(TV Diner) - Regal statues, glass-topped tables and intricately-carved furniture set the opulent stage at The Maharaja in Cambridge. Fairly new to the Harvard Square culinary scene, The Maharaja is getting good buzz, so off we went to see if the menu of Northern Indian cuisine is served up with hospitality and style.
Our mouths watered at the site of the vegetable seehk. The deep-colored tid-bits of mashed vegetables, paneer, potatoes, nuts and fruit served on skewers were spiced to perfection and thoroughly delectable.
Have to say that the ground chicken samosas were not so majestic in flavor. While the turnover pastries were light and fried to a golden hue, the chicken mixture at their center was dry and bland.
But not a discouraging word was heard as we devoured the lamb vindaloo. We ladled the tender cubes of lamb and potato co-mingling in a piquant red sauce over fragrant basmati rice, keeping one hand free to dip slices of tandoori roti into the tangy gravy.
And we were also impressed by the murgh wajid ali. The large chicken breast stuffed with paneer and nuts resting in a creamy saffron sauce and topped by a sliced hard-boiled egg was unique and completely satisfying.
The Maharaja offers several standard Indian desserts, but we went off the map with a slice of almond cake. The delicate layers filled with almond-infused cream surrounded by raspberry coulis was first-rate.
We were intrigued by the bird's nest, described as rose ice cream in cotton candy. Alas, cotton candy was not available on the night we visited, so we settled for a portion of the pink, sweet cream and found it to our liking.
Local
The price is right at The Maharaja with appetizers, soups and salads from $2.95 to $9.95; entrees $12.95 to $18.95, breads around $4 and desserts averaging $5.
And kudos are extended to our affable and efficient server for maintaining a ready smile throughout our pleasing meal.
Overall, The Maharaja deserves and will receive a Gold Plate.
Open daily, The Maharaja is located in the second floor of the Galleria on JFK Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Call 617-547-2757 or visit online at www.maharajaboston.com.
