If is sounds too good to be true, on the rare ocassion it can be both too good and true! That’s what I thought when I got an offer through JustMyTicket.com for 2 Free dinners with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Since I was journeying downtown with House of Blues show tix that night anyway, I decided to tempt fate.

We arrived at the unique and elegant dining room at the Royal India and were warmly greeted and seated. We were swarmed by the friendly, attentive wait staff throughout the dining experience and never saw a water or wine glass reach half empty. The fixed menu for this special included hot, fresh, hearty Somosa starter, two crocks of curry served family style over a moist, delicate rice and the traditional flat bread. Too often with my past experiences with Indian food, it seemd the goal was to overwhelm the food with overpowering spices. The Royal India curry sauce on the chicken dish and especially the vegetable dish were rich and abundant with flavor but complimented, rather than overpowered the main course. All said, it was a completely satisfying dining experience with more than enough food to fill the hungriest of couples. And by the way, The Coppolla Merlot 2006 was an extraordinary wine choice. I will certainly return to try some of the other menu item, lamb being one of my favorites and offered in many styles and variations.

The restaurent also has a spacious outdoor dining patio right on Market Street for great people watching.