Thursday, 5 February 2009

I'll Buy You a Kabab

If Nicolson St. is College Ave., then Kabab Mahal is Naan 'n' Curry. In between classes today, I ventured into a small, crowded restaurant in Nicolson Square. The place is called Kabab Mahal, so how could I pass it up? Those of you who know Naan n Curry in Berkeley, be happy for me, for I have just come across its sister eatery in Edinburgh. The places are remarkably similar in style. Unfortunately, KM doesn't feature any hanging paper ornaments or Indian hip-hop.

Because there is limited seating and the place was pretty full, I decided to squeeze into a table at which a middle-aged Scottish couple were already enjoying their curry. You'll have to trust me when I say that this maneuver was not entirely inappropriate given the crowd and the seating arrangement. So, having ordered some chicken dhal and a piece of naan, I cozied up next to the male component of this couple and was prepared to mind my own business. However, to my surprise and enjoyment, the couple was extremely willing to chat and we ended up having a really nice time. They very much reminded me of my parents, and it was a real treat to sit with them. They like Kabab Mahal so much that they drive into Edinburgh from 10 miles away just to have lunch at this place (sound familiar?).

So, I'm really glad that I found a cheap, most excellent, laid-back, friendly, convenient place to get Indian food. One of my top goals for this semester has been fulfilled, and will continue to be fulfilled every Thursday between classes until I am filled full.

In other news... Last night, Jim, Hanif, and I walked up to Jekyll and Hydes (a bar just north of princes st.) and indulged in their "seven deadly sins" cocktails that Tommy and aunt Amy had enjoyed when they were in town in 2004 (right?). I got "pride" and "envy", and my friends each got "wrath" and "sloth". They were ultra good. One fun feature of this bar is its hidden bathroom doors. I guess the toilet is meant to be like the secret hideout, so its doors look like bookshelves (see photo). You actually have to guess which one is for men. It's the one on the right.

3 comments:

  1. I'm so happy for you! WE had Nan the other night and we missed you. Loved the photo of the bookshelves/loo fake out. Youtube Alisdair Fraser and Natalie Hass (Haas?).. Dad and I are going to hear them at the Freight (and Salvage) next wk. Lovely music! any local music for you to enjoy there?

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  2. I'm just jealous of you. I've been in SD for going on 5 years and I still haven't found a good Indian food place. I need to find a place with more culture... I also need to find a job. dang.

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  3. Billy is one pathetic loser.

    I think the best deadly sin drink is gluttony, but I can't remember.

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