A “Taste of Nepal”- a little spicy, nut done nicely!

*** Some like it hot, some would rather not! Over the years, in particular those where I was active on the Devon Northtown Chamber of Commerce, I enjoyed lots of Indian and Pakistani meals. I guess, over the years, I adjusted to the spice and the power. In recent months, Jane and I , along with other diners, have visited many Indian restaurants, finding many differences from the flavors that I have had in the past. Tonight we visited Evanston and the Taste of Nepal, a family owned dining spot in downtown Evanston that serves an authentic mix of traditional Nepalese, Himalayan and Indian dishes.

Bir, our host ( the owner) and our server,Athila, worked with us to ensure that we were able to savor many of the flavors from the enormous menu they offer. I will tell you that if you enjoy these flavors and can handle spice well, you will have the time of your life in this cozy spot. When you enter the door at 610 Davis Street, you will see a ramp, as you walk up the ramp, you will see the spacious dining room graced with a few TV sets and several paintings that have stories that go with the menu items. Ask your server- the answers are an added attraction.

Tonight was just Jane, Frank and me. We all enjoyed one of theLadis offered, the mango- wow! This is a beverage that is made with mango and yogurt. It is cool, thick and quite yummy. The many drinks they offer are non-alcoholic, which is fine, because we are far more interested in the flavors of the food and the dining experience.

Anyone who knows Jane, knows that the bread basket is one of her favorite starters and in Taste of Nepal, they have a quantity of baskets and breads (NAAN) as well as Paratha. We dipped in sauces while we waited for our dinner and then ate several types of Paraths and Naan with the entrees.

We began the meal or as I like to call them, experience with the veg samosa- a cone shaped pastry filled with green peas and mashed potatoes, served with indian spcies- quite flavorfull. We also had some Chatpate( a mix of crispy noodles puffed rice, spicy seasonings and fresh veggies. This is what one might call “STREET FOOD” and I must confess- quite spicy- Frank and I had no problems; Jane was out on this one.

We had a number of items as this is what I try to call a sampling of the menu, but in this case, we would have been in Evanston for days. We did enjoy several other items that I truly feel you need to know about, so let me talk about the Chicken Tikka- marinated chunks of boneless chicken breast in yogurt and roasted in tandoor. Very tasty and also available in Lamb, Paneer and fish). The Chili Fried Chicken Momo was amazing- stir fried with bell peppers, onions, red chiles ( adds the spice) and curry leaves and seasoned with cilantra- wow! An eye opener!

The Chichar Machhar is a Nepal dish made with sticky rice and fish curry cooke din a traditional fashion and while it has some kick, it was tasty. We also enjoyed the Aloo Tama Bodi- potatoes, bamboo shoots, black-eyed beans cooked in Nepalese spices with basmati rice and the chicken tikka Masala that is cooked in a tomato-based cream sauce.

A Taste of Nepal has a number of traditionsl Tandoor specialties and almost all of their chicken dishes can have substitutions of Paneer, shrimp or lamb. Speaking of lamb, we did do the Lamb Vindaloo- a tangy indian curry cooked with red chilles, sices, vinegar then braised with browned onions until tender. The flavor is sweet althought the results are hot. This was another winner for Frank and I.

I think I got it all down on paper. I know that I did in my tummy. I know they have a great deal more to offer, including some scrumptious deserts, so now that I know the way to A Taste of Nepal, I will return and try more of their flavors and spices. They are right in the heart of downtown Evanston at 610 Davis Street. There is metered parking along all the streets of Evanston, and it is a great place to walk around and see some of the specialty shops.

The Taste of Nepal is open from 11 a.m. every day (YES EVERY DAY), closing at 9:30 p.m. ( Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 10 p.m.)

for reservaions, call 847-475-0380

They deliver and of course offer take-out- to view menu www.tasteofnepalevanston.com