Gateway to India

Chili Paneer
Chicken Tikka Masala
Lachha Paratha
Mango Chutney
Tamarind Chutney
Hot Indian Pickle
Raita
Ras Malai

Our Protagonist had heard many great things about Gateway to India, so he ventured to find out for himself, with the assistance of two dining partners, regulars, as it were.  The appetizer of Chili Paneer, stir-fried Indian cottage cheese flavored with ginger and garlic, and tossed with both sweet and chili peppers was a very interesting first course, from both a texture and flavor standpoint; they were a standout of the meal.  The Chicken Tikka Masala, a boneless chicken marinated and cooked in a tandoor oven and sauteed with a tomato-based sauce was extremely flavorful, if a bit creamy by the end.  Our Protagonist still looks back fondly on the great spices in this dish.  The Lachha Paratha, layered and grilled whole wheat bread had some interesting dipping sauces to go with, most notably the Mango Chutney.  Tamarind Chutney, on the other hand, which was also the accompaniment for the Paneer, was more of a liquid sauce than a chutney, so it didn't add any texture to the simple crispy bread.  Hot Indian Pickle, described as "assorted vegetables picked in a traditional Indian way, flavored by special herbs and exotic oils," was also a fun dish as there were several kinds of veggies in the little ramekin.  Raita, made from grated cucumber and salty yogurt provided a nice contrast from some of the spicier dishes.  On to the desserts; the Ras Malai, delicate patties of shaped Indian cottage cheese, soaked in thick saffron flavored milk, was the perfect exotic end to this cuisine Our Protagonist has barely scratched the surface of.  The food was quite lovely all around, but the service, well, was quite lacking.  If one isn't in a hurry and can get something from the bar quickly to take the "edge" off, then a great time will be assured.  Just keep drinking the wine as the servers make mistakes, and you'll become much more forgiving.  Too bad they forgot to even bring Our Protagonist his wine, and then charged him, anyway.

Gateway to India
1960 Hillview St
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-364-4777