Having heard much about the elegant ambience and great food of restaurant Bollywood Grill of Andover MA, we decided to give the eatery a try two weeks ago.

The cheerful greeting at the door was a good start to a delightful lunch experience. A little disappointed that there was no buffet service offered on week days, we decided to try out the vegetarian fare offered. While the menu were being perused and choices made, I snuck around enjoying the Bollywood inspired décor of the restaurant. From pictures on the walls to tasteful murals on the tables, the atmosphere spelled class.

We were first served dal or lentil soup, deliciously spicy but welcome on a cold afternoon. After a couple of vegetable samosas each, we ordered Paneer Tikka, Palak Paneer, Aalu Chutney wale, Malai Kofta, Shahi Bhindi and Aloo Gobhi. We also asked for a basket of nans, Alu Parathas and Chapathis.

All were pleasing to the palate except perhaps the Alu Chutney wale. It is described as ‘outstanding work of culinary art, potatoes stuffed with paneer and simmered in tangy chutney’ but had an indistinctive, bland taste.

The kitchen does a good job with paneer curries, the soft and succulent paneer pieces are simmered in sauces for enough time to give them the rich aroma and taste associated with sauced dishes. The vegetables in the dishes were fresh and the flavored rice was cooked just right.

The portions, which did not look like much at first glance, appeased our appetites and five of us ate there for about $85 and left the restaurant feeling stuffed, which is great deal compared to the prices we pay elsewhere.

Bollywood Grill is owned by Malkit Gill who also owns the Chef of India restaurant in Shrewsbury and the House of India restaurant in Worcester.

We are told that the Bollywood Grill's team has over 16 years of experience in outdoor catering and a large variety of menus to choose from depending upon the function and the occasion. Their website offers menu details; www.bollywoodgrill.com.

|