Himalayan Kitchen

You first read about my most favorite people, Kristen and Pat (Nick was not able to make it), here. Having been friends since 7th grade, we all go way back. Throughout all of life's twists and turns, here we are, more than a decade later, still best friends, not missing a beat. Though we are usually always living miles away from each other in different states, we found 3 out of the 4 of us home for the summer. Since Pat leaves in a couple days for Med School, we planned one last dinner with each other. Til all 4 of us meet again for Xmas break, I have these memories to live on.

Anyway, enough with the mushy stuff...let's get back to the FOOD!

While Kristen and I were parking for our drinks/dinner at Salt before I left for my travels, we spotted Himalayan Kitchen. We knew we had to try this place ASAP! And wouldn't it be the perfect thing to bring our other best friend, uncultured Pat, here!? We had joked that we would tell him we're going for Italian, and then spring Himalayan Kitchen on him! Obviously he had to know where we were meeting, so that didn't work. But surprisingly, everyone (uncultured palate or not), really enjoyed the food.

We got there around 530pm, and while there were only two other small parties there, the waiters and waitresses seemed so overwhelmed. It took awhile to get water, menus, wine glasses for our bottle of wine (it's BYOB, so don't forget to bring your preference of alcohol), plates and utensils etc. I also thought that their dishwasher could have been broken, because everything was so dirty! I had to ask for a new wine glass, new fork, and new spoon for dessert. It had some blue ink on it! Thank God for Wet Ones. I felt like I was in the worst of the worst Chinese restaurant with all of their dirty utensils!

Finally, though, it seemed that more workers showed up, and everything began to run a bit smoother. We were set with a different waitress who was definitely more helpful than the original, overwhelmed lady that first helped us. She helped us decided what to order, and everything she suggested was really really great. Once we got our order in, I was amazed at how fast the food came out. Thank God, because we were all hungry! We ordered 3 dishes and 2 types of Naan bread- Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Govi (a vegetarian dish with cauliflower and potato), and a type of Shrimp Coconut Curry called Goa Shrimp. You can also specify whether you'd like the curries mild, medium or spicy, but we got all 3 medium. For a non-spicy fan like myself, the medium was perfect. We also decided on Garlic Naan and Onion Kulcha stuffed Naan to dip in the curries! Yum! Next time, I want to try the regular plain Naan that comes with mint sauce (it actually has no mint in it- only lemon, yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno and ginger). I've heard so many reviews about this addicting sauce!

Everything was delicious, though my favorite was the shrimp cooked in coconut curry. It was slightly sweet with the coconut in it, but I thought it had the best taste out of the three. I definitely like coconut in my curries! Btw, rice is also bottomless, so you can have as much rice as you want to soak in with the curry. Scrumptious! Another favorite? Our dessert, Saffron ice cream! Such light flavor! It was really a nice ending to the meal.

Next time, I hope to try a Mango Lassi, which is a yogurt drink that is traditional in India and Pakistan. Sounds refreshing and delicious, possibly a little heavy. Would also love to try their Kaya Naan stuffed with cashews, apricot, raisins and a touch of paneer. Can't wait to go back!

Bamboo Sky jacket, Karmaloop top, shorts Urban Outfitters, Zara heels, Express knot necklace,
and NEW Michael Kors watch.

Located in the parking lot of Big City Diner and Maguro-Ya, but in a different building.
Same building as Bella Mia and Jawaiian Irie Jerk Restaurant.

You can sit inside or outside.

If you want a great red wine for $13, I'd suggest this one: Apothic Red.
Really smooth and full-bodied- my kind of wine!
Uses a mix of Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah wines. Pick it up at Long's!

Above is the Shrimp Coconut Curry, bottom Chicken Tikka Masala.

Aloo Govi- the veggie curry.

Garlic Naan

Onion Kulcha stuffed Naan

Prayer Flags are often found strung along mountain peaks and ridges in the Himalayas.
They are used to promote strength, peace, compassion and wisdom. Most people
think that the flags carry prayers sent to the Gods, however, the prayers are carried everywhere and to everyone.
Tibetans believe the prayers are blown by the wind to spread the good will all around,
and thought to bring benefit to all.

Saffron Ice Cream