"I really hate doing this, giving but two stars but I feel compelled to share my thoughts. I recently had dinner here with my cousin. We are both well traveled and have a vast experience in worldly cuisine, me, 25+ years, my cousin who lived in the Middle East for 30 years but traveled all of Europe and Asia for work for close to 40 years.We are both residents of the Cove and were extremely thrilled when an Indian restaurant opened, because we love rich, full bodied, exotic dishes and next to Thai, we couldn't think of anything better for dinner.To start, a few suggestions. The fireplace, if it is a working one, you might consider moving seats away from it. God forbid some 12 year old, out to dinner with his of her parents, swings a hand back and gets burned on a hot shield.Next, the televisions. We came to enjoy a meal. Now, I understand some may wish to sit at the bar and watch a game, but with such an open space, they can be a distraction.The music....we were hoping for something a little more traditional. My favorite Italian restaurant typically has opera but can even play Louis Prima. The music selection and volume was far from relaxing, even when we asked for something a little more traditional the type of music was changed but still didn't add to the atmosphere.The service. I understand you were trying your best to make use feel as if we should want for nothing but it was over the top, too many visits to our table and by too many people. Seiously, we had 4 different people trying to serve us and at one point, 2 of them couldn't decide who would be serving us. With such a wide open venue, I couldn't understand the confusion. One could stand in a single corner and easily see every diner. Now, for our main course. I can tell you that my cousin was not impressed with her dinner but she can leave comments on that. Myself, I had the vindaloo and was very disappointed. I understand that similar dishes can be prepared differently depending upon which region they are from, much like the difference between mustard and or tomato based barbecue but I have never tasted a curry type dish with chili peppers that was so bland. It actually reminded me of jarred pasta sauce, like Ragu. I had to ask for some spices and was delivered a small bowl. I used nearly the entire contents just to give it some kick. I understand that the trend in America has been to dumb down recipes to accommodate the uneducated palate, to remove spices for those accustomed to low fat, no salt, gluten free, dairy free yada yada boring food, but, I am not one of those pansies. I like my food strong, bold and true to custom. If I order a traditional dish from Madagascar, Peru or Ireland, I fully expect to have it served in a traditional way and I will either appreciate it, learn to appreciate it, or realize, it just isn't for me.I wish you luck. You are in a fine location, filling the shoes of a well known establishment. I hope you take my criticism as I intended it. Maybe you are happy with what you have created but I can see room for improvement."
