Likeliness to Return: 

 

THE BASICS: 

WHAT:  “Multi Regional” Indian, but I’m just calling it Fancy-Schmancy Indian

WHERE:  The booming strip of Culver (blvd) City.  2 doors down from Akasha (same people).

WHEN:  Weekday lunch & happy hour (4-7; drinks only) and dinner daily

 

THE DISH: 

WHAT TO KNOW:  Reading the menu was like trying to read another language.  Things sound scary and confusing and you may become nervous (or this could just be Val and I who grew up eating the same 5 meals every week:  spaghetti, pizza, pork & beans… you catch my drift here).  This place took my ordering anxiety to a whole new level because I couldn’t picture the dishes; but thankfully the staff couldn’t be any nicer and thorough on describing things which lead us to ordering their exact recs.  So kudos to them – you’re awesome!  Also, lucky for them; we couldn’t be any less picky.  And they don’t carry any mainstream alcohol brands, but if you say your drink brand of choice, they will find you the most similar; because you OBVI can’t not get a cocktail after scoping out that cocktail menu.

 

WHAT TO ORDER:  Whatever you do, DO NOT skip the Mississippi Masala Chicken Wings ($12).  They were BIG and fried crisp to perfection.  And they give you both a sweet and spicy sauce to go along with, that I couldn’t even choose which one I liked best.  Also, the Sevpuri Chaat ($6) was the perfect app to get for the table and start the flavor adventure.  From the menu I was completely clueless as to what was coming out with this; but they were pretty simple with smashed avocado on bite-sized crackers.  And then the goat in the Truck Stop Goat Curry ($16) was so tender it pretty much melted in your mouth (and there was enough for me to take some for lunch the next day — SCORE!).

 

WHAT TO SKIP:  I am pretty sure I could live off bread (OK you’d prob have to add some cheese and chocolate in the mix too) and naan is one of my favs, but their version of Turmeric Naan ($3) didn’t hit the spot for me.  But not eating naan at an Indian restaurant is like not eating chips and guac at a Mexican restaurant – it’s a serious crime, people.  I’ll try another one of the other ‘breads’ next time.

 

WHERE TO SIT:  Culver Blvd is pretty popping these days and the street has that city vibe, so depending on the day (not 1000 degrees like the last 3 months), I would sit outside on the front patio.  Also, if on a date, the chefs bar facing the kitchen is always a fun option and gives you more to talk about (especially if the convo is lacking).  I’m also super into crashing at the bar these days… hoping that the next Chris Hemsworth sits down next to me.

 

WHO TO BRING:  While the large menu can satisfy a wide range of eaters, I probably wouldn’t bring my picky, “everything upsets my stomach”, friend/family/lover.  The flavor and ingredient combinations are bold, so you’ll have the most fun with your “I’ll eat anything” companion.  So mini-story for a moment:  Val and I were at sushi months ago and there was this 10 year old boy sitting at the sushi bar ordering like a badass, saying things in Japanese and eating everything… he’d probably like it here.  So LA kids who grew up NOT eating the same 5 meals a week would have some fun and learn some things here too.

 

EDDR LIFE LESSON:  You never know unless you try.  Be open to stray away from your normal; you may surprise yourself and have a new normal.  I’ve come so far from those same 5 meals I ate growing up.

 

A² FINAL THOUGHT:  Although I have my go-to Indian spots where I get a huge plate that last 2 days for under $10 bucks (but that’s another review), I’m all for treating yo-self and fancy-ing it up every once in a while.  If this is your craving and you want to have a nice night out too; well this is the spot for that.

But goats are so cute, 

Alex

Sambar ↔ Menu  ↔ 9531 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90046 ↔ 310-558-8800