Well Fed On the Town

I took my Vitamin C (after being reminded). I tried to deny it, but, in the end, there was no getting around it. I had a cold. Many people think that when they are congested that means bland food, no flavors, they can’t taste anything. But no, oh no, that’s not what it means to me.To me, that means it is time to break out the spices. Mexican Food, Thai Food, Chinese Food, Indian Food, these are your cures for the common cold. Since I am lucky enough to live in Omaha, NE, I am blessed with an abundance of restaurants in each of these categories. Let’s face it, Omaha is not known for its thriving, out of control night-life. So what passes for entertainment in the heart of Husker Nation? Going out to eat!

That’s how I found myself on a Friday, making my way towards the Jaipur Brew House. If you think about that name for a second, I’m sure you can figure out where I’m going with this. Great Indian food with great house brews.

There is a common misconception that all Indian food is spicy. This is simply not true. There are many selections from the very wide variety of Indian cuisine that are floral and aromatic, but without the WOW! kick of spice for which the food is sometimes known.

I consider an Indian food meal to not be complete without ordering one of the savory appetizers, choosing one of the many amazing breads and perhaps enjoying a bowl of Mulligatawny soup. In this case, I started with the Mulligatawny soup (don’t you just love to say that?) and an order of their fresh, hot naan. Mulligatawny soup is a mildly spiced soup of pureed lentils and naan is an aromatically spiced leavened bread baked in a Tandoor oven. Together they make a perfect pairing.

My savory appetizer was an order of their meat samosas. Spiced ground lamb, wrapped in a pastry dough and fried up golden brown so it is soft and flaky with a hint of crispy on the outside, then packed full of lamb and flavor on the inside. Of course, it is the cool mint chutney you dip the samosa in that adds that certain something which makes you close your eyes and just enjoy…you know the feeling.

In my case when deciding on my entrée that spicy kick from certain Indian dishes is exactly what I was hoping to find. With that in mind, it did not take me long to settle on lamb vindaloo. You should bet that anything with the name “vindaloo” in it, is going to be spicy. Originating from the small Indian state of Goa, vindaloo was introduced by the Portugese and is not often found in other parts of India. It is however a staple of Indian food abroad.

Usually prepared with chicken or lamb, the meat is highly spiced and cooked in a pungent gravy of red wine, garlic, vinegar and more spices then reduced and thickened. The subsequent flavors are very spicy, sharp and distinct, but immensely flavorful when served on a bed of aromatic basmati rice. Potatoes are optional in the dish, but often included depending how traditional the preparation is. More traditional preparations forgo the addition of the potatoes. However since “aloo” is the Hindi word for potato, it is easy to see how they have become a common addition to the dish. Jaipur serves their Lamb vindaloo with potatoes, and I have to admit preferring it that way.

Of course, the very fact that “Brew House” is in the name, means we have to talk about their brews. As one would expect, they offer a traditional IPA (India Pale Ale). An excellent Wheat and Raspberry Wheat can also be found on their brew menu. Remember though, I was on the prowl for something spicy. Yes, even their brew menu did not let me down.

Jaipur offers a refreshing, unique and amazing Jalapeño Ale. The rich golden, amber brew is drafted into a pint glass with a tiny wheel of jalapeño suspended on top. The fresh, peppered spice of jalapeños is distinctly infused into the brew giving it that something extra I needed that day.

I’m not sure if I am ready to submit my findings to the New England Journal of Medicine, but let’s just say that I feel great today and I have found my cure for the common cold.