Sitar Express – Cupertino, CA
This place is one my dad’s favorite Indian restaurants. The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that the food is not overly salty, it is flavored just right. The selections are a bit limited, but what do have is prepared well. Their tandoori chicken is juicy and tender, not at all dry and tough. They also offer a hot chai tea (yum!) that is unsweetened so that you can customize the amount of sugar you would like to add. Naan bread is served hot and directly to the table. I find that their naan is nice and soft, and doesn’t usually have a lot of ‘burnt’ spots.
Amato’s Cheesesteaks – San Jose, CA
Over the last couple years I have been looking for a good cheesesteak shop closer to home, and last night I believe I found one. It was recommended to me by a friend a couple weeks ago. Although I should have gotten my cheesesteak with peppers, I still enjoyed my sandwich immensely. The portion sizes at Amato’s are HUGE. Even the “small” 7″ sandwich is enough to make you feel stuffed. Its actually quite humorous to see the cooks preparing the larger sandwiches, I think there was a 14″ sandwich being prepared when I was placing my order. I literally stared for like 10 seconds because I just couldn’t believe the visual size of the thing. O.O
Even though I ordered the “Steak Sandwich” that supposedly is only “just steak”, they still asked me if I wanted cheese and onions (I said yes ofc). I didn’t get charged extra either. The beef had just the right amount of ‘chew’, and the bread was soft (not crusty). The cheese was nicely melted and creamy. I also ordered french fries that I shared with a friend. The french fries are fried to a nomelicious goldeny crispy texture, and they are HOT. Fresh out of the fryer no doubt. I absoultely HATE soggy/soft french fries, and Amato’s fries are DEFINITELY NOT soggy or soft, they are super crispy. My friend ordered the “Chicken Sandwich” which is basically the same as the Steak Sandwich. The chicken was also unbelievably good (though I do prefer the flavor and texture of beef). The creamy cheese and chicken reminded us of a creamy chicken alfredo. :D
Definitely will be going back to this place, but am always on the look out for more cheesesteak shops in the area. Saw an ad in the Wave magazine of one that is also relatively closeby. Will give that one a try soon and do a sort of comparison.
