Sticking to West Hartford, the folks behind Bombay Olive,
an Indian, Persian and Nepalese restaurant that I like very much, opened Elmwood Kabob & Bar just three months ago.
Its intriguing menu is posted in its window.
According to this sign board, Elmwood Kabob has generous happy hours and even Friday karaoke.
Inside, a couple of interesting specials are also posted on sign cards on the tables.
But let’s take a brief tour of the restaurant. The bar area draws a nice little crowd.
The L-shaped main dining area is simply finished but attractive.
My friend orders a mango smoothie, similar to a lassi,
while I elect a 16-ounce can of Pabst Blue Ribbon poured into a chilled glass for just $2.50.
We’re given toasted pita chips
with tikka masala
and spicy aïoli.
My friend orders an open-face lamb shish kabob sandwich ($8),
with its nice accompaniments,
including a request for coconut curry sauce.
I order a beef bihari large plate ($14),
which includes not only this papaya-marinated grilled beef tenderloin with asparagus, pita bread and rice
but this lovely salad of cucumber, papaya, Feta, honey and mint.
We also enjoy a trio of sauces,
a coconut curry sauce,
a red hot chili sauce
and its counterpoint, a soothing tzatziki sauce.
We finish with a dessert of baklava and mango ice cream.
Elmwood Kabob, 1144 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, 860-232-1500, www.elmwoodknb.com