Step Away From the Holiday Hustle and Bustle at Ambadi Kebab & Grill
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
By Morris Gut
The original Ambadi Indian eatery on East Post Road in White Plains was opened by the Kalathara family of Bengal Tiger fame to highlight the street foods and cuisine of India.
Simson Kalathara’s Bengal Tiger was renowned throughout the area for its more sophisticated approach to regional Indian cuisine.
For the past seven years, Ambadi Kebab & Grill has been under the management of seasoned restaurateur Muhammad Alam, owner of Mughal Palace in Valhalla. It is a colorful beige and white, black and blue setting with attractive lighting, artwork and light wood-tiled floors. Multicolor crystal lights hang from the ceiling.
The menu features Halal-style regional Indian cuisine. Great starters and appetizers include Bombay chat (crispy flour tortillas garnished with chickpeas, yogurt, cilantro and spicy and sweet sauce); bhel puri, (a crunchy combination of assorted spiced crisps and potatoes mixed with sweet and spicy chutneys; samosa (a triangular pastry filled with potatoes, green peas and spices); tandoori wings, which are marinated in a mixture of garlic, ginger, herbs and yogurt and baked in the tandoori oven; and Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower tossed with peppers and onions in a flavorful ginger sauce). Lamb, chicken and vegetable Kati rolls are also available.
Tandoori and kebab plates include the classic chicken tandoori; chicken tikka (boneless pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices); Sheek kebab (minced lamb mixed with garlic, ginger and peppers roasted and wrapped around a skewer); and a hearty mixed tandoori grill. Biriyani, saffron-colored basmati rice fried with onions, cloves, cardamom and almonds flavored in vegetable oil, are offered with a choice of vegetables, chicken, lamb or goat.
An extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes includes sag paneer (cheese cubes in a spicy tomato spinach puree), mixed vegetable curry and Malai Kofta (vegetable dumplings cooked in a mild creamy cashew nut sauce).
Chicken, beef, goat and seafood entrees include the chicken makhani (boneless pieces of chicken tandoori cooked with butter, herbs and spices and coriander tomato sauce); lamb or goat rogan josh cooked in Kashmiri masala, paprika and garam masala with onion gravy; shrimp korma cooked in almond coconut milk sauce; Goat kadai (fresh goat meat stir-cooked with coriander, tomatoes, onions and traditional spices); beef vindaloo, cooked with potatoes in a hot vindaloo sauce; and classic shrimp curry.
There are tasty house-made Indian breads that are great for soaking up those delectable sauces. The garlic nan, onion kulcha and tandoori roti are favorites.
Three- and four-course prix fixe healthy lunch specials starting at $14.95 are available daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ambadi Kebab & Grill is located at 141 E. Post Rd. in White Plains. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Closed on Monday. Eat in or take out and catering available. Casual dress. Major credit cards accepted. Handicapped access. Municipal parking is available. Reservations suggested for larger groups.
Info: 914-686-2014 or 914-686-1746 or visit www.ambadiusa.com.
Reasonably Priced Seafood
Eastchester Fish Group is composed of the original 40-year-old retail fish market, Eastchester Fish Gourmet, a fine dining restaurant, and a new casual counter service and take-out spot called Go Fish.
We visited Go Fish one afternoon when our palates were in a seafood mode. It has a simple, yet innovative menu, a no-frills atmosphere and several tables for patrons to sit. Orders are taken at the counter. Special accolades to our friendly counter person.
I went for their big stuffed po’ boy with jumbo shrimp, tomato, shredded lettuce and spicy remoulade on a toasted roll. (There was a choice of oyster, too.) It was a mouthful. Took half home. My partner jumped on the popular fish and chips – fresh-cut cod bathed in a beer batter served with choice of hand-cut fries or crispy sweet potatoes with chipotle dipping sauce. They provided a fresh ample portion. It was a winner!
So, if you are in the mood for seafood and want to leave some money in your wallet, head to Go Fish.
Go Fish is located at 839 White Plains Rd. (Route 22) in Eastchester. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily specials. Casual dress. Municipal parking available.
Info: 914-725-3450 ext. 5 or visit www.eastchesterfish.com.
Mast Market Relocates to Bedford
The Mast brothers, who brought Mast Chocolates from Brooklyn to Westchester years ago, have expanded their product line and taken over a new space in Bedford. They lost their original Westchester facility in Mount Kisco because of fire last year.
They have expanded their “neighborhood organic” market line with artisanal pastries, breads, fruits and produce, house-roasted coffees, teas, signature chocolates and assorted condiments. At the counter there is a selection of sandwiches, artistic cakes and pie platters and pastries. The oversized croissants look tempting. The store manager is helpful with customers’ questions.
There is some indoor and seasonal outdoor seating. Order online and take-out. Mast also opened a store on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Mast Market Bedford is located at 1 Court Rd. in Bedford. Open seven days from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Info: 914-733-9020 or visit www.mastchocolate.com.
Zeppin Opens in Thornwood
John Kim and his team have opened Zeppin Ramen & Temaki in the Thornwood Town Center. The sprawling multi-section 120-seat eatery and bar serves offers an Asian fusion menu, including specialties such as temaki handrolls, donburi rice bowls and a selection of ramen. More on this establishment in the future.
Zeppin is located at 1008 Broadway in Thornwood. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Info: 914-400-0035 or visit www.zeppinramen.com.
Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591 or at gutreactions@optonline.net.
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