Prince Indian Grill - One-Stop Shop for Quick Indian Food

A few months ago, I shared news about a new Indian fast food joint that was replacing the old Haddad's space on 31st Street near Ditmars Blvd. Well it's officially open for business, so I walked in, grabbed a menu and took in their surroundings.

Although I can't say much in terms of ambiance - it's a no-frills fast-food joint - however the food offering seems promising.  Here's a sampling of the menu in case you're thinking it over and feel inclined to try it:

Appetizers:
Veggie samosa (2 pieces) - Crispy triangle pastry filled with assorted veggies...$2.95
Paneer Pakora (4 pieces) - Homemade cheese stuffed with fresh mint sauce and deep fried...$4.95
Bhelpoori - Mixture of crisps with potatoes, onions, tomatoes and tamarind sauce...$3.95
Prince Non-Veg Platter - Chicken tikka, lamb tikka, chicken leg and chicken pakora...$8.95

Tandoor Specialties:
Tandoori Chicken - Marinated in yogurt and light spices cooked in a clay oven...$6.95 (half), $11.95 (full)
Lamb Kabab - Ground lamb cooked with light spices, bell peppers and onions...$5
Prince Tandoori Grill - Grill with tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb kabab, sheekh kabab and shrimp...$13.95

Veggie Specialties: ($4.95 - half, $7.95 - full)
Chana Saag - Chick peas cooked with spinach and corriander
Dal Makhani - Lentil delicacy tossed with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic cream
Navrattan Curry - Chopped assorted veggies prepared in a rich gravy
Paneer Bhurji - Cheese cooked in punjabi tadka style

Non-Veggie Specialities:
Chicken Curry - A homestyle aromatic herb chicken curry...$5.95 (half), $9.95 (full)
Chicken Makhani - Chicken tikka in a garlic tomato sauce...$5.95 (half), $9.95 (full)
Lamb Saag - Lamb cooked with spinach, mint and coriander...$5.95 (half), $10.95 (full)
Lamb Bhuna - Marinated lamb, slow cooked with fresh whole herbs...$5.95 (half), $10.95 (full)
Goat Vindaloo - Goat and potato cooked in onion, gravy and a touch of ginger...$6.95 (half), $11.95 (full)

Bread Specialties:
Garlic Naan - Stuffed with seasoned garlic...$2.95
Peshwari Naan - With raisins and nuts...$2.95
Paratha - Whole wheat multi-layered bread...$2.95
Gobi Paratha - Seasoned cauliflower...$2.95
Onion Kulcha - Soft bread with spiced onions...$2.95

Dessert:
Gulab Jamun (2 pieces) - Golden fried balls soaked in honey syrup...$1.95
Ras Malai (2 pieces) -  Ricotta cheese bathed in sugared milk...$1.95

Prince Indian Grill - 22-49 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.606.2277
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd

Goodbye Haddad's Hello Prince Indian Grill

While in the Ditmars neighborhood today, I was in the mood for falafel, which I was planning to get at Haddad's.  Well tough luck for me, as I saw that this place has closed down, after not even a year in operation.  Instead, it'll be replaced by an Indian restaurant called Prince Indian Grill. 

Judging by the size of the space, Prince will most likely be a take-out joint, but only time will tell.  An Indian restaurant in this part of town will be good to have, as I think we're lacking it here.  There's Spiced on Ditmars, the Indian-Thai fusion place but nothing purely Indian.

We'll see what Prince delivers soon - and I'll continue to keep you posted.

Prince Indian Grill - 22-47 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.606.2277
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Seva's Romantic Menu

While a lot of restaurants are rolling out their V-Day menu, I haven't seen one as competitive in price as Seva's.  If I haven't mentioned it enough, Seva always accomplishes to amaze me - their flavorful dishes excite the senses and their hospitality makes you feel right at home.  Try their delicious homemade naan with the below specialties - it's to die for!  Reservations will go fast, so call them soon if you plan to go.

Seva's Valentine's Day Prix Fixe - $20 per person
(add $18 with champagne and wine pairing)

Choose one for each course.  All entrees are accompanied by saffron basmati rice.

Soups:
Watercress Yogurt
Toasted Almond Cream

Butternut Squash

Appetizers:
Salmon Crab CAke

Lamb Spring Roll
Chicken Apricot Seekh Kabab

Tuna Tapioca Kabab

Mains:
Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Cilantro Chili Chicken
Turmeric Halibut
Cochin Shrimp Curry
Masala Cabbage Kofta
Oyster Mushroom Saag

Desserts:
Carrot Cashew Halwa
Rasmalai

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com