Eugene OR – Evergreen Indian Cuisine – Pay Less, Have More – Buffet is King

There are two branches of Evergreen Indian Cuisine (906 W 7th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402 USA), one here on the west side of Eugene, the other in Corvallis, a town whose name keeps springing up.

There had to be Curry-Heute, especially having chosen not to have Curry yesterday at Poppi’s Anatolia as we arrived in Eugene on Day #8 of our eighteen day Trip. We are now halfway, the pattern each day is well established. Dr. Stan may or may not join me for Curry, then we attempt to visit four Brewery taps, simples.

Arriving at Evergreen just after noon, we were greeted at the door by a charming young Lady resplendent in a Sari, a touch of authenticity. A few tables mid-room were free, I selected a seat from which I could survey all. In this short space of time, a queue, sorry – line – had formed at the door. I had already revised my thirty diner estimate upwards from thirty to forty. This was later revised to fifty plus. Evergreen is a popular lunchtime venue, everyone but Hector was here for the good value Lunchtime Buffet ($11.95) which also included a Soft Drink.

Can I get you anything other than Water? – asked our Waitress as we took our seats. It was not made clear that if taking the Buffet option, a Drink was forthcoming. Dr. Stan glanced at the Buffet, he was happy with this. For review purposes, Hector had to ask for the Menu. This was provided, and as two days ago at Chutneys in Vancouver, I was forgotten about. Buffet is King in the USA. The Menu said North and South Indian Cuisine, Lamb Karai was the only hint of – North. Goat Curry ($13.95) served on-the-bone was a possibility.

Eventually, my order was taken by the same Lady who had greeted us and placed us. I have seen Lamb Karahi on Menus previously on this Trip but have not risked the disappointment. I would ask:

Can the Bell Peppers be withheld in the Lamb Karai?

This was not a problem, I was then asked if I wished to be – Ala carte (sic) ($13.95) – or – Thali. For –  A Few Dollars More – $3.00 the Thali included a whole lot more, Hector was here to appraise their Curry. I took the Naan option.

Meanwhile, at the Buffet

Dr. Stan was well through his first plateful. Mixed Vegetables, Chopped Bhindi and a Daal sat on his plate with some Basmati. He then went back up for a Sambar, a Soup in the smallest of bowls. As at Chutneys (Vancouver OR) two days ago, Dr. Stan’s tactic appeared to be – Vegetables to start, then hit the Meat. This he took care of in no time, whilst Hector watched, wondering if he had his tactic right.

For round two, Dr. Stan came back with an impressive piece of Chicken Tikka/Chaat, Chicken Makhani, Chicken Vindaloo, more Mixed Vegetables and Basmati. He wasn’t giving much away about the level of Spice or intensity of Flavour, however, eventually he did declare that the Chicken Makhani had impressed.

He then went back for Rice Pudding. Dr. Stan had been fed.

Lamb Karai

Hector was hit with a double whammy. The karahi in which this Karai was served is more associated with a Side Dish. Then there was the appearance – Shorva. This was quite simply not a Lamb Karahi but Lamb Stew with Onions. No Onion or Tomato appeared to have been damaged in the preparation of this Masala, indeed it would be insulting to – Masala – to use this term. Even a Punjabi Shorva would have more Substance than what was served here. This could only have come from a packet of (Karahi) Masala Mix. … take three spoons, add water, serve. There was one Flavour, no depth, this was either ignorance or laziness. I have to include a photo of a – proper – Karahi Gosht for comparison purposes. (Karahi Palace, Glasgow, Scotland).

Evergreen Indian Cuisine, Eugene OR        Karahi Palace, Glasgow-Scotland

To make matters worse, this – Modest Portion – was all I would have to eat. I was paying two Dollars more to eat a fraction of what my fellow diners would put away.

The Waitress came over to ask the customary question, I had to make my disappointment known.

I prefer (expect) a Thick, Dry Masala to Shorva. I like Punjabi cooking and this isn’t.

Awe, sorry – was the response, with a smile.

At least she said it with – Awe.

Americans can evidently only function when everything is rosy, she was not anticipating such clarity of criticism. That was it, end of, no attempt at offering me something else.

There are some positives

The food was served Hot. Despite the small karahi, the Tender Lamb did reach double figures. At the base of the karahi I did find pieces of Chopped Onion and Tomato which had sunk in the Shorva, I cannot accept that they were cooked in, there was no Masala Mash here. Whilst the Spice Level was acceptable, the Seasoning was way down. Is this how it came out of the Packet?

The Naan

Serving in Quarters spoils the aesthetics, the Naan was Fresh, and very well cooked, a Tandoor must have been used here. The Naan was Light, Soft, Burnt in the correct places, the Naan was indeed – Excellent!

*

Back to the Lamb Karai

Where were the Cumin Seeds, Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, Herbs? There was not a trace of a Herb, Dried or otherwise. Never again shall I take Toppings of Fresh Coriander/Cilantro or Ginger Strips for granted. Fresh Green Chillies, surely they have access to Chillies in this part of the USA?

The Bill

$13.95 (£10.41) No sales tax. Still, I could have eaten more and paid less.

The Aftermath

I had been hoping to engage with the Lady who appeared to be in charge, alas she left the counter as I went up to pay. I introduced myself to the young Lady who took my cash and gave the Calling Card. I expressed my disappointment, she said she would – let the management know.