My friend and I decided to try the new Curry Bowl Indian Bistro in Downtown El Paso for lunch. I had heard from a couple of Indian families at my school that the food was delicious and authentic. First, a word of caution: parking is a challenge. With road closures and construction, it took me about 20 minutes to find a metered spot. I'd recommend parking in a garage and enjoying a beautiful walk downtown. The architecture is worth appreciating.When we arrived, the bistro was nearly empty, which gave us a chance to take in the nice, cozy ambiance, complete with fancy gold chairs and well-designed signage. The staff was friendly and explained the menu options, including the difference between plates and bowls. Bottled water is available and reasonably priced.We opted for the lunch special, which included an appetizer, a curry bowl, and a drink. They informed us that there was an extra charge for my friend's choice of curry goat, which was transparent and appreciated, unlike a complaint I read in a review. My friend ordered a samosa and curry goat bowl, while I went with a fried chicken 65 appetizer and butter chicken curry bowl. We both chose mango lassis, which were delicious--creamy, smooth, and with a slight yogurt tang.One unique aspect was that the cook, served us our mango lassis personally. However, I found it odd that he handed us the straws with his bare hands. Wrapped straws would have been more sanitary.When our food arrived, it was served in small meal prep containers, which felt out of place in such a nicely decorated bistro. The portions were also surprisingly small; the appetizer and main course were the same size. Despite this, the food was excellent. The rice was flavorful, and both the butter chicken and fried chicken were well-seasoned. The curry goat was rich and meaty. However, I wish we had been given an option for spice levels; my friend would have preferred less spice, while I, accustomed to El Paso's spicier flavors, would have liked more heat.The bistro got busier as the lunch crowd arrived, mostly workers from nearby offices. The meal prep containers made sense for to-go orders, but they felt a bit cheap given the restaurant's atmosphere. If you're considering this place for a nice date, it might not be the best choice. Our experience was somewhat marred by a person repeatedly entering and demanding money from us, then cursing us when we didn't have cash. A greater police presence would have made me feel safer, especially in the middle of the day.I'm glad this authentic curry place exists in El Paso, although the hours are a bit limited: they're open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It's great to see more diverse food options in the area, and I hope people come out to support it.-TODOELPASO
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