I only discovered the spicy masala sauce when the nice gentleman at the front offered to ask the kitchen to make some when I asked for spicier sauce while we were having the buffet, pre-pandemic. I have better luck asking for green chutney sauce but I drool for that masala sauce @ Ashoka.
Nowadays the fam is smaller so we usually get the same 2 items + 1 or 2 I might want to try at India House—1 or 2 orders of tandoori chicken (I request mix of thighs & drumsticks, some restos only give drumsticks), chicken vindaloo for SO, 1 order plain naan with no butter & 1 garlic naan with only bit of butter. We’ve tried butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, chicken saag, eggplant Bhakti (#1 fave veg), saag paneer (#2 fave, the fam doesn’t like lentils, kidney beans or chick peas), samosas, butterfly shrimps & chili chicken. We haven’t tried everything in their menu but we’ve never had a bad meal there. Rice comes with the entrees and Kamal has given us extra at no charge when we need more but we’re always willing to pay for extra. Again, you can request different spice levels, eliminate or reduce certain ingredients. Pre-pandemic he was accepting Bitcoin but since things have opened up, we haven’t been back cause we’ve been busy checking out other places. Shhh, tip…Kamal allows BYOAD (Bring Your Own Alcoholic Drink, no corkage fee—there’s a liquor store to his right & Smart & Final to the left and pls be discreet so he doesn’t get into trouble).
The other places—The Recess Room in Fountain Valley. 1st visit last year we just had to try the pig head (they do different themes so not always served the same way). This 2nd time, celebrated graduation so went back and shared the bone marrow, Brussels sprouts, carpaccio, burger, tartare and the growing young man had the tomahawk. Sorry, my pictures are so embarrassingly awful but I found a decent one to share👍🏽
Still in celebration mode, we tried Gaucho Grill, former El Torito on Orangethorpe in Buena Park. I worked across the street for almost 20 years so sad not to see ET where there were a lot of team building sessions. GG is a great replacement. We shared but young man ate most of the proteins. He ordered the “a la carte” Wagyu Ribeye with side of papas ahumadas for extra charge. SO & I chose Lomo Argentino “Gaucho Style” which comes with 2 sides (purée rustic potatoes and salad which was so/so initially but tasted better after I added the bacon dressing). Also had the chocolate bread pudding-yummy, warm w/ice cream and some fruits.
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I think I’ve reached my max picture allowance so these will have to do. Discovered the GG HH so went back last Friday & shared mussels which we liked the first time, fries, burger, spinach and smoked short rib empanadas, calamari (ask for the sauce to be on the side), small filet w/potatoes for the young man and the nice chocolate bread pudding, washed down w/a pitcher of sangria. We were impressed with the service the first time, waitress & runners very attentive but not this 2nd time. Waiter didn’t get 2 orders right, coffee served after most of the dessert eaten, forgot items we requested, etc. but we’re not hard to please and would be happy to return. Sliced baguette w/2 types of chimchurris (spicy one is our fave; the first visit, the runner gave me a big container to take home, not full container but more than a thimble size or usual sauce containers). I noticed attran99 mentioned GG in Downey; Buena Park is closer to those coming from NoOC or these parts of SELA. Soon, to open in Pasadena. Was hoping to try their crispy roasted suckling pig but alas no longer on the menu a/o last Friday—boohoo. Oh well, extra cholesterol wasn’t meant to be.
…then, out of silliness, we decided to go & patronize Coco’s for their F-Su Prime Rib (all gone by 4:30) so settled for roast beef with creamed spinach (nope, all gone too so just got mixed, limp, freezer burned vegs). Later asked for chocolate ice cream (not available). Broccoli soup was so salty but veg soup was better. All in all, Coco’s, we won’t be seeing each other anytime soon, Norms is a better choice especially the one on Euclid in Anaheim, Lakewood so/so.
Enjoy your new discoveries and continue to be safe. Sad that when daughter moved to the Met Bldg in DTLA, the pandemic happened and never got to try Broken Spanish or watch games at Staples. I so badly wanted to try their oxtail tamales after I saw the window sign. Chef said they were only open to fix meals for first responders. Watch out, Silverlake, here I come with an open mind and willingness to try new dishes. Take care…