chinese joint. I am excited. Looking forward to reviews better written than this one.

OK I am going to play the Devil's advocate. Vada Pao. The incredible Indian junk food. Carbs on carbs. I have known Indians to weep for it. But, good for you? Not.

Roast them like you would brussel sprouts or cauliflower. Better yet, gently saute them in some butter.

Do hip restaurants have containers of sugar, Splenda and Equal packets on the table?

Share my dreams, Don. Maybe they'll come true some day.

Does anyone grow a pomegranate in No Va?

Is preferential racism, still racism? South Asian men favor light skinned women... I happen to be "dark" by their standards (gloriously golden by white American ones )) I was not at all surprised by their actions. As Kanishka said, people do tend to become more culturally conservative away from home. It is annoying. I just put on my pissed-off Mom (helps when you have grey hair) face. That gets them in line pretty fast.

If you think they are racist toward white men... try being a South Asian woman sporting short hair and shorts. That really gets them going. I have had them pretend they don't understand Hindi or even Urdu.