Steven C.
Yelp
I've spent a fair amount of time in India. I've spent a serious amount of time in some of the best Indian restaurants around the world. I never expected to be experience this caliber of restaurant in... Longmont? You've got to be kidding me.
I was only in Longmont for a few days. I don't know whether I'll ever return. Only foodies will understand the agony of discovering a superb restaurant that you may never visit again.
So yes, the offerings are what you'd expect at a great Indian restaurant. The butter chicken, garlic naan, tandoori chicken, papadam, rhoti, samosas, saag paneer that I tried were as good as anything that I've had in the finest restaurants in India. Truly delicious, served sizzling hot, and generously-sized. A truly delicious food experience.
But let me tell you what I will forever remember. Yes, the food was superb... but that's not the heart of it.
I was in Longmont for a celebration of life, to say goodbye to a dear friend. On my first evening there, I was seated alone at the bar. This gave me an opportunity to watch the serving team at work (uniformly crisp, attentive and warm). I overheard a few conversations with regulars--and I envied the regulars for being regulars there.
At some point, I mentioned the reason that I was in town. They were genuinely sympathetic. As usual, I overordered and was left with multiple boxes. As I was bagging them, my server brought a dessert that I hadn't ordered to me, saying gently, "I hope this might make your evening a little better."
I was utterly floored and deeply moved.
I was lucky enough to get just one more chance to eat there after my friend's celebration of life. I was struggling that night. It had been one of the hardest days I've ever had.
I got there just as they opened for the evening. When I walked in, I was again gobsmacked when one of the same servers asked, ever so gently, "How was the celebration of life? Are you okay?"
Yes, definitely go for the food. You will not be disappointed.
But if you're really lucky, you'll get to go back again and again and these young women will take care of your heart as well as your appetite. These are very special people. They make this restaurant utterly unique and priceless.