The velvet coated walls of the Ghandi Cafe establish your transport into another world. This being my first dining experience at an Indian restaurant, I did not know what to expect. The host ushered us to a table in the back of the long, narrow restaurant. We started our meal with meat samosas, which were piping hot from the fryer, which perfectly complimented the couple of Kingfishers we ordered. The waiter was very friendly and accomodating. He asked us where we were from and we learned a few tidbits about him and his Bangladeshi background. That human connection made the meal even more satisfying; it was a real treat and something I've never gotten from any restaurant in NYC. This place has customer service written all over it! \r
I ordered the Bombay Aloo (potato with spices) and my companion ordred the Lamb Kurma (lamb cooked with cream, almond, and spices in a Mughlai style). We received a table heater which the two dishes were placed upon, so as to keep them warm. We also ordered two orders of Naan (flat bread), which I suggest to eat as soon as you get it because it's less appetizing cold. \r
The Bombay Aloo perked up my taste buds; it was an alert type of sensation versus an alarming one. I tried my friend's Lamb Kurma, and although it was creamy (which I usually don't like), the sweetness of the cream brought out the flavors of the lamb, as well as the spices used to marinate it. \r
My companion and I lounged there for quite some time, and the owner/manager in charge presented us with two servings of rice pudding ""on the house"", which was followed by complimentary tea. \r
This was probably the best dining experience I've had in the city.\r
One thing that doesn't make this place a ten was the small, single bathroom, and the mirrors on the walls, which can be nice, but with someone as narcisstic as me, it's hard to keep your focus on the food.
Pros: Friendly and Efficient Service, Ambience, food selection
Cons: Lack of space, single bathroom
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