Tanduri Fusion

2537 South 175th Street (just north of West Center Road)
402.505.9209
Open Tues - Thurs, Sun 11:30a.m. - 2p.m., 5p.m. -9p.m., Fri, Sat 11:30a.m. - 2p.m., 5p.m. - 10p.m.
tandurifusionne.com

Spinach Stuffed Naan and Mixed Appetizer

"Welcome to our real nice Family Restaurant," the website reads. Well, ghee, thanks. It was the last place I thought my friend'd pick for her 30-somethingth birthday festivities, but we didn't question it as we loaded into a couple of cars and hauled way out West.

The atmosphere, while "real nice" indeed, was also "generic strip mall," and I was turned off the music was turned off. Still, you don't see purple cloth napkins every day.

The Mixed Appetizer for four ($13.95) was an assortment of scrumptious fried things, although the coating of flour was much thicker and doughy than I'm used to on pakoras. The Malai Shish Kebab -- pieces of seasoned rolled lamb my dining buddies affectionately referred to as "butt holes" -- were the highlight of the first course.

Our minds might have been in the gutter, but our taste buds weren't. The Spinach Stuffed Naan ($3.95), akin to a chemical-free Lean Pocket, was adored by all. I was a hero for spontaneously requesting a side of Maah Dal ($4.25), a creamy and beany delight.

A few friends weren't in love with their biryani and tilapia dishes enough to marry them, but not every entree can be a winner. Make the trek here for Indian that isn't hyped up, like some other places in town. With lower expectations, you won't be disappointed.

Maah Dal --
As with most bean dishes, it's the beauty on the inside that counts.

Mulligatawny (served with entree, or $3.00) --
I found it rather limey. 

Tilapia, and more importantly, mint chutney

Chicken Vindaloo ($14.50) exactly what it should be --
piquant, rich sauce, but not too thick.
MAD PROPS for the chicken not being overcooked into the consistency of a baseball mitt.

Malai Shish Kebab detail

El Basha Mediterranean Grill

7503 Pacific Street (in the shopping strip with Spirit World)
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 934-6266
Open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 9pm, closed Sunday
http://elbashagrill.com

Do you know about döners? The sandwich made with the meat that spins on the big thing in the restaurant window and is shaved off by a dude with a big knife? Yeah, those. Most of my experience is with the Turkish version in Germany, but they come in all shapes and sizes, different breads and different meats from different animals and they're called different things. Gyro, shawarma, kebab, etc. In my opinion the best way to end your night out is by shoving one of these down your gullet. I think I must have had hundreds of döners in the past couple of years. The search has been on for the best döner (or döner-like meal) since I arrived in Omaha. The winner, so far, is to be found at El Basha. The Gyro, an open-faced version served on (mediocre) pita covered in tzatziki sauce and topped with fresh onions, tomatoes and herbs, was tasty, but the real star is the Beef Shawarma Wrap. Big enough for two, and filled with thinly sliced meat, grilled tomatoes, pickles, onions, and tahini sauce, this is very close to the "real deal" shawarma I often ate in Berlin. The pickles are key.

We both made our sandwiches combos by adding (mediocre) fries and a drink, and it wound up being way too much food for two people, so I suggest splitting. They are constructing more outdoor seating off to the side of the building (they currently have three tables overlooking traffic-y Midtown Pacific Street), and you can also partake in some hookah, if that's your thing. I only regret ignoring the baba ghanoush, hummus, and falafel in favor of the fleish-filled dishes. Next time, next time (perhaps tomorrow).

Gyros

Beef Shawarma Wrap

Second visit: 

Fresh and filling. Enough for two to have as an entree, really. 

Mezza Mix Plate with Hummus, Baba Ghanuje, Falafel and Taboule