Chutney's Grille on the Hill, Capitol Hill, Seattle

The mister and I were in a wandering mood. How this mood took us 10 blocks uphill (with laptops in tow), I'll never know, but I am surely joyous that it did so.

After an iced-tea cool down at Victrola on 15th (a place we love, btw), the mister was getting hungry. We decided to head to Chutney's, which was the closest Indian food, and he had a hankering for some curry.

We have a soft-spot for Indian culture, and were curious how a chain restaurant could possible compare to Naan-N-Curry (our favorite!). Since Naan-N-Curry is Pakistani (northern) and Chutney's is southern cuisine, we knew the differences would be obvious...so we just stopped comparing.

The place looked a bit dead when we came in, and the air conditioning was too cold to sit inside (mental note for those HOT DAYS!), so we camped on their large outdoor patio. We were immediately greeted by the friendliest Nepalese (we found out later) man. When Joel said thank you in Hindi, we made an instant connection. How he loved talking about his life and culture and how Seattle was great because people still walk (he had just returned from culturally-rich Dallas, TX). After a while, more and more people trickled in...

Yeah, so we felt at home...
But the food? We wondered.

We ordered a Coconut Curry Stew with lamb to share (never, never order more than one entree for two at an Indian restaurant, or you will have to be rolled out of there), some basmati rice, and the regular naan. It was really good! I have no idea how we still spent just over $40. Wait, it was probably our two cocktails. :)

The evening was quite pleasant with our conversation, our server, and our food.

Bottom Line

Absolutely worth the walk, but probably try somewhere else if driving.

the secret snob

Naan & Curry, Renton

Sure, sure everyone loves Cedar's, but if you are a true snob and tired of the despotic host or the overcrowded bustle or of going somewhere hipster, head to Renton.



Every time we drive to Renton (our old stomping grounds) to snatch up the latest deals from Fry's, the mister and I must stop at our favorite Indian food restaurant, Naan-N-Curry. We have been to several Indian food restaurants in the Seattle area, but I swear this place puts crack into their curry because holy Brahma, we love the food here!



Though Naan-N-Curry is a chain restaurant (locations in San Francisco and other CA cities), the ambiance is so very comfortable and warm, but not so much due to the setting as to the people. It is owned and operated by a charming and friendly father/son duo. We let the father choose our entree for us the first time we went there and because of this, he always recognizes us. In fact, last year when it wasn't too busy, he gave us a fascinating tandoori demonstration.



It is always very hard to do so, but I suggest sharing. Order one item for two people (with plenty of Naan and basmati rice of course) or two for four. This will also help out with the bill, because this place can add up. It's usually a $50 date for two people if you both drink and have your own entree. We have tried almost everything on the menu, and still are constantly surprised and delighted at what we order. And please, American, please, branch out from ordering Chicken Tikka Masala (aka "butter chicken") and try the Haleem or the Handi or the my favorite, the Gobi or Bhindi Gosht.

Bottom Line

Best Indian Food the gods ever tasted.

the secret snob