Last dined: 11/15/08
I have seen it with my own eyes. Tandoor is reopened & is as good as it ever was. According to our waitress, the original cook purchased the restaurant from the old owner. For a brief time when everything was being worked out, the cook did work at Namaste, the stay there was very brief. I had my old stand-by, Tikka Masala for comparison sake. It was just as good as ever. My dining companion had the lamb curry which was also delicous.
If you liked Tandoor before the change in ownership, I guarantee you that you will still love it. And if you like Indian food, this is the best I've tried in Des Moines.
Website: http://www.tandoorwdm.com/
Showing posts with label Asian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asian. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Miyabi 9 (East Village, Des Moines, IA)
Last Dined: September 2008
Miyabi 9 is a Japanese & sushi restaurant located in the East Village right between the Olympic Flame & the Grand Piano Bistro. It's a long narrow place with light wood on the walls, concrete floors, cool bathrooms.
There is usually a wait, but never fear, you can go over to the piano bistro and have a drink while you wait.
This is definitely the trendiest sushi place in Des Moines, the best is debatable. Don't get me wrong, Miyabi has great sushi (especially for Des Moines). I do not find it's variety or quality to be any better than the newly opened Samurai, the quality of fish at Waterfront is probably better, the variety at Appare is probably better.
Fair warning, if you order nigiri (piece of fish a top a portion of rice) there will be wasabi between the fish & rice, so make sure if you do not want that to request it without. Also, there is a pork dumpling they serve there on the appetizer menu that has a lot of wasabi & it goes straight to your sinuses.
There's a lot of standard fare, spicy tuna rolls, caterpillar, dynamite, etc. All very tasty. Their nigiri & sashimi also very good. I haven't had too much there that I didn't care for. The volcano appetizer was a little disappointing, it really needed to be served with some toasts or something. The mushroom appetizer, same thing. There isn't really an item on the menu that I "must have" unlike the other sushi restaurants in town, although all are good.
Aside from sushi they do have noodle & rice dishes, none of which I have tried. I'm sure they are lovely, but I've only ever witnessed people eating sushi there.
Bottom line: It's a must for sushi lovers
No website available.
Miyabi 9 is a Japanese & sushi restaurant located in the East Village right between the Olympic Flame & the Grand Piano Bistro. It's a long narrow place with light wood on the walls, concrete floors, cool bathrooms.
There is usually a wait, but never fear, you can go over to the piano bistro and have a drink while you wait.
This is definitely the trendiest sushi place in Des Moines, the best is debatable. Don't get me wrong, Miyabi has great sushi (especially for Des Moines). I do not find it's variety or quality to be any better than the newly opened Samurai, the quality of fish at Waterfront is probably better, the variety at Appare is probably better.
Fair warning, if you order nigiri (piece of fish a top a portion of rice) there will be wasabi between the fish & rice, so make sure if you do not want that to request it without. Also, there is a pork dumpling they serve there on the appetizer menu that has a lot of wasabi & it goes straight to your sinuses.
There's a lot of standard fare, spicy tuna rolls, caterpillar, dynamite, etc. All very tasty. Their nigiri & sashimi also very good. I haven't had too much there that I didn't care for. The volcano appetizer was a little disappointing, it really needed to be served with some toasts or something. The mushroom appetizer, same thing. There isn't really an item on the menu that I "must have" unlike the other sushi restaurants in town, although all are good.
Aside from sushi they do have noodle & rice dishes, none of which I have tried. I'm sure they are lovely, but I've only ever witnessed people eating sushi there.
Bottom line: It's a must for sushi lovers
No website available.
Namaste Indian Restaurant (Clive, IA)
last dined 9/28/08
Being a big fan of Tandoor when it last closed, I was anxious to try Namaste again after they stole away their executive chef.
Their restaurant has added a door between the grocery & the restaurant. They have also painted the walls a shade of beige & added new track lighting. The same kitschy pictures grace the wall. Over all the ambiance was not really much improved.
I decided to get carry out, ordered Palak Paneer & Lamb Briyani for comparison sake, as have tried both there and at Tandoor. I was told 20 minutes for pickup. We arrived 5 minutes early, but waited another 25 until our food was up. There was one waiter working, he seemed very overwhelmed with his 3 tables and confused at times.
The food was identical to food I've had in the past at Namaste. It was nothing like the food I've had at Tandoor. The Palak Paneer was very thin consistency, the cheese cubes were on the rubbery side. I had asked for a between mild & medium spiced dish & it was much hotter than the "medium" Lamb Briyani. The Lamb Briyani was dry & greasy at the same time & did not have a lot of lamb.
