The Weber
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Jewel of India
Yard House
Shipwreck Landing North
Strings
Modis
Bagali’s
Mary’s Lake Lodge
Cinzzetti’s
Jing

Famous Dave’s

Sushi Matsuri

Small bites

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I’ve been asking around and have discovered a lot of people have never tried Indian food. “Are you Crazy!?” is my inevitable reply. Indian food is filled with flavor and is such a welcome change from the burger scene. There appears to be two stumbling blocks, both very solvable.

The first concern people have about Indian food is what to order. Mexican food, for example, is such a common part of the American diet you know you can find several items you’ll like. The second problem is concern that the food will be so spicy-hot our bland American tongue will be burned beyond repair.

Fortunately the chef at Jewel of India has mastered mixing his spices for a variety of palates. You will still taste the richness of the food, but at a heat index that can still be pleasant.

For my review I brought my friend Marvin who has eaten Indian food all over Denver and several regions in India as well. Jewel of India is one of his favorites for the consistency of the kitchen. There’s nothing more disappointing (unless it’s the size of your tax refund) than bragging how incredible a favorite restaurant is, bringing a friend, and then the kitchen has an off night. You’ll have a great meal every time at Jewel of India.

Indian food is so good I like to skip the appetizer to save room for the main course(s). But if this is your first taste of Indian you may want to try Jewel of India’s “Assorted Platter” (only $6.95) or pick just one appetizer. A safe bet is the Vegetable Samosa ($3.50); conceptually it’s like a pierogi but deep fried, and although mild, more flavorful than its bland cousin. Kids will like Chicken Pakora ($4.95) – apparently “pakora” does or could mean “finger” – this is their version of a chicken finger.

So here’s a simple rule for choosing your entrée: if the menu item you’re considering has the word “tandoori”, “korma”, “ticca masala” or “rogan josh” in it, you’re probably going to love it. Now just put your favorite meat in front of the name, as in “chicken tandoori”.
Picking a favorite is difficult but I’d have to go with the Lamb Rogan Josh ($12.95). The lamb is tender and served in a traditional curry sauce. It’s rich in the sense that your taste buds will have a party, not in the sense that your heart may soon stop beating. I also love their Chicken Ticca Masala. As with most restaurants the sauces make a dish stand out; the balanced blend of spices, tomato and cream sauce make this dish a consistent winner.

Jewel of India offers 19 vegetarian dishes. I know people who believe they could live solely on Saag Paneer ($10.95), a brilliant blend of spinach, mild cheese chunks added primarily for visual interest, cream and spices. The Vegetable Korma ($9.95) is a little sweet, with vegetables served in a cream sauce with almonds and spices.

For desert, I tried the rice pudding, called Kheer ($3.50) and Gajjar Halwa ($3.50), a, believe it or not, carrot pudding made with raisins and almonds. Both are a delicious ending to a satisfying meal. Also try the Mango Lassi ($3.50) or Masala Chai. Lassi is a yogurt based drink with your favorite fruit added: much better than it sounds. The chai is similar to what you’ve had at Moonducks© but less sweet and heavy – a very nice way to linger over a conversation you didn’t want to end.
Located at 10343 Blvd, Unit P, Westminster. Phone: 303/469-7779 Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Daily lunch buffet available to sample and discover your personal favorites available for only $7.95 – a phenomenal value.

More information is available at: http://www.jewellofindia.com/index.php

Revisited 2010