Little Delhi

Yesterday was interesting. The team caravaned down to South LA and found ourselves in a little neighborhood affectionately called 'Little Delhi.' After driving for an hour through the heart of Los Angeles soaking in some of the finest Stop-and-Go traffic, we finally arrived. I personally hadn't eaten all day, and with every bump and jolt of the LA freeway my hunger grew ravenously. (You know I am an American when missing breakfast constitutes 'ravenous hunger'). We all piled into the Little India Grill, and between the 7 of us, we took up no less than half the restaurant. Clearly American (the white skin is a dead giveaway) we resolved to eat 'Indian style.' This means right hand only (the left hand is used for 'cleaning') and no silverware. Thankfully though we were served things like rice, yogurt goat curry, Dal-Mahkani (thats Hindi for messy food). Although each one of us seemed to be taken aback by the extent of our abilities, the Indians didn't seem as impressed. Our turban clad Sikh Chef would continually provide Naan (a heavy tortilla style bread used for picking up the food) fresh off the Tandoori Grill. As soon as it was on the table I would grab it while it was still warm....and consistently burn my fingers. By the time the spices began to set in we were finally given our tea. This is not sweet tea, but hot Chai. Although it was very different, each person seemed to enjoy, or at least pretend to enjoy, the experience.
Our first authentic Indian meal whet each of our appetites for this summer. Although Little Delhi was still vastly different from New Delhi, it is a perfect bridge between American and Indian Culture