By Jeanni Ritchie
My dad, daughter Kelsey, and I stopped in Golden Lotus last month completely open-minded and willing to try their most popular items instead of ordering off the menu.
For Kelsey, it was no problem. She loved Indian food. I’d eaten it once before, still on the fence about the cuisine. My dad tried to back out of going completely.
The first thing they brought us were two tall glasses of mango and blueberry lassi. We all skeptically took a sip. Kelsey tried both and preferred the mango. Dad tried both and preferred the blueberry. I tried one and decided it wasn’t for me. I’m neither fond of yogurt nor a fan of thick drinks. My smoothie kick in 2003 lasted one day.
Waiting for our appetizer course, we noticed the upscale decor and gold silverware. Crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths elevated the atmosphere, as did the artwork hanging on the walls. Before we took our first bite of food, the ambiance already made it taste better.
It was a dressy place and casual at the same time. Families in shorts and tees, couples in evening wear, and us somewhere in between. None of us felt out of place.
Then our server Akshata began bringing the food. Akshata nearly single-handedly ran the entire front of house and we absolutely adored her. She was amazing.
We started with two plates of appetizers: Honey Chili Potato and Cauliflower Manchurian. Okay, I’d regretted committing to trying everything when I heard the word cauliflower. I think we all did. But that cauliflower was amazing. And it kinda tasted like chicken! Whatever seasoning and batter that cauliflower was in should be marketed to every mom of picky eaters across America. It’s like hiding vegetables inside of meatballs. Dad finished off the whole plate! The potatoes were good, too, in a spicy red seasoning but I was ready to try some Potato Manchurian by then.
Our entrees came in two distinct Indian sauces that I normally would’ve passed by on a buffet, but I liked them both. Dad and I liked what we called the “yellow one” (aka Chicken Lotus Makhana) best and Kelsey preferred the “red one” (aka Golden Cashew Curry Chicken). We also had bowls of basmati rice to pour sauce over.
At this point, Dad was becoming a believer.
The naan bread came next—chili cheese naan and garlic naan. Again, we were divided 2 to 1 on which was best. (I voted chili cheese and noted that the next time I had a cold I was skipping the doctor and ordering this bread instead!)
Speaking of spice, we had chosen the Medium level of heat for all of our dishes. There was No Heat, Mild, Medium, Spicy, and Indian Spicy. (I might have those names slightly off, but this is the gist.) We all liked spicy food and started to go Spicy but went Medium instead, and good thing! We couldn’t have handled it any hotter.
I told Akshata this was similar to Nashville Hot Chicken. They always say go one level below what you think you can handle. Nobody listens and they regret it, myself included. I’m so glad this is what we did at Golden Lotus. Medium was plenty spicy enough for us!
We were stuffed—especially Dad who’d gone back to finish the cauliflower—and ready to box up leftovers when we found out there was one more course left: dessert.
Who can say no to dessert?!
Well, me, when I saw it. It was GREEN! Pistachio kunafa cheesecake, it was called, and it had three little spoons next to it. I was pretty sure it only needed two. I made Dad and Kelsey take a bite first.
“It’s really good,” Kelsey said. I raised that child. I didn’t believe her for one second. But, I’d committed to trying it all and I had. Why stop now?
I took a bite. It actually WAS good. I ate four more bites. It was the perfect ending to an exotic, leisurely meal.
And Dad left saying it was his new favorite restaurant!
I mean, this is the modern day equivalent of “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!” If that’s not a reason to try it, I don’t know what is!
Golden Lotus is located at 1473 Dorchester Dr., Alexandria, LA 71301. For more information, call (318) 835-8681.
Hours are Sunday from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4–9 p.m.; Monday closed; Tuesday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4–9 p.m.; and Friday–Saturday from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4–10 p.m.
