joe eats

Archive for June 11th, 2010

Joe and I decided to get our Indian fix with Sunday brunch at Mint on Franklin St, Chapel Hill. FYI, brunch is served Saturday and Sunday at noon, so technically it is more lunch. Joe’s stomach was growling while we waited ten minutes outside the door in the scorching NC summer heat. At 12:00pm sharp they opened the doors. Joe and I walked in first, followed by a few others. Upon entering we noticed the welcoming table with champagne flutes filled with orange juice as well as champagne bottles topping the bar. Mimosas are an added treat with the weekend brunch buffet!l Hill, NC 27516

We hastily claimed a window booth and headed over to the buffet. Joe and I have eaten at many Indian buffets, but we both agree that Mint’s is very impressive. The presentation was clean, refined and festive. It was wonderful filling my white plate with all the colorful Indian goodies. There is noticeable attention to detail at Mint. For example, there are two different rice options, rice pilaf or basmati rice. They also have many traditional staples such as Tandoori chicken, chicken makhani, saag, naan, and a beautiful samosas tray. Also included are salad and two desert options: kheer (Indian rice pudding), and a warm fruit custard with dumplings. Hey, Chef Joe was even impressed! He commented that the food was not “in your face spicy.” Also, he noted the refinement of the food. For instance, the saag, which was delicious, had added depth from peas, carrot, corn and cauliflower, and the rice pudding was garnished with crushed pistachios. The paneer masala is one of my favorites, and it was particularly good here. I also enjoyed the eggplant fritters. They were fried perfectly and not greasy. I ate every last bite of my completely full plate. Joe did as well and went back for seconds. I heard the woman behind me say to her friend, “I want to eat more, but I just can’t fit it in my belly.” That is just how I felt. [ Read the full article ] »