Haveli Indian Cuisine

Indian food is not a favorite dining choice for many of my friends and co-workers. Most of the time if I am craving this type of food I know I'll be dining alone. I've seen this restaurant a few times and today decided to try it.

When you walk in you are greeted with the aromas of mysterious special spices and fresh baked naan (flatbread cooked in a Tandoori Oven).

It's a little confusing when you get to the counter. You can see all the items they have available from their steam table, and even being experienced in this type of food I still had to ask what each item was. The women serving the food behind the counter were very friendly and happy to explain what was in each dish.


They have an "early bird" special, 4 items for only $7.50, as long as you can show up for lunch between 11am-12pm. Perfect for me as my stomach starts growling around 11 and I oftentimes jest that if I don't eat by 12 I may just pass out.

From the bottom to the top: basmati rice, salad, mixed fruit in mango sauce,
lamb curry, eggplant and potato, Tandoori chicken, and naan bread.

It's easy to get used to Indian buffets, they are cheap and the food is usually pretty good, not to mention all the variety. However, I would now choose Haveli over a buffet. Their lamb curry was spicier than most, and the lamb was mild and very tender (rare at most buffets). The eggplant and potato dish was also delicious, with the perfect amount of spiciness to flavor ratios. The Tandoori chicken was served with fresh cilantro, lemon, and onion, the meat fell off the bone but I found it a little salty for my taste.

I was skeptical of the fruit floating in the mango sauce, but in the end the bowl was empty and my palate was cleansed.

While I was dining I took an opportunity to review their regular menu. There was a vast selection of food options that you normally don't see. However, their prices looked higher than I would expect for the area. Unless their portions are huge, or you are craving something in particular, I would suggest the lunch special.

If you are in Dublin and you love Indian cuisine, you should visit Haveli.

Online:

http://www.haveliindiancuisine.com/

In person:

4582 Dublin Boulevard,
Dublin, CA 94568

Thai House and Yogurt Shack

Today I had the pleasure of sharing my dining experience with Barbara and Rob. We met in Danville, and chose Thai House. Thai House is one of those restaurants that is located inside a converted house. These types of place always amuse me, I don't know why, easily amused I guess. I also like shiny objects. We decided to sit on the patio, the weather was just warm enough, with a slight breeze and lots of shade.

Thai food was my first foray into ethnic cuisine way back in 2000. I've been really bad about eating just a couple of Thai dishes, either the Pad Thai, or the Spicy Basil Noodles with chicken. However, as I've been writing this blog, it's becoming more important for me to keep trying new flavors and new experiences. I've never had Thai curry, Rob and Barbara are seasoned veterans and suggested I try the Red Curry. Most Thai restaurants offer Red, Green, Yellow, and even Orange curry selections, each with a different flavor and spice level.

From left to right Pumpkin Curry, Yellow Curry, Red Curry.

When you are ready to order be prepared for the quiz. Our waiter asked us, what we wanted, with what meat, and on a scale of 1-4, how spicy would you like it. Barbara went with a 2, which was medium, Rob selected a 1 for mild, and I wasn't sure how hot the 4 would be so I settled with a 3.

They were out of "Sippy" cups, poor Rob.

Barbara enjoying her fantastic Thai Iced Tea.

We decided we would all sample a little bit of each curry. My red curry was only a number 3 but it packed some heat. Flavored with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, zucchini, green peas, and fresh basil. It was odd, it didn't burn my tongue, instead the spice hit me right in the back of the throat. After I took a bite I would cough, yes it was strange. The pumpkin curry had large chunks of fresh pumpkin (where do you get that this time of year anyways), shrimp, zucchini, and red bell peppers. The spice of the pumpkin curry was warm, it was like sitting in a spa that is set at 98 degrees. Rob's yellow curry was excellent as well, including potatoes, onions, and carrots in addition to the coconut milk and curry base.

Easy to find, fantastic service, reasonable prices and great food can be found at Thai House in Danville. You can find them online at:

http://www.thaihousedanville.net

Or in person at:

254 Rose Avenue
Danville, CA 94526

So after lunch Rob and I were still a little hungry. We were craving something sweet. I enlisted the help of my trusty iPhone. A quick map search later and we found out that we had to walk around the corner 364 feet to arrive at The Yogurt Shack.

If you have a pulse you probably know that frozen yogurt is gaining a lot of popularity these days. I've been to a few places now, and I've learned, grab the smallest cup and try not to fill it up. They charge by the ounce and it's very easy to over indulge without even trying.

Looks like a laundrymat!! There were a total of 10 flavors, I went with the Original Tart (my favorite), Golden Gate Chocolate (more brown then golden), and "Cake Batter".


These are all the toppings available. I usually stay away from the toppings. Aren't there enough calories in the yogurt? Ok, I will indulge in the Mochi (a soft Japanese rice cake) if they have it, this place didn't. Their yogurt was good, not the best I've had but I'd go back again. Friendly service and a great location.

You can visit them in Danville at:
290 Hartz Ave.