The first mainstay of an Edgewater Typical Friday Night (or Le Friday Night Typique, when I'm feeling fancy...although I don't speak French) is wine tasting and purchase at Independent Spirits. After we have procured our adult beverages of choice, it's onto dinner- usually at a restaurant within walking distance. This week we adventured to neighborhood newcomer Mango Pickle, which has received lots of positive press in the weeks leading up to its recent opening. We have a plethora of Asian and African restaurants on my stretch of Broadway, but this is the first contemporary Indian restaurant in the area. I have fond memories of eating my first Indian food as a freshman at the University of Vermont, and I was hoping to replicate that experience at Mango Pickle.
Caitlin, Jeremy, April and I weren't quite sure what to expect as we walked into an unfamiliar place on a chilly December Friday night, and my first impression appreciated the warm atmosphere- it felt like we were walking into someone's sitting room, or a family kitchen. The colorful artwork and a neat canopy of lights at the back of the restaurant beckoned us to take off our coats and stay awhile...so we did.
After checking out the menu online earlier in the day I was a little disappointed to see that the evening's selection wasn't as large as I had been led to believe. There were still a few appetizers and entrees to choose from, as well as some exciting cocktails. I chose Not Your Mama's Lassi on a whim, and was intrigued at this jammy, yogurt-less interpretation of what one would usually find at a traditional Indian restaurant. "This isn't Devon," I said cheerfully to our waiter (for readers who are not local to Chicago, Little India is situated along a stretch of Devon Avenue). April and Jeremy also chose cocktails, and Jeremy was quite pleasantly surprised with his choice.
The four of us ordered an app and two entrees to share among us, as well as a side of naan, because a life without naan is no life at all! I looked forward to trying the Butter Chicken, since I had eaten it recently at a traditional restaurant on Devon. The appetizer- a shrimp cracker bowl that was reminiscent of a parfait- was redolent with spicy, creamy tones, and seemed comparable to ceviche.
When our main courses arrived I was a little disappointed to see the size of the shareables, especially with the prices per entree. Everything was savory and sophisticated (Not Your Mama's Indian Cuisine?); it was an interesting take on dishes I thought I knew well. The lamb special was thoughtfully prepared, and the presentation was en pointe.
Overall I was impressed with the ambiance and the service (our waiter Demetrius was particularly endearing), but I think that like any new business this restaurant may go through some culinary growing pains before they determine how best to serve Edgewater (and beyond). It was nice to see the tables filled with locals, and to celebrate the return of Le Friday Night Typique at a new venue with close friends. I look forward to returning on my own in a few months to see how Mango Pickle has grown.
