Sunday, August 22, 2010

Review of Chandni



I gave Chandni Vegetarian Restaurant an overall score of 4.9, or 5 stars, based on the following 7 categories:
number of visits5 of 5, Norm.
price range5 of 5, Pocket change, less than $10.
family friendly?5 of 5, This reminds me of Sesame Street!
% menu vegan4 of 5, Hmm, what to have.
quality of service5 of 5, Like family
quality of food4 of 5, Happy toung
local mainstay?4 of 5, Sponsors local teams

Comments:
I lived less than a block away from Chandni Vegetarian Indian Restaurant for about 5 years, but never knew of its existence. It is a small retail space wedged between a cleaners and a hearing aide center; each with a bigger, and much less weathered sign. The interior suggests that the creators of the Simpsons may have taken inspiration from this place in dreaming up the aging, poorly lit, booth and mirror filled Moe’s Tavern. As you exit the dining area, down the hallway to the back, toward the restrooms, you’ll find that this place even has a full Indian bar with 2 bar stools taking up half of the hallway.
Once I finally found this place, the staff quickly learned our names since we showed up at their doorstep every other week or so. They are extremely friendly without being overburdensome. They have a full menu and the food is aromatic, tasty, and cooked to order meaning that if you want less oil, just tell them. Apart from their menu, they have a great, but limited selection, buffet for lunch; usually 3 items with 2 being vegan. They are rarely busy except for the day of the year that the buffet is free, celebrating a Hindi holiday. But, the free food day isn’t the best thing about Chandni. Unlike other Indian places in the area, the staff at Chandni understands exactly what a vegan is and is quick to point out the dishes that do not contain yogurt, milk, or cheese. I have full confidence in what they tell me and in what they serve me. I usually start with some papadum, hit the buffet a few times, and spice it all up until my eyes water. Oh, and get the naan because it is vegan and delicious.


Additional Info
Address: 1909 Wilshire Blvd, 90403
Area: Wilshire
Reviewed Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Ethnicity: Indian
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