If you enjoy Indian cuisine, you must pay a visit to the best Indian restaurant I’ve been to in Orange County called Tamarind of London!
It’s been said that some of the best Indian restaurants are in London. Well, you’re in luck! We have in our own back yard, or more appropriately along Crystal Cove, a fine Indian restaurant that has made its way here from London.
As you enter Tamarind of London, you are welcomed by an array of dark woods accented with rich red accents, under which can be seen the creative engine behind the plated glass. The kitchen!
Tamarind of London is a place of respite from our crazy busy lives. A time to relax and enjoy life. The smells of wonderful spices mingled with the open air bar with that sea breeze coming in is truly a moment in time. Outside the bar area they accent the patio with fire bowls to add that extra touch of ambiance.
My father, sister and I graciously were able to give the Father’s Day menu a test drive.
We were blown away! To say the food was delicious would be an understatement. Mark the Chef is a mastermind and the service was nothing short of fantastic.
I started down the run way with the Aloo Tikki & Masala Aloo, which is a grilled potato cake mixed with various spices. The potato cakes came in a sauce made of cumin and ginger and were magnificent. It was hard not to devour this appetizer too quickly.
I also selected the house Cabernet Sauvignon to go with it which was a delicious pairing with the potato cakes.
My father ordered the Lassen Jhinga / Tandoori Grilled Prawns, which is served with a tasty garlic and nigelia seed marinade and basil salad. Fantastic!
Next, building upon the momentum down the tarmac, I ordered the Dakshini Macchi/Coconut Fish Curry, which came in a ginger and coconut milk sauce. The fish was sea bass served soft and flakey and cooked to perfection and had a wonderful blend of mild spiciness and sweetness from the coconut milk.
Of course with this dish came two kinds of their naan bread, with and without garlic. I couldn’t get enough of that garlic!
The main course came with Dal Makhni/black lentils along with Palak Paneer/spinach and cottage cheese. Lift off experience! Needless to say it was a naan dipping frenzy.
As my father and sister where attempting to attack my dish, I was after their equally amazing dishes – the Chicken Tikki Masala and the vegetarian dish, Subzi Kofta/Vegetable Dumplings.
My father and sister rounded out the evening by ordering the Lamb Seekh Kabob / Tandoori Lamb for all of us to share.
Upon completion of the main course, I was beyond full. The portions are large and in charge, but I wasn’t going to turn down the finale – a Chocolate Samosa. You will never have one this decadent and tasty, si magnafic!
For those that haven’t had a samosa before, this desert is a pastry triangle filled with warm white chocolate, dark chocolate and walnuts. Served with a trio of sauces, caramel, more chocolate and a berry jam, need I say more? The samosas come paired with a sweet Malai Lassi shot – a refreshing milk based drink, whipped with a hint of mint to it. Pair this with a cup of coffee and now you’re zooming through the clouds!
It’s now been a few days since my experience at Tamarind of London, and I’m still thinking of that three-course meal.
Tamarind of London is the best place in town to take your dad this Father’s Day!
To learn more about Tamarind of London visit www.tamarindoflondon.com.
Happy Father’s Day!
Mr. SoCal Field Trips
Disclosure: SoCal Field Trips was invited to dine at Tamarind of London to help facilitate this post. All points of view are our own.