Chowpatti

1035 S. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL
(About 1/2 block south of Central Ave.)

So last night, Son #1 was at band practice from 5-9, Son #2 at football practice 6-8, so we decided we'd go out to eat without them.

At around 4PM Mrs. F. came into my office and said, "Three words: Loaded Indian Nachos."

We haven't been to Chowpatti in about 5 years, before the original owner passed away. We know it's overpriced for Indian food, and on our past experiences the service had been glacial, but, hey, we've got an Entertainment Book coupon, and, well, Loaded Indian Nachos.

We were a little apprehensive when we couldn't find anyone to seat us, or even be aware we were there to seat ourselves as the sign suggested, but after that, the service was quite speedy. The menu is pretty much what I remember from years ago: a large, baffling array of worldwide meat-free food.

For starters, we ordered... wait for it... Loaded Indian Nachos:
Puri (wheat cracker, which always tastes a bit like Sun Chips to me), yoghurt, chutney, hot peppers, onion, tomato, cucumber, green mango, cilantro... heaven. We always end up fighting for the last spoonsful of sauce.

For the rest of the meal, we went relatively conservative: Spicy Masala Dosa (crepe filled with a bunch of different vegetables, topped with a very tasty lentil sauce/soup) -- this was intermittently very spicy. Malai Kofta, one of Mrs. F's favorites, had two large cheese dumplings, in an onion-based sauce. Nothing impressive, but tasty. Also an order of the fried puffy bread whose name I can never keep straight.

For desert, we splurged and forgot about low-carb, and had "Gulab Jumun a la mode." This was delicious: hot cheese balls and cold vanilla ice cream. Vanilla is a great addition to the flavors in Gulab Jumun.

Overall, very enjoyable. More money than we'd pay on Devon ($38 with tax, but who else serves something like the LIN's?), but we didn't have time to get to Devon either.

JoelF wrote:Overall, very enjoyable. More money than we'd pay on Devon ($38 with tax, but who else serves something like the LIN's?), but we didn't have time to get to Devon either.

Actually most of the chaat places on devon serve something very similar, they just call it by the more traditional name - papri chaat. Unfortunately most of them leave out the green mango.

usually goes for about $4

Joel,

Thanks for reminding me about Chowpatti. I was afraid you were going to say that it had changed. I love the menu, the tidiness of the place, the friendly service, not to mention the fact that their kitchen can handle so many different cuisines and and do each so well.

I need to get back there soon!

Kim

Kwe730 wrote:...I was afraid you were going to say that it had changed. I love the menu, the tidiness of the place, the friendly serviceKim

One of the reasons we hadn't been back there was because of the service. While they were certainly friendly, it could be forever to get an order taken or food delivered on past visits.

This time, if it were any faster, I'd say we were rushed. Definitely on their game last night.