Looking for Mutant Vindaloo

Matt M. wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> During my tenure in the Bay Area, and on subsequent trips back,
> I've spent much time looking for killer vindaloo comparable
> to the ones that seem commonplace in the UK. You know what
> I'm talking about - the Red Dwarf variety; so hot they can only
> be destroyed by mass quantities of lager, liters of water, and
> multiple orders of garlic Naan.
>
> In general, I've been unimpressed with the overall quality of
> Indian food in the BA. The prices are high and the spicing is
> way too mild. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Forget it. You just won't get it how you want it. I've been living here years, and tried every Indian restaurant form here to south bay it seems. They range from laughable to passable, and not one will cause you to break a sweat.

The best Indian food that I've had, but which isn't curry based, is at Viks in Alston Way in Berkeley. It's a chaat house, similar to the London ones like Diwana Bel Phoori.

As for vindaloo, make your own until you can get back to the UK and visit Brick Lane for a real bowel frenzy. I've got mine booked for August.

Gareth.

Matt M. wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>During my tenure in the Bay Area, and on subsequent trips back,
>I've spent much time looking for killer vindaloo comparable
>to the ones that seem commonplace in the UK. You know what
>I'm talking about - the Red Dwarf variety; so hot they can only
>be destroyed by mass quantities of lager, liters of water, and
>multiple orders of garlic Naan.
>
>In general, I've been unimpressed with the overall quality of
>Indian food in the BA. The prices are high and the spicing is
>way too mild. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
>
Good luck. I haven't found anything as hot as a vindaloo over here (never mind a Phal). There are a few reasonable Indian Restaurants around, but none has hot food.

Actually, that just gave me a thought. There's a hole-in-the-wall Indian place called Bombay (I think) in Berkeley at 8th and University.

The menu is limited, but the food is excellent - the chef obviously has a feel for the food - and the ingredients are always very fresh.

Next time I'm there I'll ask for a vindaloo and see if they oblige.