There would appear to be a demand for Indian Food that Curry Heights is not filling; when I had dinner on the opening night of GANDHI PALACE, the new Indian Restaurant in the former AMIN space, there were never less than five other tables occupied. The subdued lighting of it’s predecessor is gone, and the room is clearly lit and showing a new yellow paint scheme with minimal decoration on the walls.
Some previous threads have echoed the hope that this new establishment might offer something more exciting in Indian cuisine. Sadly, I must report that isn’t the case: Gandhi Palace’ menu and cooking style is no different than any local neighborhood Indian joint. There are the usual samosa and pakoras on the appetizer list, traditional breads and soups, chicken and fish tandooris, and curry dishes in the expected korma, vindaloo, navrata, swag and bhuna forms. That said, the food I tried was perfectly well prepared, reasonably spiced and served promptly. Prices are on par with Curry Heights, and they have a wine and beer list, although the “wine list” I was given (dog-eared and clearly from another Indian Restaurant) seem to have no relation to the bottles available.
At least once a week I take the train to Curry Hill for lunch, where one can find restaurants putting a modern twist on classic Indian cooking, or exploring more exotic culinary corners of the country. The opening of Catania and Oh! My Pasta shows that there’s room in BH for more than traditional Italian fare, and I’d like to think the same applied to Indian. Unfortunately, Gandhi Palace, while likely to be a reliable take-out spot, won’t be getting anyone to go out of their way for a meal.
