It’s easy when you are frustrated to write about the failings of a restaurant, but difficult when they do a moderate to smashing job.  Yesterday I ate at Strada Cucina Italiana. As indicated by the name, it is an Italian establishment.  I ordered Bruschetta for a starter and a Caprino pizza.  The meal as a whole was not very exciting; there were highs and lows each moment lasting only seconds.  As such, it balanced out to an OK meal.  It was a distant second to the restaurant I set out to visit, Aagrah, also in Leopold square.  I have been there three times in the past week and it has been closed every time.  Poor timing and misinformation has kept me from some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten.  Tonight I got the chance.  I planned to go on the weekend, but leaving work on time presented me with the perfect opportunity to dine with the rest of the country.

 

Aagrah had already seated its early dinner crowd, so I sat alone at a table with occupancy for four.  It was just fine with me as I knew my appetite was substantial.  I ordered two appetizers, two cocktails and main course.  I think it amazes people when they see a woman who can hold her food and her liquor and still stand up after the meal.  The wait staff stared as I devoured dish after dish.

 

Upon completion of my meal, a waiter approached me to find out how I enjoyed the food and to boast on the restaurant.  He knew I was an easy target by the way I’d eaten.  He proceeded to tell me he lived in England, but his heart and he were Pakistani.  I listened as it was obvious he needed my ear.  His parents were both decease and his mother’s death had affected him greatly.  It happens to me all the time no worries; I get the life story in five minutes flat and without asking.  I am use to it now.  I was so satisfied with my meal I would have listened to him for hours and had another drink.

 

As we talked I marveled at his perfect diction.  Maybe it was obvious because he asked me where I was from.  When I told him the southern United States, he commented that my accent did it for him.  I was afraid to ask what.  I have stepped into that trap in the past and was glad tonight history didn’t repeat itself.

 

I haven’t commented much on the food at Aagrah because it speaks for itself.  There are no words…best Indian food I have ever had.

 

Bon appetite,