It's Frugal Floozie Friday, and today we're indulging in one of my very favorite cuisines: Indian. I adore Indian food, cook it often, and even have a friend - Sid, who first contacted me as an AnnArbor.com reader - who regularly tempts me by sending videos featuring Indian recipes.
So in looking for a restaurant to feature today, it was easy to decide upon one: Earthen Jar.
Earthen Jar's mostly vegan Indian buffet costs a mere $5.99 per pound. The problem, however, lies in trying to exhibit restraint - everything looks and smells amazing, and you'll find yourself wanting to try each offering. Except that then, of course, you'll end up paying $23 for your dinner! So a little of this, a little of that ... and the secret weapon: bring a friend, so you can each select different items and then share the wealth.
Earthen Jar's menu is primarily vegan, including macaroni and cheese (I guess to keep the kids or picky eaters happy?); but there are a very few dairy products, such as a yogurt-based raita and the paneer which is in a couple of the dishes. There are also desserts (puddings and halwa), which we didn't get to after our immensely delicious dinner indulgence.
A few extra items are available at a charge beyond that of the buffet, such as baked goods, beverages and traditional Indian breads. Tom and I ordered naan for 99-cents each; but interestingly, without the bread, we had portioned out the food on our plates for a perfect and identical total of $5 each - the Frugal Floozie Friday budget per person.
Unfortunately, Earthen Jar is right next to Jerusalem Garden, the Middle Eastern restaurant that was featured in a recent Frugal Floozie Friday post; therefore, it is suffering the same misery of being located right in the midst of the enormous and seemingly endless project to construct an underground parking structure downtown. There is a sign saying that the two restaurants on that block are still open; but with parking non-existent and the street blocked off, it's not a particularly enticing location.
So go feast upon Indian food at a restaurant which blissfully lets you try a bit of each item rather than having to only pick one dish - the joy of a buffet! And help to keep Earthen Jar open through the construction quagmire, as it is truly a fabulous asset to Ann Arbor.
Earthen Jar
311 S. Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
734-327-9464
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Frugal Floozie Friday: Food and Fun for Five Dollars or Less ... Really!!!
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6 comments:
I applaud you on your restraint.. I think I would be one of those people that walked out of there paying $23!!! lol
Oh wow, Ive never had indian food before. I live in a very small town and we dont have much for ethnic resteraunts :[
I have been completely seduced by Indian food lately. What a wonderful place to have nearby for you! I would love that. Have a beautiful weekend, friend!
I love the idea of paying by the pound--I might show more restraint at our local Indian buffet if that were the case!
The food at Earthen Jar looks so beautiful and appealing. Wish it were a little closer. I'm glad you can enjoy it, for it looks like a fantastic buffet!
I haven't been to Earthen Jar since I was prego with my youngest 3 years ago!!! My husband was amazed at my total for my plate...I had to try EVERYTHING and had been craving Indian food for a couple weeks! The food never lets you down and now you have me wanting to go back there very soon :)
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