Delivery available to Hoboken (Newport, Weehawken, and Union City $15 minimum
order) Lunch specials daily from 12-3 p.m.. All-you-can-eat for $7.95.
In a city where change is as common as Frank Sinatra music Hoboken
restaurants that come and go are the norm around this mile square. Whether it
be first time entrepreneurs or long-standing chains we can't explain why our
favorites are just that. And as someone who used to supplement her income by
waiting tables at this very spot I'm now being asked to review -- under new
ownership for the fourth time -- my job is never done.
Saffron Grill is an Indian restaurant where in a town full of places to stuff
your face this is not a common concept. That being said it might explain why I
was not very familiar with Indian cuisine. New to the area since November 2002,
Saffron Grill, which derives its name from one of the world's most expensive
spices, already, seems to have found its niche. A non-stop delivery service and
steady flow of customers proves this very point. Although the restaurant still
seemed to be familiarizing itself with its new digs when I visited the
establishment. Let me explain...
Deciding to dine on a Wednesday when Hoboken isn't known for late nights we
were pleased to see three tables already full. Within minutes someone was over
to greet us and show us to our table, but like many Hoboken restaurants we were
forced to squeeze ourselves (complete with coats, scarves, gloves, and hats)
into a tiny space. Our waitress/hostess/restaurant extraordinaire Jill was
waiting on the 3 other tables (and later on would come to wait on all of the
available 12 that quickly became occupied). But although this place is always
hopping with customers their waitress to table ratio leaves customers and
take-out orders somewhat feeling ignored. However, within a few minutes Jill
had taken our drink order and not far behind her was someone with a basket of
pappadam and chutneys (which is dipping sauces for the bread). For starters we
decided to try the Samosa's ($3). For those of you not in-the-know samosas are
similar tasting to a pot pie. They're turnovers stuffed with potatoes and peas
and come served atop a bed of lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers. Our other
selection was Murgh Chat ($4.95) which Saffron describes as a salad of chicken
tikka, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes (I also found some onions and
carrots thrown in the mix as well). Both were very good and we found ourselves
unable to decide who was going to finish what.
For dinner I was intrigued by Saffron's number one seller, the Chicken Tikka
Masala ($9.95) and my friend ordered the Lamb Saag ($12.95). Mine consisted of
chicken in a bowl of garlic and tomato sauce accompanied by a side of
vegetables and rice. My only complaint was the pieces of chicken were too large
for what was otherwise a right choice. The Lamb Saag that my friend chose --
which was different only that it was served in a fresh spinach sauce and had
bite size pieces of lamb -- was also a tasty selection. And of particular note
was the bread that accompanied our meal. Different from what we were served
earlier, this was Naan. Saffron serves it five ways... plain, garlic, Keema
(mincemeat), aloo (potato), and panir (cheese). The one that comes with your
entrée is plain, but served warm and probably my favorite part of the meal.
So now feeling more than full we still felt it our duty to try an Indian
dessert. Okay, so we were just curious. My first choice of Kulfi ($3, slab of
Indian ice cream with nuts and raisins) was met with my least favorite words...
"We're out of it." And the cappuccino I was craving ($3) was going to have to
be for another night as their machine had yet to arrive. Not letting that stop
me I chose again... Gulab Jamun, deep-fried Khoya (form of milk, dried)
dumpling dipped in hot sugar syrup ($2.50) and the pistachio ice cream for my
friend ($2.50). Both were extremely sweet and different from anything I've ever
tasted before. Don't go expecting your typical dessert or you might be
disappointed. Finishing off the meal I decided on a Banana Mango Lassi ($3)
which is basically just a smoothie, but the combination of the two ingredients
was a nice way to finish. Another great option is their Masala Tea ($2) brewed
in Indian spices. I'm very picky when it comes to tea but I found this to be an
interesting change from my normal earl grey.
All in all I think once this restaurant works out its freshmen jitters eating
Indian will be as normal to Hobokenites as going out for a slice.
Please send all comments, questions and corrections to
features@hobokeni.com and we'll be glad to forward them.
