This is going to be long winded. Hang in there!
Absolutely the best meal I've had in several years and likely the best piece of fish I've ever eaten in my life!!!! I'll get back to that!
Ok, so I'm in town all week installing a new CNC fiber laser cutting machine tool at Stoll Fireplace. I'm a foodie, but I nearly never write reviews.
I almost didn't come to meet Danish and experience his food because of the two bad Yelp reviews. (In spite of all the great ones) I'd like to address those bad reviews before I make MY actual review.
First, that review about people dressed casual? Bullshhh. Excuse my language. I'm covered (literally) head to toe in oil, grease, and grime. Wearing a dirty Moog synthesizer T shirt that says "presets are for the weak", torn up Carhartt pants, and steel toe work boots. I was apprehensive showing up like this. Worked too late to go to the hotel and shower/change, but was really craving Indian food. Saw the sign on the door mentioning attire and was slightly apprehensive about going in. Maybe it's because I haven't shaved in over a year, maybe it's because it's his place and he can do what he wants. My opinion is that this reviewer had something else going on other than their attire. Maybe already drinking, maybe just douchy? Who knows. It's irrelevant. My server seated me immediately and treated me no different than if I was wearing a $5000 suit. I can not for sure say you won't be denied service if you come in looking rough as hell, but bottom line is I got served looking like a coal miner that just got off work. And at the very end of their posted hours.
Second, the lady that said her food was cold?? Again, hogwash. No doubt in my mind that this person obviously has not experienced the world outside of Greenwood SC and isn't accustomed to how other cultures communicate. Have a little humility in your verbal/body language and Danish will treat you like royalty!! I'm certain she got offended by his tone or something he said. I'll cover more of that in my review.
So here it is:
Clean upscale atmosphere. Smells like heaven when you walk in the door. (He grinds his own spices!!)
Server greeted me immediately when I walked in and escorted me to a table.
We discussed wines and I tried a new Cab that I haven't had that was delicious.
Danish came to my table and asked my what kind of food I liked. This started a long conversation about samosas, world travel, and more, ending in Danish not letting me order extra Samosas since one came free with the meal. I'll admit I was initially a touch put off that he outright wouldn't let me order two extras, but I'm so glad he didn't. (He ended up giving me an extra one free! I've never had beef in Samosas, but holy cow are they good and a lot of food! I would have been full before my entree had he let me order two extras and eat 3.
Ordered the special on the servers recommendation. Crispy flounder (or tilapia, I got flounder) with breaded and fried eggplant and chicken curry. (Beef curry option) Plus an order of garlic naan.
I am not kidding when I say this is best meal I've had in years! I've eaten at a lot of nice places and have paid 3 times as much for dinners that didn't hold a candle to tonights.
They give you a knife, but there was nothing in the meal that didn't give easily to the side of my fork.
The beef Samosas were fried crunchy and served with an excellent chutney with a decent kick! They went very well together. Like a party in my mouth! I could have eaten three, but wouldn't have had room for all the other deliciousness!! (Thank you Danish for refusing to let me order 2 more as appetizers and for throwing a second one on my plate!)
The fish was just right. Lightly breaded, flaky, and seriously flavorful!! Best piece of fish I think I've ever eaten in my life! I do not have words for how good that tasted.
The eggplant was equally amazing. The sauce on the plate went perfectly with everything. I enjoyed every bite.
The garlic naan was good, but the onion chutney that came with it was better than anything I've ever had at any other Indian place!! So full of flavor!
The curry was great. Very traditional with a little less kick than some places. (Perfect for people that think most Indian food is too spicy) Danish is going to make it mildish/medium spicy unless you request otherwise. I could have taken it a lot hotter, but certainly understand trying to avoid having food sent back for being too spicy. I am eager to return now that he knows me and ask him to kick it up a few notches!! It was still delicious.
Their rice is also very traditional but like the rest of his food, with a hint extra.
Danish is beyond passionate about his food. As I said to him, it's an art form. He is an artist. If I lived closer, I'd probably eat here every week and invite him to my wedding.
If you like good food, tuck in your ego for two seconds and come try some of the best food you've had in your life!
A million stars read more