I was not at all impressed with the state of affairs at Namaste. I am excited to return to Tandoor since they have re-opened to see what it is like there.
Bottom line: skip it.
No website available
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Namaste India
Last dined: 6/12/08
Namaste India (located at 7500 University Avenue in Clive, IA) is an Indian restaurant and grocery located in a strip mall where Sam & Gabe's was formerly located. We visited the restaurant for dinner, although they do also serve lunch.
As you walk in the front door of Namaste you will see a surprisingly large grocery off to your right and the restaurant off to your left. The restaurant is brightly decorated with a wall sized photo of the Taj Mahal as well as smaller pictures of goings on in India.
This was my first visit to Namaste, primarily because I am hooked on Tandoor, a stone's throw away (I am sad to report it looks to be closed indefinitely). We ordered an appetizer of lamb samosas, but were told they were out, so we ordered chicken instead. For those not up on Indian cuisine, a samosa is a thin pastry shell stuffed with meat and/or vegetables and deep fried. It turned out they were out of chicken samosas as well. They asked if I would like something similar, but could not describe what it was. It amounted to batter dipped chicken pieces, fried, served with a spicy creamy sauce and a thin sweet sauce. I never learned the name of the dish, but they were just average. Like an American chicken nugget with snazzy sauces.
For a main dish, my dining companion ordered the Lamb Bryiani. Bryiani is a traditional dish of seasoned rice with meats or vegetables. They delivered a heaping portion, definitely large enough for two meals. The seasoning was very good, spicy, but not too spicy (believe me, I am a light weight when it comes to heat). But the lamb seemed to fall short. It was over done, not tender, which really detracted from the dish.
I ordered chicken Choorma, which was a chicken curry dish. Bits of chicken with the bone still in the flesh in a large bowl of thick, creamy yellow sauce which was served along side basmati rice. This dish was perhaps a smidge spicier than the Bryiani, however, still not too spicy for my tastes. I thought that the flavor was creamy and complex. My dining companion felt that there was a bit too much citrus flavor. I attribute the citrus flavor to cilantro, which the menu stated was in the dish, and did not find it to be too much. On the contrary, I had to stop myself from consuming the entire heaping portion.
I found the food at this restaurant to be good, although not excellent. The prices however were in the $10-15 range, which I thought were perhaps a bit too much given the fast-food ambiance and the average dishes. The prices here are in line with Tandoor, although below Tandoor's standards. The staff also was not terribly attentive. We had to ask for water refills.
They do offer a lunch buffet Tuesdays thru Sundays. If you are unfamiliar with Indian food, this is a great way to discover what it has to offer and explore what tastes suit you.
Their website domain is currently down, but should they renew it:
http://www.namasteindiaia.com/
phone: 255-1698
hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
Closed daily 2:30-4:30
and all day Monday
Namaste India (located at 7500 University Avenue in Clive, IA) is an Indian restaurant and grocery located in a strip mall where Sam & Gabe's was formerly located. We visited the restaurant for dinner, although they do also serve lunch.
As you walk in the front door of Namaste you will see a surprisingly large grocery off to your right and the restaurant off to your left. The restaurant is brightly decorated with a wall sized photo of the Taj Mahal as well as smaller pictures of goings on in India.
This was my first visit to Namaste, primarily because I am hooked on Tandoor, a stone's throw away (I am sad to report it looks to be closed indefinitely). We ordered an appetizer of lamb samosas, but were told they were out, so we ordered chicken instead. For those not up on Indian cuisine, a samosa is a thin pastry shell stuffed with meat and/or vegetables and deep fried. It turned out they were out of chicken samosas as well. They asked if I would like something similar, but could not describe what it was. It amounted to batter dipped chicken pieces, fried, served with a spicy creamy sauce and a thin sweet sauce. I never learned the name of the dish, but they were just average. Like an American chicken nugget with snazzy sauces.
For a main dish, my dining companion ordered the Lamb Bryiani. Bryiani is a traditional dish of seasoned rice with meats or vegetables. They delivered a heaping portion, definitely large enough for two meals. The seasoning was very good, spicy, but not too spicy (believe me, I am a light weight when it comes to heat). But the lamb seemed to fall short. It was over done, not tender, which really detracted from the dish.
I ordered chicken Choorma, which was a chicken curry dish. Bits of chicken with the bone still in the flesh in a large bowl of thick, creamy yellow sauce which was served along side basmati rice. This dish was perhaps a smidge spicier than the Bryiani, however, still not too spicy for my tastes. I thought that the flavor was creamy and complex. My dining companion felt that there was a bit too much citrus flavor. I attribute the citrus flavor to cilantro, which the menu stated was in the dish, and did not find it to be too much. On the contrary, I had to stop myself from consuming the entire heaping portion.
