Ever since I moved to Fort Lauderdale about five years ago, I've pretty much been on a constant quest to discover it all. It being the amazing hole-in-the-wall bar, the place to get your eyebrows threaded, the vintage store with insanely cheap prices AND an amazing selection, the farmer's market that doesn't charge $4 for a mango and yes, the best damn Indian buffet this side of Alligator Alley. That place is called Bombay Cafe in Wilton Manors.
I can't even tell you how many times I have driven to unsavory areas west of the Turnpike in search of Indian buffets.
The deja vu is almost overwhelming, but like an addict, I keep going back.
The sketchy parking lot, the beauty supply store, laundromat and pawn shop, my car bouncing on speed bumps as I drive towards curry-scented promises. Sometimes a van with an advertisement draped across the windows will light my way, encouraging me. Don't be afraid of the 25 percent occupancy rate. Those empty spots aren't a sign you should stay away, they are saying there's plenty of room, come on in and eat my Indian food!
Today, we were looking for "Little India." The originality of the name intrigued me obviously, as did the ad in the New Times for a $6.95 lunch buffet. We drove WAY out West, which always puts me in a weird place (West=depressed), and kind of makes me start assessing my own existence, and finally pulled into the all-too-familiar strip mall. Car alarms going off. Check. Pain clinic. check. Lime green neon etching. check.
I had a bad feeling, but Oscar suggested going inside to scope out the buffet. Inside, the place was small, hence the name "Little India," but the buffet's small existence wasn't made up for in quality. The curries had a thick layer of crust, the naan sat drying under a heat lamp (you must serve this bread hot from the oven) and the tandoori chicken looked sad and lonely with a few measly pieces about. I don't care how far we drove, we could not eat what stood before us on that sad gray cart. Felt bad, but we had to scram. (Oscar once 'faked' an emergency phone call to get us out of Betty's Soul Food. Weird smells, had to jet)
Oscar in all his wisdom suggested, "Let's just go to that place on Andrews," it's always good, plus--they have that sizzling chicken (tandoori chicken the way it SHOULD be served)." I agreed, defeated, a bit embarrassed about one more strip mall adventure, but also kind of happy. Relaxation washed over me, as I realized, I no longer had to keep driving around Broward County looking for an Indian restaurant. I could just go to Bombay Cafe. It too is housed in a slightly funky building, but NOT a strip mall. Solo baby, that's how Bombay rolls.
We walked in and were instantly greeted by a lovely atmosphere, happy employees and delicious smells. Beautiful, colorful Indian delights were spread across a large buffet, fresh and hot, served in shiny gold serving platters. All of the sauces sat gleaming on their ice beds, the blood orange red pickled peppers, shiny green mint sauce and cool and creamy yogurt sauce. And yes, the sizzling chicken and hot naan arrived within a few minutes of sitting down. Service rocked. Nice, helpful, and courteous, the staff knows how to make sure you feel taken care of, yet they never hover. We loved every bite. Two buffets, two drinks, $21.95.
I'll never stop searching for the next big thing, but at least now I know where to get some decent Indian food, minus the strip mall.
Bombay Cafe
3060 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33311
(954) 568-0600
Lunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner Buffet (Wed): 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat: 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
