Saturday's Sampling 07.29

This week's sampling took Spider and myself to an Indian restuarant in the Dr. Phillips area called "Memories of India." Our schedules of late have put our Saturday's Sampling on hold. Even after a hectic week for me this week, I was determined to get out of the house and away from work.

Looking at the place from the outside, it didn't appear to be anything more than a mom and pop place conveniently placed in Bayhill Plaza. We both realized it was a little more when we noticed the door handle. (See below)

Upon entering, it was obvious this place was known to many of the locals. There were about 20 tables and about half were full. And more surprisingly, there were more Indian people than American people. It told Spider and myself it must be pretty good if it kept the native people coming back.


Upon Ramandi seating us, he handed us our menus and took our drink order. A cute Indian boy of 23ish. Very personable, very polite. I commented to Spider that I never thought Indian men were attractive, but, my opinion was changing very quickly. The menu, a little overwhelming. Pages and pages of authentic Indian food. We were lost!!

We started our experience with "Tandoori Shrimp." This appetizer consisted of marinated shrimp flavored with spices and cooked in a clay oven. The obvious spice was curry. It was light, not a heavy curry flavor. The shrimp were large and plump and melted in your mouth.


After a half hour of going through the menu, Spider decided to go for the gusto and order the "Bombay House Mixed Grill." This was an assortment of Tandoori chicken, lamb, shrimp, and chicken tikka. His mixed grill came out still sizzling. The arrangement of meat smelled like a potpourri of many different spices. The meal was accompanied by freshly baked garlic nan. Nan is a type of bread. And boy, did it reek of garlic (yumm). The selections of meat were incredible. The chicken tikka was moist and flavorful, the lamb melted in your mouth and the shrimp were what we sampled for our appetizer so there was no doubt that would be wonderful. We were both disappointed in the Tandoori chicken as it was dry. Kind of surprising since the chicken tikka was so moist and tender.

I went with the Palak Ghoskt. It consisted of cubes of lamb cooked in a rich, creamy spinach gravy. Since I LOVE creamed spinach, I kept eyeing that choice. And I am glad I did. The spinach was creamy, like no other creamed spinach I have ever had before. The flavor was rich, but not so heavy that it would upset your stomach. Both of our meals were served with rice and a peanut/curry sauce. Again, rich and delightful. During the meal, we spoke to Ramandi about the food, the restaurant, and the fact it was the first time we both visited. He was kind enough to offer us a free desert, homemade mango ice cream. The mango flavor was subtle, yet creamy. It was obvious the ice cream was homemade.
This was an authentic Indian restaurant with a lot of character and charm. The place was busier than I would have thought, filled with many locals and returning visitors. Spider and I both agreed it is not a place we would visit on a regular basis, but it's a great first date restaurant or a restaurant to bring out of town guests who would like to experience something other than a chain. Memories of India is located at 7602 Turkey Lake Rd in the Bayhill Plaza just north of Sand Lake Rd. (for you locals, the K-Mart Plaza where Publix use to be). For those outta-towners, a great off the beaten path restaurant if you want to experience something more than the plethora of chains along the I-Drive corridor.