171332 Mon Jul 26 14:11:46 -0700 2004 4 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 919388 I took Naruda's suggestion of trying this true hole-in-the-wall. India Grand is located in the back of a market next to the Indian movie theatres in Loehmann's Plaza, Rte 50 in Falls Church. They will make fresh snacks for you, and at $3.75 a plate, they pack quite a punch for a cheap, delicious lunch. I believe it's open for dinner as well. Had the bhel puri. Wow. Friend had the chat papri which was also awesome. Seating is at metal folding chairs in front of folding tables. Grocery store ambience. Ignore the steam table in front of the counter. The lady from Bombay asked me how spicy I want it; I said As if I were Indian. I doubt she really followed through, which turned out just fine by me. Only for fans of BIG, BOLD flavor. Mon Jul 26 14:11:46 -0700 2004 0 Steve 1 919392 Are the owners from Bombay or Southern India? I always thought they were Tamilian. Did you try their dosas or South Indian coffee? Mon Jul 26 14:23:31 -0700 2004 919388 0 Harsha 2 919397 I don't know where the owners are from, nut the lady preparing the food said she was from a town near Bombay. Did not try the dosas or coffeee, but I'll go back. What do you know of the place? Mon Jul 26 14:29:03 -0700 2004 919392 0 Steve 3 919499 The restaurant is run by a family from Gujerat. At one time it was run by Keralites from South India. In the last 3 years the restaurant has been run by at least 5 different families. The nature of the restaurant varies with the ownership of the grocery store. Currently it is owned by a Gujerati. Tue Jul 27 10:20:46 -0700 2004 919397 0 naruda 4 919740 That expains it. I went there only once, in early 2003. At that time, it was owned and operated by South Indian Hindu vegetarians, thus, the emphasis on South Indian food. Thu Jul 29 16:24:02 -0700 2004 919499 0 Harsha