I found the food at this restaurant to be good, although not excellent. The prices however were in the $10-15 range, which I thought were perhaps a bit too much given the fast-food ambiance and the average dishes. The prices here are in line with Tandoor, although below Tandoor's standards. The staff also was not terribly attentive. We had to ask for water refills.
They do offer a lunch buffet Tuesdays thru Sundays. If you are unfamiliar with Indian food, this is a great way to discover what it has to offer and explore what tastes suit you.
Their website domain is currently down, but should they renew it:
http://www.namasteindiaia.com/
phone: 255-1698
hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
Closed daily 2:30-4:30
and all day Monday
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Teriyaki Experience
Last dined: 5/19/08
Teriyaki Experience (located at 12931 University Ave in Clive, IA, on the north side of University, just west of Granite City in a new shopping area) is a fast food type restaurant that cooks without using oil. For those of you watching calories & still wanting to dine out, this is the answer.
Teriyaki Experience is basically a fast food place. You order at the counter, they cook up your food on a flat hot grill (a la Hu Hot), you take it back to your table. The ambiance has all the charm of a Burger King. This is not the place to bring a date. But I did go here with several friends & we sat around & talked for about 2 hours. So it is not un-inviting.
Basically there are soup noodle bowls, Yakisoba noodles meals, rice meals, wraps or salads. So you pick which of those you like, then you choose between chicken, shrimp, beef or tofu. You order, they scoop a bunch of your meat, fresh veggies (including mushrooms, broccoli, bean sprouts) on to the grill & they move it around until cooked.
I had a beef soup noodle bowl that night, which was very filling and only 392 calories. Several people in my group got the chicken Yakisoba noodle meal, which they attested were tasty. One person got the Teriyaki meal (rice) which was also good. Someone behind us had a wrap which was good sized & looked good at only 535 calories for chicken. Someone in our group got the salad which I would not recommend. It’s like a fast food salad that has been sitting in a refrigerator case all day. There were also California rolls available for purchase. I’m too much of a sushi lover to buy those prepackaged, sitting for hours items.
I would definitely recommend this place if you are out & about & in need of a healthy fast meal. I did read a review that said the meat was tasteless (since it wasn’t cooked in oil). I didn’t find the meat tasteless at all, but if you’re used to greasy, fried foods, this may very well be flavorless to you. I found it to be fresh tasting & satisfying.
Visit the national website: http://www.teriyakiexperience.com/
Check out their nutritional info: http://www.teriyakiexperience.us/nutritionalbrochure.htm
Teriyaki Experience (located at 12931 University Ave in Clive, IA, on the north side of University, just west of Granite City in a new shopping area) is a fast food type restaurant that cooks without using oil. For those of you watching calories & still wanting to dine out, this is the answer.
Teriyaki Experience is basically a fast food place. You order at the counter, they cook up your food on a flat hot grill (a la Hu Hot), you take it back to your table. The ambiance has all the charm of a Burger King. This is not the place to bring a date. But I did go here with several friends & we sat around & talked for about 2 hours. So it is not un-inviting.
Basically there are soup noodle bowls, Yakisoba noodles meals, rice meals, wraps or salads. So you pick which of those you like, then you choose between chicken, shrimp, beef or tofu. You order, they scoop a bunch of your meat, fresh veggies (including mushrooms, broccoli, bean sprouts) on to the grill & they move it around until cooked.
I had a beef soup noodle bowl that night, which was very filling and only 392 calories. Several people in my group got the chicken Yakisoba noodle meal, which they attested were tasty. One person got the Teriyaki meal (rice) which was also good. Someone behind us had a wrap which was good sized & looked good at only 535 calories for chicken. Someone in our group got the salad which I would not recommend. It’s like a fast food salad that has been sitting in a refrigerator case all day. There were also California rolls available for purchase. I’m too much of a sushi lover to buy those prepackaged, sitting for hours items.
I would definitely recommend this place if you are out & about & in need of a healthy fast meal. I did read a review that said the meat was tasteless (since it wasn’t cooked in oil). I didn’t find the meat tasteless at all, but if you’re used to greasy, fried foods, this may very well be flavorless to you. I found it to be fresh tasting & satisfying.
