Restaurant Review: Basmati Table

So tonight we decided to give the newish Indian restaurant on the block, Basmati Table, a go. We've been talking about trying it out for a while, and finally tonight just seemed like a good night to get delivery from some place other than our usual trusty neighborhood Thai place (I Am Thai). Plus, I couldn't bear cooking - it's just too goshdarn muggy. We always thought it strange with all the diverse food options in the 'hood that there wasn't an Indian restaurant close by. For a plethora of South Asian options, you have to go to Jackson Heights (a.k.a. "Little India"), which is close enough, but out of delivery range for us. I could go on about my favorites there, but that's a different post!

After a look at the menu, we decided on the Chicken Biryani, Sag Paneer (which comes with Basmati rice on the side), Garlic Naan, and Vegetable Samosas. Thumbs up all around. Food was really delicious, fresh, and well-seasoned. The litmus test is often the samosa, and these weren't greasy, although they were a bit heavy on the potato, but it worked. A plus was the very friendly person taking the order on the phone and food delivered quickly.

Prices are really reasonable - the whole meal only came to less than $22 (before tip), even though according to Sunnyside Post it's billed as: "a high-end Indian restaurant in the neighborhood." Also interesting to note - I didn't realize that the place is co-owned by the owner of Bliss Restaurant, the neighborhood French Bistro that is right across the street. According to the Sunnyside Post, he decided to start Basmati Table, as "Sunnyside lacked a classy Indian restaurant."

In perusing the menu, we noticed there wasn't a huge selection, which is either a downside or an upside depending on how you look at it. I know Gordon Ramsay is always advising restaurants to simplify their menus on his BBC show Kitchen Nightmares, so maybe it's a smart move on their part. But I didn't like that the Tandoori Mixed Grill was only a combo of chicken and shrimp - usually it's the whole gamut and would've been nice to have some lamb too.

All in all, nice to know that we now have another good dining option in the area - most likely for delivery since dining out with a toddler is not exactly a relaxing experience!

Oh yeah, and finished off with a Trader Joe's Mango and Cream Bar, which is just like a mango lassi! Yum.