The Siren Song of Shalimar

I think everyone knows by now that I absolutely ADORE Indian food! So when Tom suggested last week that we should enjoy a dinner at Shalimar, where we'd had dinner on our first date, I happily agreed. Deciding where to eat is often very easy; deciding what to eat ... well, that's where the brain paralysis comes in.

And considering the depth of Shalimar's menu, it's a good thing that Tom had an idea of what he wanted. He loves naan -- loves all breads! -- so ordering the Assorted Bread Basket made life simpler. This came with a plain naan, a naan stuffed with garlic and herbs, and a bread stuffed with sauteed onions which was far and away the best one in a stellar selection ... quite the compliment! There was also a naan with onion and mint which was fragrant and delicious, without a heavy mintiness that would have been prohibitive. Man actually could live on bread alone, if these were the breads!

But there were entrees to be relished, from their alluring aromas to their captivating colors to their fabulous flavors.

Tom had eaten a chicken and spinach dish in the past, and we had tried to order that very one when we first ate there together in December. We'd picked the wrong dish back then, though what we ate was delicious! But this night we got the right one -- Murgh Saagwala: "boneless chicken cooked with fresh Spinach, herbs and spices" -- and it truly was extraordinary. The chicken was unbelievably, lusciously tender; the spinach was perfectly spiced; the dish was moist without being soggy. It was exceptional even beyond my admitted ability to enthuse and effuse!

But wait -- there's more. Being good eaters and feeling celebratory after getting back together again after our 6-week break, we indulged ourselves and also ordered the Dumm Aloo -- "whole baby potatoes cooked with yogurt, tomato, fennel seeds, ginger, garlic and spices." The potatoes were cooked to just the right moment of being tender throughout while retaining their shape and not becoming mushy. The sauce was rich, a warm and gorgeous and seductive color, and exceptionally balanced with none of the spices or flavors overpowering any of the others. This made an unbelievably delicious dinner, as well as an exceptional lunch when Tom surprised me at work the next day by bringing me some with rice and naan ... just one of many reasons that I love him ... :)

Here's to many more divine meals at Shalimar! There's a vast menu awaiting us ....