food + drink

> CAFE TANDOOR
For authentic Indian cuisine, this Cleveland Heights retreat is perfect

Cafe Tandoor

2096 S. Taylor Road
Cleveland Heights, OH
(216) 371-8500

Hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30AM-2PM; Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30PM-10PM, Sun 3PM-9PM

Located in Cleveland Heights, to the non-Cleveland native, Cafe Tandoor seems a bit out of the way. We struggled to find S. Taylor Road on our map, but once at the restaurant, we were glad we made the effort.

As friend Mara and I had to be in Akron for a concert at 8PM, we made reservations for and were promptly seated at 5:30PM when they opened and only one other couple was dining. I was a bit antsy when I read on the menu that some dishes could take an hour of preparation due to the cooking constraints of the clay oven. That said, we ordered a plethora of non-Tandoor traditional Indian dishes.

For appetizers, we ordered the Vegetarian Mixed Platter which included samosas and vegetable, onion, and paneer pakoras. Samosas are triangular pastries filled with potatoes, peas, cashews, raisins, and spices. Pakoras are battered with chick pea flour and spices. Both are typically deep fried to a golden brown. The appetizers were served with mint/yogurt and date/tamarind chutneys.

The menu includes a large selection of lamb, chicken, and seafood specialties. However, we both opted for spicy vegetarian dishes. Our main courses were brought to us on individual platters so that we could serve ourselves on plates brought warm from the kitchen. I ordered the Chana Pindi (chick peas sauteed with spices and tomatoes). Friend Mara ordered Navaratana Curry (mixed fresh vegetables, paneer and cashews in tomato curry). We shared Saffron Pillao (basmati rice steamed with spices and saffron threads) and Onion Kulcha (tradional nan bread stuffed with onion and spices). Portions were plentiful and spiced perfectly for our individual palates.

If you have time to spare, dining at Cafe Tandoor is a wondrous experience, but if you've places to be, it might be best to save Cafe Tandoor for another time. The restaurant itself is comfortable and nicely decorated. The young Indian staff is attentive, pleasant, and willing to spend time explaining various dishes. Ample parking is provided in a lot behind the building.

(Cecilia Taylor-Lane)