Gateway to India a dining splendor

Set aside your apprehension of what is foreign in this mecca of cinnamon and ground spices.

Gateway to India offers foods that are a far cry from the burger, but better than a steak, and served in dishes that make a plate look boring.

This restaurant is more than a night out, and a casual dinner. It is a night of Northern Indian experience.

The walls are decorated with Indian art and the kitchen is open so you can see the traditional Tandoori that your delicious food will be cooked in.

A suggestion to start your experience with is the Full Appetizer Platter for $ 8.95 that includes Murgh, Subji Pakoras, Pappadum and a Somosa.

The first thing your eye will go to is the Samosa since you'll want to bite into it to find out what is inside. It is potatoes, peas, carrots and other vegetables in a thick sauce of spices, and deep-fried inside of a spiced chickpea batter.

Sometimes we associate spices with being spicy, but Indian food is full of assorted spices to draw you to the food and tantalize your senses.

Also in the platter is the Murgh Pankoras, which is kind of like a chicken fritter dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried.

To finish off your introduction to the meal is the Pappadum.

Trust me, this spicy crisp lentil wafers put tortilla chips, or any other chip you have ever tried, to shame. They arrive in large sheets and will no doubt be something you'll want to take home or order to go.

With your appetizer you can also order Indian bread. Try the Garlic Naan for $2.75 for an easy addiction.

The bread is leavened wheat bread with fresh garlic that is baked in the Tandoori clay over and served hot.

After this array of new tastes, your entrée comes with the best soup you will ever have. The Murgh Korma for $11.95 is something you will need to order out for.

It arrives bubbling in a double decker copper dish lit by a candle so it stays hot throughout the meal.

This dish of boneless chicken is cooked in fresh herbs and spices combined with a creamy sauce. Topped with almonds and served with a spiciness of one to five. This entrée is not only large, but provides leftovers to look forward to.

If you like lamb, the Shahi Gorsht Korma is a fine choice. It is served in a creamy yogurt sauce with ginger, garlic and fenugreek leaves topped wit almonds.

With rice on the side, these entrees serve your appetite en masse, yet you do not feel as heavy as you would after a burger.

After dinner, try the Pistachio Ice cream for $2.95. It is made special for Gateway to India and is like a blissful exit to a great experience.

So stop by Gateway to India at 2603 Sixth Avenue or walk by and let the smells draw you in.

Lunch buffet is available at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and dinner is served at 5p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and at 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information call 253-552-5022.