Haldi
Contributed By - Babu Raman K
Foreword: Haldi – naam hi kaafi hain! This new kid on the eatery block is making waves and that too the flavorful aromatic ones. When they say Follow the nose, it always knows they meant restaurants like Haldi. Don’t go by rumors, read below the honest confessions of a foodaholic.
I really dig for joints which are Chef owned. They know the stakes. One such joint in Phoenix, which opened up a few months ago, was “Haldi”. Four Chefs came together and started this restaurant Located close to the freeway 51 on Bell Road (32nd street and Bell), this place is in a very busy area. Lots of businesses and apartments, lot of our friends inhabit this area.. which means they do have a huge market potential.
Haldi which is the Indian terminology of Turmeric has been always giving positive value to us. Used by every Indian household, we are taught about the various good things that this does to us. It adds flavor, color and also has medicinal effects they say. Also believed to have an auspicious angle in our spiritual beliefs.
Coming back to this restaurant, the very first thing that impressed me was the smile on the face of the welcoming host. It’s a feel-good factor. Spacious and airy, well lighted, service provided with a warm smile.
Got a little overwhelmed with the enormous menu, lots was on offer, knowing me, you know I want to try everything that sounds good, in which case, I always ask them to give me the chefs favorite or that which is most selling.
I tried the mixed grill, Chettinad Chicken and the Gongura Goat. Recommended by Kumar, one of the four Chef Owners and host. See how it works, he welcomes, he cooks, he suggests, and he serves with a smile. He has a whole host of other people behind him to make sure the guests are comfortable.
Food was definitely of very good quality and portions were considerably good. Sizzling, hot and spicy is how I prefer my food, and I was not at all disappointed.
The mixed grill was good enough for at least three people, well marinated, flavorful and properly grilled. Chettinad chicken was tasty and the gravy was quite flavorful. But the most likeable item from my order was the Gongura Goat.
Gongura is a green leaf just like spinach but has a very flavorful sourness to it. This is abundantly used in the southern part of India in various ways, we make chutneys, we use it in Dals, we even make rice with this. Most of the families in Andhra Pradesh store it in powder form. I love the flavor of Gongura.
Goat was tender, well cooked, falling off the bone. Added to that was the mind blowing spicy and sour flavor of Gongura, I can keep describing and salivating for a long time, I would rather take you there and feed it. Come join me… yes, I am definitely going back for more. To try more dishes.
They also told me they have an elaborate service on their Buffet menu, specially on the weekends, sometimes they have Crab curry on the menu, I asked them to ping me when they do. I am a sucker for Crab curry. You wanna join, let me know.
They have opened a second joint in Surprise. Growth is always welcome right. And above all Chef Owned. See ya there. Oh did I mention there is a bowling alley right next door, and a movie theater across the street which screens Indian movies… Hint hint.. we can make it a whole day event.