Tamarind Indian Cuisine

It’s Monday evening and I’m on location in the winter park area. I was craving Thai food at Siam Garden but found out as pull into the parking lot that they were closed. 😡 So I had to resort to plan B and hit something totally different and headed across the street to Tamarind Indian Restaurant - Winter Park, another chomping ground of mine. I haven’t been here in years. As I walked, I noticed they had revamped the decor. The place has a much more modern vibe to it. Mamun, the manager and server, brought out some flavorsome chutneys and papadam with cumin seeds which are my favorite. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to get a snap because I was a bit too hungry and forgot to take a snap. Would you believe it?! I ordered one prefer of the vegetable samosas. If you haven’t had these, then you must try them. Crispy triangle-shaped pastries filled with potatoes and peas. They are packed with herbs snd spices. Then to top it off with any of the three chutneys they provide. Delicious! Your eyes are going to roll back. I put all three chutneys with each bite. 🤷🏽‍♂️. That was enough to kick-start my palate. I ordered everything from the get-go. I didn’t bother to look at the menu. I have been doing this too long at Indian restaurants. I ordered a plate of Tandoori paneer. Beautiful chunks of marinated paneer cooked in the Tandoor then presented on a cast plate of bell peppers and onion. This was a non-veg item, but you know me, I’m bringing the bok bok to the sizzling cast iron with the Hara Masala Ki Kenab. Big chunks of marinated chicken breast in green herbs cooked in the tandoor then presented over cast iron of bell peppers and onions. Sizzle sizzle. Kind of like fajitas for Indian cuisine. Be careful the handle is hot and I’m not talking about the spice level😂 Eat these quick while they are soft and tender. Lastly, I ordered the chicken tikka Masala, chicken breast in yogurt, ginger, garlic & spices cooked in a clay oven, then simmered in a robust tomato-based sauce with heavy cream and fresh herbs. The flavor of this sauce is to die for. The sauce is excellent for dipping Naan bread in it. Speaking of naan bread, I got a few butter naans and one chili naan. Crisp brown edges and bubbly centers. Only if they packaged the naan bread and the Tikka masala sauce like little Caesar did with crazy bread and crazy sauce 😂 Win-Win!! Just when I was about to ask for the check, Mamun surprised me and brought me gulab jamun, one of my favorite desserts. Soft dough balls in e soaked in a syrup scented with green cardamom, saffron, rose water, and other spices. They were served warm. Great to share. Warning, they are very sweet. Put you into a diabetic coma. Do check this spot out. I had such a great dining experience. The service was fantastic. Mamun was very attentive to all the tables. Food, service and atmosphere made my trifecta. I am looking forward to coming back.