The restaurant business in Atlanta is finicky. Often times, I’ll find out a restaurant I just loved has abruptly shuttered. It’s even more competitive in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. So many choices of where to dine in such a small space make it hard to survive. I’m glad to see that of my favorites, Tabla, is still thriving in Midtown.
Tabla has updated their menu and I visited to sample some of the new offerings. While I was anxious to try their twist on classics like the Gin and Tonic and Chai Old Fashioned (pictured above), I really enjoyed the Masala Lime soda just as much, if not more than the cocktails. The Garam Masala in this was exquisite. Trust me, if you are a fan of Indian spices, you will love this soda. And, it’s a lot easier on the wallet than cocktails too!
Though they were out of scallops (I was really looking forward to the scallops with curried figs), the Mustard Shrimp appetizer was a good second choice. With large Tandoori roasted shrimp the mustard wasn’t overly apparent. In fact, if the name mustard wasn’t in the description I wouldn’t have picked up on that flavor. Of course, the crispy, match-stick sliced “fries” are always a must at this Indian restaurant in Midtown Atlanta.
My Lamb Biryani was excellent. A fragrant rice with your choice of meat, Biryani is like the Indian version of Chinese fried rice. However, for the price, I think I would have preferred to stick to the Lamb Shank, which I’m happy is still on the menu since the last time I visited Tabla Indian restaurant. In fact, lamb is a bit of a specialty with four lamb offerings: chops, shank, and Rogan Josh and Vindaloo.
Tabla also has a new dinner dish that you must try – Bison. The Bison Ossco Bucco (not what you would normally expect at an Indian restaurant for either the meat choice or preparation) is braised in a parsi style curry. So tender and juicy, I soaked up most of the gravy with my order of Truffle Naan. Oh yeah, peruse the menu and pick out a couple different Naans (breads) to try. The truffle is a must and maybe a plain one. My favorite thing to do with leftover Naan (the plain kind) from an Indian restaurant is to heat it up for breakfast the next day. Just slather it with your favorite jam and you are in for a delicious treat.
If you’ve never had Kheer, it is like the best rice pudding you’ll ever have in your life. Even if you only have room for a couple spoonfuls, get a bowl of this classic Indian dessert to share for the table. You won’t regret it.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring your parking ticket in for validation. If you don’t get it validated from Tabla, the fee is quite pricey. Tabla Indian restaurant offers validation for 2 hours.
Disclosure: Tabla hosted me for the meal and it was complimentary but the opinions expressed are my own.
