Samarkand Cafe

1/2008 Update - Noticed that this location has changed names the last time I drove by. Will need to stop in to see what's changed. In the meantime this review probably is N/A.

Samarkand Cafe has been open for just under a year (August 2006) in another strip mall not too far from where I work (but far enough to make it slightly more difficult to get there for lunch). I've been there twice now once late last year (Dec 2006) and again in just the last week (May 2007).

Food:

Uzbeki, Russian menu (Samarkand is one of the major cities in Uzbekistan). As seems typical of Cental Asian cuisine, almost all of the main dishes are meat based.

Salads, appetizers, and soup are available ranging from $2-5. One can get Borscht (red beet soup), ugro (a noodle and meat based soup). Appetizers are samsa and chebureky which are a combination of meat and herbs wrapped in either baked or fried dough. Tried the samsa and it was tasty.

Entrees range from $6-10 and again be prepared for meat-based dishes. Plov (pilaf) is a rice and beef dish with a mix of herbs and vegetables and lagman is a noodle, beef and vegetable dish. Other dishes are kebab based lamb or beef skewers with vegetables and garnish. Or one could try the fried carp (with or without garlic according to the menu) - I'm pretty adventurous but that may be one thing that even I stay away from.

Everything I've had has been really good and different from the usual fare that can be found in the area.

Atmosphere:

It's pretty difficult to spruce up a strip small joint, but the owners have done a pretty decent job of this here. Various pieces of art with an Asian flair decorate the walls, and a small sound system was playing some music when I was in the restaurant last. A TV was playing on mute showing some Lifetime network movie. Menu promises live dancing on the weekends, have not been around to see that.

Service:

It appears that the proprietors are recent immigrants to the states as I recall on the first visit that trying to engage in conversation with beyond the menu was difficult. Last trip was easier and I'm sure this will improve with time. But at the same time they would bend over backwards to make sure that you were satisfied with your meal and experience.

Overall:

Different and for me that's a good thing. Nothing fancy just good, hearty fare. An escape from the traditional fastfood and chain restaurants in the area.