OPEN TuESDAYS THROuGH SuNDAYS FOR LuNCH (11:00AM–2:30PM) AND DINNER (5:00–9:30PM) Momos, Naan, and Chicken Tikka Masala the reviewers have ever eaten. Several other dishes were also cited as being outstanding as compared to other restaurants. Pasang grew up around her family’s restaurant business, which gave her the inspiration to open Tashi Delek. Her parents still own and operate a restaurant in Bhutan. Pasang and her partner found El Cerrito to be an excellent location to open Tashi Delek as it draws from so many communities. The modest-sized dining room seats approximately 50 guests. The interior is well-lighted by decorative lamps resembling huts that hang from the ceiling, and white table cloths cover the tables. A picture of the Dali Lama, and other Tibetan wall décor and statues tastefully adorn the dining room. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, yet is relaxed with an intimate, neighborly feel. My visit to Tashi Delek was a true culinary adventure, as I had not eaten Indian food in a very long time. Similarly, my guest was not very familiar with Indian cuisine, having only eaten it a few times in her life. We were the first dine-in guests to arrive on a Saturday evening when the restaurant opened at 5:00. Pasang greeted us warmly, seated us, and provided us with colorful menus covered with Tibetan embroidery. The menu includes a nice selection of starters, and approximately fifteen entrée selections, all of which are served with dal (lentil soup) and rice. Many selections are meatless choices, providing vegetarian clientele with many options to choose from. The remaining selections are made with beef, chicken, lamb, or fish. Several Rice and Noodle Soup choices round out the menu. There are also several side selections, including three types of Naan, as well as three traditional dessert choices. Tashi Delek also offers a variety of beverages. Alcoholic options include red and white wine selections, and numerous beer choices, including Flying Horse Indian Lager and Taj Mahal, both brewed in India. Nonalcoholic GARLIC ROSEMARY NAAN beverages include Chai, Spiced Ice Tea, Boecha (traditional Tibetan tea slightly salted), and a variety of sodas. Also available are two types of “Lassi” drinks, which are popular traditional, yogurt-based drinks from India. My guest ordered the Mango Lassi, and I opted for the Spiced Iced Tea, which Pasang told us is made with cinnamon and cardamom. Although unsweetened, my iced tea had a wonderfully spiced flavor which I found to be very refreshing. My friend did not particularly like the Mango Lassi; however, I tasted it and found it to be flavorful, but a bit like drinking thin fruit yogurt through a straw. It was difficult to know exactly what to order because so many of the items on the menu sounded delightful. We chose to start with Momos, which Pasang explained are similar to Chinese potstickers, but with different, traditionally prepared fillings. We ordered mixed Momos, two each of the lamb, beef, chicken and vegetarian dumplings. For my entrée, I chose the Tandoori Tikka, marinated chicken breast broiled in a tandoori oven. I first considered the Chicken Tikka Masala, tandoori chicken breast in a button mushroom cream sauce, which is one of the most popular entrée selections at Tashi Delek; however, I opted for an entrée without sauce. My guest ordered mildly spicy Saag Paneer, which is creamy spinach with homemade cheese. As we waited for our food to be served, several dinein parties joined us in the restaurant. Throughout the evening, we also observed that Tashi Delek also does a robust take-out business, as many customers came in to OWNER-PASANG LAMA
Contra Costa Marketplace - Dec 2014
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