CURRY UP NOW was introduced to me on Monday via an Elite Week special event and I was so impressed that I returned today (Friday) for a second taste.
Indian Cuisine is one of the least explored food categories in my arsenal of reviews. I've tried a number of places hoping to expand my rotating restaurant choices, but I've had a hard time convincing my very traditional taste buds and nose to open themselves to unfamiliar flavors and scents. I don't know if you are familiar with the movie INSIDE OUT, but it is basically about how your emotions are at central command in your brain. Well in the movie, Anger plants and idea in his hosts brain and the scene perfectly illustrates the moment we accept an idea that we can't get out of our head and changes our course of thinking.
I imagine that's just how it looked when I first bit into the Tikki Masala Burrito and my mind and taste buds broke from their traditional ways and said "Okay Curry Up Now. We see you and we likey!" The burrito, samosa, rose mango lassi and the butter chicken on the meat sweats thali platter had me yearning for more! So I didn't waste any time coming back. After all, I think the biggest compliment you can give any business AND your Community Manager after an official Yelp event is to return for another meal.
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So on our 2nd visit I tried all the items I wanted to try but didn't on the first:
PANI PURI (3 stars) | $8
Hollowed semolina puri, potato garbanzo mash, cumin tamarind water.
Admittedly my nose and taste buds had some objections to the musky odor of this dish. Based on some pictures I'd seen, I was not aware prior to ordering that you must break the balls and place the ingredients inside the hollow shells yourself.
DAHI PURI (3.25 stars) | $8
Hollowed semolina puri, potato garbanzo mash, chaat masala yogurt
Similar to the Pani Puri except with jalapeños, yogurt and they are already made. Just pop 'em in your mouth. Please note these do not travel well and will be a glob of mush if you take them to go. Mine looked like uncooked ravioli by the time they made it home 1 hour later.
HOLY MOLY RAVIOLI (4 stars) | $8
LOVED THESE!!! Could have ate a double order and really enjoyed the accompanying tikka masala dip.
DIRTY NAAN (4.5 stars) | $12
A unique fusion naan bread, tandoori chicken and cheese in what essentially results in a personal-sized pizza. If you are looking for something different, but not TOO different, this is sure to satisfy!
* DRINK
MANDARIN CARDAMOM BUBBLER (5 stars) | $3
I would trade in Georgia Sweet Tea for this if it were available at other restaurants! To me it was a perfect summer drink! However, they should allow AT LEAST ONE REFILL for the price or a much larger cup!
On my first visit I ordered:
SAMOSAS (5 star) - Two flaky, handmade empanada-like pastries stuffed with curried potatoes; chutneys. I adored this gorgeous pastry and particularly loved it dipped in the chutneys. The dark one was my favorite.
MEAT SWEATS THALI (4 stars) - Kashmiri lamb, ghee makhni butter chicken, kadhai chicken. This was a suggestion from another Yelper, which totally threw me off my game plan. I originally wanted to try the Naughty Naan, but the name "meat sweats" was just too fun to ignore! Of all the meats, I was most pleased with the butter chicken. SO GOOD!
TIKKA MASALA BURRITO (5 star) | $12 w/paneer, rice, chana garbanzo masala and sliced onions wrapped up in a tortilla.
* DRINK
SWEET ROSE MANGO LASSI (4 stars) - A creamy and uniquely flavored sweet drink made with rose petals. Took me by surprise at first, but the more I sipped it, the more I liked it.
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[ ATMOSPHERE/SERVICE ]
I love the open airy feeling of this place. To me it almost felt like eating in a large dining car of a train with its long narrow configuration and windows on three sides. Felt very open & clean. Service was wonderful and I loved the heftiness of the dishware and silverware. Presentation was also beautiful and left me with a sense they really want me to return. The exterior patio was spacious with lots of tables & umbrellas, however, we chose the comfort of the interior on both visits. All staff members, including the chef, took part in making sure food was delivered to tables quickly.
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[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
CURRY UP NOW left me with the warm fuzzies! The warmth of the staff, the cute welcoming interior and the well presented unique flare of the food had me eager to return for more, so I did!
I have now sampled most all the dishes on my checklist, but I was disappointed to learn the Tandoori Fried Chicken Sandwich may no longer be part of the menu! That was what I was most eager to try :-(
Oh well, the Sexy Fries will be my next must try menu item. THANK YOU CURRY UP NOW for expanding my taste pallet!!!
PS - I don't know what you call the crispy chip in the center of my Meat Sweats plate... but I REALLY liked it! Kinda tasted like a thin, fluffy pork skin... but I was told by the staff it was made of lentils.
2021 / 88 read more