Ajanta Restaurant-Berkeley
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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Ajanta
on popular Solano Avenue in Berkeley has been open for almost
twenty years serving amazing Indian Cuisine. They have also been
a Green certified business since 2004. The colorful yet serene
atmosphere includes décor that features large bold Indian
Art inspired by the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra India and light
Indian background music. There is a low noise level, as the tables
are nicely spaced and the interesting ceiling art lighting defuses
the sounds. The cuisine is healthier and lighter than most Indian
Cuisine, as they use locally sourced and mostly organic seasonally
fresh and natural ingredients including organic chicken, natural
seafood, as well as hormone and antibiotic-free meats. We ordered
Taj Mahal Indian Beer which had a rich malt flavor as we looked
at the menu. We enjoyed chatting with Chef/Owner Lachu
Moorjani who offered some suggestions on what we should
have from their new enhanced menu.
We
really enjoyed all of our Appetizers. The Salmon Tikki Fish
Cakes made with fresh wild salmon, potatoes, breadcrumbs,
and spices was served with yogurt- mint-cilantro sauce.
The
Tandoori Fresh Dayboat Scallops were marinated in yogurt
and spices then roasted in their Tandoor Oven and served with
yogurt-cashew-tamarind sauce. The Tandoori Portabello Mushrooms
which were marinated and grilled tasted fabulous because of the
cloves and spices.
We
also loved the Tandoori Chicken Chaat which was chicken
pieces marinated then grilled in the tandoor oven, shredded then
tossed with oil, lime juice, red onions, ginger and spices. It
was very distinctive. The Daal Soup is a must! This lentil based
soup made with mung beans was just delicious and very nurturing.
As we enjoyed our appetizers, we loved the aromas from the spices
in the sizzling dishes, as they were headed for nearby tables.
It was really fun watching what our neighbors were being served.
It
was time for the Entrees and we noted that all Dinners are served
with Basmati rice and a side dish of spinach and potatoes. We
ordered Onion Kulcha which we were advised was traditionally eaten
with the entrées. It was a fabulous house made Naan Bread
stuffed with onions and served with mango chutney, pickled carrots
and hot pickles. We opted to try some of the new menu items that
were just added, as well as some favorites that have been on the
menu since they opened. We loved the Marzwangan Korma boneless
leg of lamb braised with pureed red bell peppers served with tamarind,
ginger, cream, and spices including paprika, cardamom and cloves
which is a dish from Kashmir in Northern India. The Hyderadadi
Murg Korma boneless organic chicken pieces simmered in a sauce
made with onions, garlic, coconut milk, lemon juice, cashews,
yogurt, sesame seeds and spices from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
in Southern India was also delicious. We also loved the Green
Fish Curry made with Ling Cod fillet pieces simmered in sauce
made with cilantro, mint, onions, garlic, green chilies, coconut
milk garlic, cashew powder, lime juice and spices which was served
medium hot. The Badal Jaam sliced organic eggplant which is pan
fried, brushed with homemade tomato sauce, spiced with mango powder
and black rock salt, and served with a thickened yogurt sauce
topping was also excellent.
You
must have the Lamb Rib Chops which are marinated in yogurt
and spices then grilled in tandoor. Regulars consider this very
popular dish to be the best choice on the entire menu and we agree
that it was excellent. The Saag Paneer pureed organic spinach
with paneer cheese cubes cooked with spices was delicious as well.
.
The wine list features wines from India, California and around
the world. We enjoyed the 2008 Sula Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc,
Nashik, the 2008 Sula Vineyards Chenin Blanc, Maharashtra which
were light wines from India and the 2010 Villa Maria Sauvignon
Blanc Marlborough which was light and lively from New Zealand.
These lighter wines paired well with the Indian Spices. The 2007
Cotes du Rhone Rouge, M. Chapoutier, Belleruse from France paired
perfectly with the Lamb Rib Chop.
We
saved room for Desserts. Our favorites were the Mango Mousse made
with pureed mangoes, cream and gelatin and the Kulfi which is
a frozen dessert made with thickened milk, cream, pistachios and
flavored cardamon and keora. We finished our dinner with Masala
Chai Indian Tea served with milk and a touch of spices and a Peet's
Coffee. The Tea was particularly enjoyable because it wasn't sweet,
which is just how we like it.
Ajanta
has been named Best Indian Restaurant in the Bay Area multiple
times and continues to add new menu selections to evolve. We enjoyed
our dinner and were motivated to try to create some Indian dishes
at home so we purchased the Ajanta Regional Feasts of India Cookbook
and Shanti's Spice Box which includes 30 pre-portioned packets
of spices.
This
will be fun! Ajanta is open for Lunch and Dinner nightly and offers
Late Bird Specials after 8:30 PM. This was such an enjoyable dining
experience and we look forward to returning again very soon!
Ajanta
Restaurant-Berkeley
1888 Solano Ave
Berkeley, CA. 94707
510-526-4373
www.AjantaRestaurant.com
