Rangoli India Restaurant (San Jose)

I dedicate this restaurant review to my buddy, Spencer. This is because he gives me grief about reviewing places that aren't in Santa Cruz... "It's in the name of your blog!". Well, I believe if I come across some news-worthy food, I will write it up. Location, smo-cation! So there.

Rangoli web site

After seeing this movie, (which was very good if you're a foodie by the way), I wanted to sedate my cravings. I quickly scouted the area on my cellphone and found Rangoli. It was in a strip mall at Camden & Union, which can be a bad sign, but it had some good reviews. Let's see how it does...

Walking in, we noticed the place was dark and sparse of furniture. There was a big entryway and the seating area was around back. Interesting. We were seated at a table that had a tiny, little candle. With barely any light, we couldn't make out the menu! Thank goodness for the flashlight on the cellphone.

The reviews raved about this appetizer, Crispy Honey Indo-Chinese Cauliflower ($6) and it was amazing. Like, drop everything and order this immediately. It looks like something off a Chinese menu, but had some Indian spices. Not too hot, as the honey gave it equal sweetness. These crunchy bits of cauliflower are sooooo worth the drive.

My guest hadn't had a lot of Indian food, so we decided to go with the greatest hits - Shai Paneer ($13, soft cheese cubes in gravy), Chicken Tikki Masala ($14) and Chicken Vindaloo ($14). The waiter asked how spicy we wanted them and we replied "medium". The couple across from us warned us that their medium was more like hot. Better get some Garlic Naan ($3) to go with it!

So the entrees were on the hottish side, but were mellowed by the rice (included) and naan. The garlic on the naan was plentiful, but not over-powering. The Vindaloo was too much, but the Paneer and Marsala were perfect. Each had wonderful flavors and were abundant in their cool containers.

We ended up packing up the Vindaloo for my brother later that night. He likes it spicy! I would hate to see what this place's version of "hot" was. Big ups for the appetizer, but some knocks against for the cavern-like interior and volcanic Vindaloo.

Scores out of 10:
Food: 6
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 6
Value for price: 6
Overall: 6 (plus .5 for the Cauliflower!) = 6.5

El Palomar Downtown

I asked my daughter where she wanted to go for dinner to celebrate the first day of the school year. It's always tough on the first day after a fun-filled, goof-off summer... El Palomar downtown was the choice, so away we go!

El Palomar

We had been coming to El Palomar for many years and consider it one of the best Mexican places in town. And we have our favorites. For Kelly, it's all about the chips, served warm with their tomato-based, spicy salsa (but not too spicy). They also like to stack the bowls for a Death Star of tortilla chips.

Kelly's other favorite food here is their Cheese Quesadilla ($8). Complete with tomatilla salsa, salsa fresca, guacamole and sour cream, you can't go wrong with this dish. Along with an extra generous side of rice, the offspring was very happy.

For me, the dish that "is" El Palomar is their sope ($13). You get two puffed-up corn tortillas filled with either meat or guac, cabbage, salsa and topped with sour cream. Major yum! I love crunching through the sides, digging for the delicious treasures inside. Along with rice and beans, I can't not order this! (Please pardon my poor, emotional-filled grammar...) I got one chicken and one guac.

Our server was friendly and attentive. Our waters were filled continuously. Our meal was perfect. The Palomar main room has a nice, tall ceiling and the place is pleasantly decorated. The cantina next door is a fun place for happy hour and appetizers. It's no wonder this place is a downtown favorite. Ole!

Scores out of 10:
Food: 8
Service: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Value for price: 8
Overall: A solid OCHO