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  • 7
  • August
  • 2009

Vindahlo—Part Two: good eats for all

[For the story on how we got here, you may read Vindahlo—Part One: a history.]

"Listen, Sister," the Squeeze said to me, waggling a piece of spice-crusted beef in creamy fenugreek sauce on his fork, "I'm not saying I don't wish this was A-1." My face must have fallen, just a little (but what did I expect, really?). He continued, smiling, "But it's good." Ah,I thought, thank goodness for that.

We'd already enjoyed our poppadoms (those most-delicious spiced and crispy wafers that often appear before a meal at an Indian restaurant) and our pakoras (vegetable fritters with coriander chutney)—both served with perfect accompaniments, full of flavor and not too, too spicy and The Squeeze appeared content as he tucked into his tandoor culotte steak. Across the table, I was a happy little clam. Though we were seated in the middle of the restaurant and right next to the kitchen, I didn't feel crowded by other customers or by the stream of [friendly without being obnoxious] servers that moved past our table. Even the table right next to us, sharing the same bench on one side, was positioned at a respectable, breathable distance. You can't enjoy your Carlton Farms pork vindahlo if you're feeling hemmed in, you know.

And I did enjoy it. The portion size was rather massive, but the dish was quite well executed and flavorful. Even the rice—for which I had no expectations—held its own on the plate. It was light and mild and studded with crunchy (not soggy!) pistachio nuts. I definitely, definitely had my fix.

While I am sure that I enjoyed our meal more than the Squeeze did (I even loved his cauliflower puree, which he had a hard time getting excited about), I believe we both pushed back from the table satisfied, no need to swing by Burgerville on the way home. And though I consider Vindahlo—and the satisfying of my desperate craving for Indian food—a success, I don't think I've exactly converted anyone.

It wasn't any shortcoming of the restaurant's, though. It's just that some of us appreciate fine foods more than others.

Vindahlo
2038 SE Clinton Street
Portland, Oregon 97202
503-467-4550