The kids were invited to sleepovers the other night, so Brad and I took
advantage and went to one of our favorite Indian restaurants in Raleigh. Located in Raleigh’s Brier Creek shopping center, Azitra’s décor is upscale and sleek. The service has always been good whenever we have dined there, and the food is tasty, fresh and spiced to one’s preference – hot, medium or mild. Azitra offers a number of vegetarian/vegan selections and prices for all dinner entrees range from $11.00 to $22.00.

We ordered the Subz Samosas ($5.00) for our appetizer. These
turnovers (you get two per order) are filled with potatoes and pureed green peas – very nice. We also ordered the garlic naan ($4.00), which is topped with fresh garlic and herbs. This stuff rocks – it’s so addicting!

Brad had a Flying Horse Royal Lager ($8.00). I had a glass  of the 2009 Jean Pierre Bailly Sauvignon Blanc ($13.00), which was dry and  citrusy with a medium body. I got a good pour on the wine, and felt it paired well with my salmon entree.

For dinner, Brad had the Lamb Vindaloo (17.00). The lamb is marinated in garlic and vinegar and cooked in a tangy sauce. He always orders it hot – I usually get it medium. This is one of my favorite entrees at Azitra, and Brad enjoyed it.

I had the Salmon Makhni ($17.00). This dish consisted of chunks of salmon roasted in the tandoor and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. It was good – the salmon was flaky and the sauce had a great mixture of coconut and tomato flavors. However, when I am eating meat, I do prefer the dish that Brad ordered, mainly for the spice factor and the tenderness of the lamb.

I have read a number of mixed reviews about Azitra, some people love it, and others do not. Overall, we enjoy this restaurant for its ambience,  service and food. Maybe we are lucky and just keep hitting it at the right time, but as long as we do we’ll keep going back.

Ratings

• Price: Medium. Good food, great atmosphere!
• Service: 4.00. Consistently good on numerous visits.
• Food: 4.00. Everything I’ve had has been good – no missteps.
• Recommend: Yes.
• Kid friendly: Not sure. I don’t think my 9-year old twins would appreciate Indian cuisine at this point.

1= hater, 2=poor, 3=adequate, 4=above average, 5=superb

Eat, drink and be merry!