|
|
Woodlands has to be the most unusual name for an Indian restaurant that I have ever heard. Narayan Mogera and Ragavendra Sheregar, co-owners, named it for a well-known restaurant in Karnataka, their native state in India. Located on Albemarle Road close to E. Harris Blvd., Woodlands shares a building with Charlotte Chiropractic. But don't let the drab exterior fool you; the food is delicious.
Once you get inside, you will notice that the interior is spare, with few wall adornments. Indian music completes the atmosphere. The wait staff is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The menu includes short descriptions of each dish, but the staff will be glad to elaborate if you have any questions. The kitchen is also able to entertain special requests.
Woodlands specialize in Pure Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine. As its namesake in India, it is a family restaurant. There is no alcohol served, and their prices are affordable. The menu is extensive. There are 14 appetizers, 13 dosai dishes (filled thin rice crepes), seven uthappam dishes (filled Indian-style pancakes), and eight pullav (rice specialties). There are also three dinner specialties, which include soup, appetizer, and dessert.
When I visit a restaurant for review purposes, I always order a dish that I am familiar with, on the theory that I can make a better judgment when I have a frame of reference. In this case, I ordered the channa masala (chickpeas in exotic spices). It was certainly among the best I had ever had. On other visits, I experimented with the Woodlands Special Spring Dosai (thin rice crepe filled with vegetables and hot chutney) and the Coconut Uthappam (Indian-style pancake topped with coconut shreds). I am confident that you will find that anything you order will be delicious and satisfying.
The meals come with complimentary papadam, accompanied by hot and spicy sauces, but be sure to try some of the bread. The Poori is fluffy and light. For a more substantial bread, try the aloo paratha (multi-layered whole wheat with potatoes and spices).
No Indian meal would be complete without dessert, and Woodlands has a wide variety of traditional ones. My personal favorite is Rasmalai (homemade cottage cheese in a special condensed milk flavored with rose water and garnished with pistachio nuts). Another good choice is the gulab jamoon (dry milk and cottage cheese balls fried in light syrup and rose water). The sweetness of these and the other desserts balances the spiciness of the main meal.
Woodlands Information:
| Address: | 7128-A Albemarle Road Charlotte NC |
| Phone: | (704) 569-9193 |
| Price Range: | $7 and under, except for the dinner specials |
| Hours: | 11:30AM - 3PM and 5PM - 9:30PM Tuesday through Thursday 11:30AM - 10PM Friday and Saturday 11:30AM - 3PM and 5PM - 10:00PM Sunday Closed Monday |
| Rating: |  |
About Jerri
Jerri Kidder is a life coach who maintains a private practice in Charlotte, NC. She has been a practicing vegetarian for 16 years with an interest in alternative medicine and nutrition. She can be contacted at (704) 921-3221 or jerri53@aol.com.