De Afghanan Kabob House

Speaking of exotic food...

The one I am about to mention may come as a surprise to some and as a shock to others. Surprise because the food is simply delicious and shock because the place is hard to find, kind of a hole in the wall. It was not easy for me to find that place the first time either, I drove past it a couple of times and missed it each time. Let's say it is in the same building where old Naaz cinema used to be (cross streets are Fremont Blvd. & Peralta).

I am talking about De Afghanan Kabob House in Fremont. It is "the place" for Afghan food, especially their Bolani. I ordered a Bolani Kachalu and now I find myself addicted to it. Bolani Kachalu comes stuffed with potatoes and is served with some sort of dressing that really compliments it (tastes like some kind of Greek yogurt). The Bolani is rather huge and can easily feed about 3 people. The mantra: "Good food at reasonable price." 

And let me give you this free bit of suggestion, "You will be better off ordering it carry-out."

Heritage of India & Rangoli Sweet Shop

“No one cooks like my mother,” “My mother is the best chef.” Sure sounds familiar. Ever wonder if the hidden secret is some special spice, a family recipe or something only the “Moms” know. Quite possible! But then, how come “My Mom’s” recipe tastes best to “Me” only (in general), because my friend’s expressions say otherwise. Well! I guess it’s all about love, and that’s the secret ingredient.
            
But what happens when “Mom” does not cook, Mexican, Italian, Indian, American, German, Euthopian, or something and anything but what she cooks the best. Guess it may be time to look for an authentic restaurant, especially when it comes to some exotic food or maybe something that’s all over the place and therefore finding the one that’s the best amongst them all. Can soon turn into a daunting yet pioneering urge to find “the one.” Just like looking for a needle in haystack. Maybe hard but not impossible… 

Let’s see, what comes to mind when you read – spicy food, long musical movies and Taj Mahal. I know Taj Mahal gave it away. Speaking of Indian food brings us to Heritage of India in Milpitas. Ah! Another small place located at an intersection corner that serves Indian curries and naan. Their lunch buffet is a good place to start.

Rangoli in Sunnyvale is definitely for those of you with a sweet tooth for Indian delicacies, and their samosas are definitely worth a try. A little to the higher end as far as prices are concerned but as they say, “no pain, no gain.”

La Victoria, San Jose

WOW! it's such a rare phenomenon these days to have people agree on something and actually stand up for it - unanimously. I have never had so many people agree to something at the same time, simultaneously, and with such spontaneity.

It all stared at our round table meeting where we, a bunch of food & leisure critics gathered to critique our pieces when one of us drew our attention to my blog's opening dedication to La Vic (I guess he was in a little disagreement on what calls for such an exclusive mention of La Vic, when we have some other burrito places around here in our immediate vicinity?) As for our immediate vicinity is concerned, lets keep it just at that, for now. I guess that person probably did not even get a chance to finish making his point, when my fellow critics unanimously and simultaneously went up in an awwwww!!!!! Felt as if they all took the comment a little personally (not really), but it felt so at the time. What a scene! On one hand we have this one person with an expression that said, “What just happened here?” and on the other hand we have a crowd up against one. And while everyone was in a state of “aww”!!! I was looking at this scene with a “hmm”!!!!! Wondering if we were discussing a burrito or national politics???

I am sure by the end of the day La Vic must have already added one new customer to their long list. It’s hard to resist the temptation to try out first hand something that motivates such vouching on a mass level. 

As for me, guess it goes without saying, "Birds of the same feather flock together"...

So, lets hear from the La Vic lovers out there…

Bay Area's ChitChaat Corners...

Yes! ChitChaat, you read it right. Chaat as in chat - just a twist to sound more food-like. I decided to start this blog to get your opinions, suggestions, recommendations and experiences about fashion, what's in and what's about or maybe just around the corner and the perfect place to talk about it all, the restaurants in and around the Bay Area. All the students out there know when I say that this is even more important when you are on a student budget, which may mean that resources may be restricted but in no way means that we restrict out flavor and taste. As far as restaurants are concerned, there is so much variety and variation available today, making it impossible to keep a track of it all but I sure would not want to miss out on the BEST. And I am sure my blog-mates would love that as well.

I guess, "Charity begins at home," so let me begin with introducing one of my all time favorite place to grab a quick bite on the go - La Victoria in San Jose CA. Their burritos are the BEST in town and their orange sauce steals the thunder. For all those who burn the midnight oil - this place is open till past mid-night and the prices don't call for any deficit measures on the student budget (nominal prices).  And their proximity to SJSU adds to the charm.

Ummmmm!!! Chatting and gossiping blend so well with food. Sooooo lets hear about your favorite restaurants here - in and around the Bay Area...