Utsav

By Annabelle Goodman –

Utsav
69 Yorkville Ave
416  961 8349

We had just seen a film about the history of India. We were starving and ready to discuss the complicated film over a fine dinner. Utsav was the answer. I have enjoyed this elegant little dining spot on several occasions. The service is always friendly and most efficient. The Indian food is spectacular.

The Fish Tikka offered large cubes of marinated salmon grilled to perfection in the clay oven.($11.95) It is listed as an appetizer but I found it to be a very generous portion. The salmon was moist and so flavorful. I could eat that specialty every day and never get tired of it.

When indulging in Indian cuisine Sag Paneer is one of my favorite dishes. Chunks of freshly homemade cheese are smothered in seasoned tempered spinach.($9.95) The spinach is smooth and creamy with a little tang from some exotic spices. Fantastic

Aloo Gobi is a cauliflower and potato dish cooked with freshly ground spices and tomatoes.($9.95) We added some steamed rice to our order. I don’t know how we finished it all but everything was absolutely delicious.

In the past I have enjoyed the Vegetable Pakoras. An assortment of vegetables is coated with garbanzo batter and fried.($4.75) They are great as an appetizer. Take an order home to serve with drinks. Your guests will thank you

Shrimp Vindaloo is prepared with shrimps cooked in fiery red hot spices.($15.95) Don’t worry about the heat of the spices. It can always be adjusted to your palate.

Meat lovers may choose from many of the lamb suggestions. Lamb Madrasi is prepared with tender pieces of lamb cooked in spicy coconut curry sauce.($13.95)

An order of Roti is always in order. The Indian bread is freshly baked. Tandoori Roti is prepared with whole wheat and baked in the clay oven.($1.95)

Complete lunch specials include an entrée with salad, rice and nan bread for only $8.75. What a deal!

Save room for dessert. On this evening every table seemed to be enjoying the Kheer.($3.95) Rice is cooked with milk and sugar and flavored with cardamom. The Gulab Jamun is the tasty condensed milk balls in sugary syrup.($3.95)

Utsav does a large take out business. I like the friendly charming atmosphere and the fine service when dining at Utsav. It is great to know that every time I come I am guaranteed an exquisite Indian feast.