Visit the national website: http://www.teriyakiexperience.com/
Check out their nutritional info: http://www.teriyakiexperience.us/nutritionalbrochure.htm
Monday, February 25, 2008
Lemon Grass (Clive, IA)
Dined - 2/23/08
Lemon Grass, at 12871 University in Clive (behind the Anglo International building) is on my short list of go-to restaurants in Des Moines. The restaurant is at the former location of the Belwood Cafe (French deli) which is no longer there & has no affiliation with the owner of the Belwood. Lemon Grass serves Lao & Thai cuisine. The first time I ate there I learned from the waitress that the owner or chef used to work at Cool Basil.
Lemon Grass' interior is warm (ok, it was chilly when I was there, but it looks warm & inviting). Warm tones of red & gold dominate. The dining area is small, probably around 12 tables, about the size of a larger Asian carry-out place. And while it seems they do a lot of take-out orders, the food is far from take-out quality.
Lemon Grass has a solid menu & the staff is nice, if not terribly formal with their customers. I have tried several things from the menu, including Larp, Ou Larm, Angry Fever (yes, the 5 chili version), Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Curry Puffs, Seafood Asparagus, and Panang Curry.
The Ou Larm was really a soup, although they don't really specify that. It was very liquidy and not terribly flavorful. Seafood Asparagus was kind of run of the mill Asian flare, not a stand out.
The Angry Fever, and I just had a bite, was like eating a jalapeno pepper. There was some underlying flavor, but even with just one bite I could just feel & taste the heat. If you're a fan of that, by all means go for it. But the Angry Fever "Club" punch card is kind of a rip off: clean your plate of Angry Fever plate 5 times to earn a free beer, 11 times to earn a free entree.
Here's what does stand out: Crab Rangoon, yes you can get this anywhere, but rarely do you find this much cream cheese in the middle, also a little hint of peppercorn. The Panang Curry is a great curry with rich coconut milk and a hint of heat. Great flavor.
But in my opinion, the best dish on the menu is the Larp with ground chicken. It is the epitome of freshness with onions, scallions, cilantro, and bean sprouts. It is like eating spring. The sticky rice is not everyone's favorite, but it has grown on me. When I was there last, it was not warm enough temperature wise, and I asked them to heat it up. He said that it would hurt the flavor to cook the veggies all the way thru. I've had the dish many times & never had it this cool, but I didn't argue, but it wasn't as good. But that won't keep me from coming back.
http://lemongrassclive.com/
You can find a copy of the menu for Lemon Grass (Clive, IA) at: http://lemongrassclive.com/LemonGrassMenu.pdf
Lemon Grass, at 12871 University in Clive (behind the Anglo International building) is on my short list of go-to restaurants in Des Moines. The restaurant is at the former location of the Belwood Cafe (French deli) which is no longer there & has no affiliation with the owner of the Belwood. Lemon Grass serves Lao & Thai cuisine. The first time I ate there I learned from the waitress that the owner or chef used to work at Cool Basil.
Lemon Grass' interior is warm (ok, it was chilly when I was there, but it looks warm & inviting). Warm tones of red & gold dominate. The dining area is small, probably around 12 tables, about the size of a larger Asian carry-out place. And while it seems they do a lot of take-out orders, the food is far from take-out quality.
Lemon Grass has a solid menu & the staff is nice, if not terribly formal with their customers. I have tried several things from the menu, including Larp, Ou Larm, Angry Fever (yes, the 5 chili version), Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Curry Puffs, Seafood Asparagus, and Panang Curry.
The Ou Larm was really a soup, although they don't really specify that. It was very liquidy and not terribly flavorful. Seafood Asparagus was kind of run of the mill Asian flare, not a stand out.
The Angry Fever, and I just had a bite, was like eating a jalapeno pepper. There was some underlying flavor, but even with just one bite I could just feel & taste the heat. If you're a fan of that, by all means go for it. But the Angry Fever "Club" punch card is kind of a rip off: clean your plate of Angry Fever plate 5 times to earn a free beer, 11 times to earn a free entree.
Here's what does stand out: Crab Rangoon, yes you can get this anywhere, but rarely do you find this much cream cheese in the middle, also a little hint of peppercorn. The Panang Curry is a great curry with rich coconut milk and a hint of heat. Great flavor.
But in my opinion, the best dish on the menu is the Larp with ground chicken. It is the epitome of freshness with onions, scallions, cilantro, and bean sprouts. It is like eating spring. The sticky rice is not everyone's favorite, but it has grown on me. When I was there last, it was not warm enough temperature wise, and I asked them to heat it up. He said that it would hurt the flavor to cook the veggies all the way thru. I've had the dish many times & never had it this cool, but I didn't argue, but it wasn't as good. But that won't keep me from coming back.
http://lemongrassclive.com/
You can find a copy of the menu for Lemon Grass (Clive, IA) at: http://lemongrassclive.com/LemonGrassMenu.pdf
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