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The new restaurant on Clairmont has an inviting exterior and ample parking, which tends to fill up by noon. Inside, the space is clean and predominantly white, bathed in natural light, with just a few ethnic decorations that have accumulated dust. The tables are well-spaced, allowing for comfortable movement around the dining area. The waitstaff are quick, friendly, and attentive. Water is served in a pitcher, naan magically appears, and empty plates disappear just as swiftly.
Ah, a buffet! It had been ages since I last encountered one, and I had to exercise significant self-control to avoid turning into a buffet monster. The spread featured about ten different dishes, though the lack of clear labels for vegetarian and vegan options was a drawback. Identifying what to choose was fairly straightforward, but better labeling is definitely needed. The current signage lacks cleanliness and appeal, and while simple, readable fonts may seem less attractive, they would be far more helpful than the current fancier styles.
The flavors of the dishes were quite distinct from the Indian food I usually prepare or find at other places. I enjoyed the pakora, navratan korma, dal tadka, and cucumber salad, but some other items didn't win me over. The aloo matter was decent, yet it lacked the earthy flavors I was looking for, and the sauce was too watery. The saag was overly acidic and missing paneer; the spicy pickled onions tasted raw and unpickled; the tomato soup was very thin, as were the brothy pulses. Overall, it’s a decent spot for a vegetarian meal, but a note regarding ghee and other dairy products would be helpful for vegans.
Regarding the previous location in 2023: the buffet area felt like it needed a thorough cleaning, enhanced lighting, and improved airflow. The signs giving dish names and brief descriptions could also benefit from icons indicating jain, vegetarian, and vegan options, as well as potential allergens like gluten and nuts. I tried most of the vegetarian offerings and found them somewhat lacking. The only sauce that met my expectations for thickness was the saag paneer, which was very acidic, quite spicy, and unfortunately didn’t contain any paneer. The chana dal had very few split chickpeas and resembled more of a broth. I struggled to find vegetables in the korma, and what I thought were pakoras turned out to be lightly breaded potatoes that made me wonder if the oil had previously been used for frying chicken. The egg pilaf was devoid of egg and tasted more like fried rice, lacking the fragrant spices and nutty aroma associated with ghee. The onion chutney felt too fresh, with a raw onion taste that missed the depth of flavor I expected; the other dishes I tried have already slipped my mind.
Perhaps you'll have better luck with à la carte options, but they need to reconsider their pricing model. They either need to enhance the buffet offerings significantly or adjust the pricing to match the quality I always hope to find. Even so, I’m giving it three stars because, despite the mediocrity, Indian cuisine typically provides a range of lacto-vegetarian options and flavor.
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I hope this captures the essence of your original review!"
Tomato Shorba
