Omnivore - Hello, thali: lunch at Cardamom Hill
The new restaurant has its liquor license
I had a great lunch with two friends today at Cardamom Hill. The restaurant, after a somewhat bumpy opening, is operating smoothly now, has a liquor license and is attracting crowds at night. (Get a reservation.)
Lunch continues to offer three thalis — one for vegetarians, two for meat eaters. I tried the beef curry (right), seasoned with ginger and cinnamon. It was served, like the other two, with a curry of roasted black-eyed peas, green lentils and plantains, plus rice with spinach and sweet potatoes. A small, fruity salad rounded out the meal.
One of my friends ordered the same beef dish, while the other feasted on the Kerala-style fried chicken — probably chef/owner Asha Gomez’s best known dish.
We finished with a custard based on coconut milk, topped with shattered papadam. That’s creamy, crunchy, sweet and slightly acidic all in one bowl. Do not miss it.