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Reviews
Glorifications & Executions of San Joaquin Eateries. |
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:: Reviews ::
My assignment is simple - breakfast, lunch or dinner for two, for no more than $20. This must include beverages (non-alcoholic), but not taxes or tip. I’m searching for true value for money in four categories:
Taste: 1(inedible) - 5 (finger-licking)
Fill Factor: 1 (feed me!) - 5 (shoot me!),
Service and Atmosphere: (+) good, (/) indifferent, (-) see comments
To keep things uncomplicated, the first two factors count for 50% of the total rating. Yes, you read it right. Service and ‘decor’ are pure fluff for this column, which makes sense if you think about it; if you’re not getting a decent portion of good food, does anything else matter? I will, however, subtract points if either adversely hinders one’s ability to enjoy said meal, whether rude, obnoxious behavior from service personnel, dubious (or worse!) standards of cleanliness, or something outrageous like fearing for one’s safety. |
Shahnawaz
Halal Tandori Restaurant
Reviewed by KLM
In an unassuming building next to Motel 6, on Stockton Avenue’s culinary universe, India and Pakistan reside together in palate harmony. Shahnawaz, a Halal restaurant, (Muslim kosher), Shahnawaz specializes in dishes native to the two countries, including Hyderabadi, the food of Southern India. Opening at the end of January, the restaurant's boxy interior is clean and well lit.
Quickly seated, a pitcher of water, glasses, and a salad of sliced onions and cucumbers were brought to the table, presumably to prepare our tastebuds for the myriad of spices to come. The menu’s an easy read: Vegetable Dishes ($3.95), Tandoori Dishes ($3.95-8.95), Shahnawaz Specialties ($2.95-5.95), Chicken and Meat Dishes ($5.95), and Rice, Tandoori Breads and Deserts ($0.50-5.95). With sharing in mind, we ordered Bhagare Baingan (Asian eggplant from the Hyderabadi region), Bhindi (cut okra in an aromatic gravy) and Aloo Palak (fresh spinach and potato). While Magaz Nihari, a Pakistani speciality of brain and beef shanks ($5.95), caught our attention, we went with the marinated whole tandori fish ($5.95) and Garlic/herb Nan bread ($1.50). Every dish was delightful: the fish, Tilapia, rubbed with dry, hot spices, and stuffed with onions and peppers, was easily de-boned, the Aloo Palak flavorful with a bite, and the mildly spiced okra a welcome relief from the heat. One could order a heaping platter of Basmati rice ($1.95) and a second Nan bread in lieu of a vegetable to make the meal more filling. Not that we had room.
Shahnawaz operates in Los Angeles, Milpitas, Toronto, New Jersey and Sacramento. A second restaurant in LA, and one in Fremont, are slated to open next month. Two things to note: it’s difficult getting into the parking lot if you’re heading West on Stockton, and the restaurant accepts cash and debit cards only.
The 6666 address spooked me, but my dining companion assured me that, with four digits, not three, we were safe from dark world forces. You are guaranteed, however, to feel the heat of those aromatic spices.
Our total: $19.30 w/out tax or tip. 3 vegetable dishes @ $3.95 each, whole fish $5.95, bread $1.50, free tea.
T: 4.0 FF: 3.5 S(/) A(/)
Shahnawaz
6666 Stockton Avenue, Sacramento (map)
(916) 427-1047
Tues. - Thurs: Lunch 11.30-2.30/Dinner 5.30-10.00p.m.
Fri. & Sat: Lunch 11.30-3.00/Dinner 5.30 - 10.30
Sunday brunch 11.30-3.30
Closed Monday
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