Pongol or Vatan

Going to one of these two tonight.

A vote will decide which one I need to go to first.

If I go to Vatan, I'll try everything (prix fixe all you can eat). If I go to Pongol, what should I try/avoid?

Thanks,

MM

Link: http://nycrestaurant.blogspot.com

[lycheetini]

vatan is ok for a one time deal.. that's it... cant keep going there..
there are much better restaurant along lex in the 20s

vatan is really lame. i'd stay away.

Of the veg places on that block of Lex, I like Udipi Palace best. It's a bit more expensive, but I've found the food good there. I've had too many stale tasting and/or badly spiced dishes at Pongal to want to return.

Just today a native of Madras (Chennai) recommended Pongol to me. To judge his taste, he rates Chennai Garden as only so-so.

I say check out Pongol and report back! If not I'll do the same when I can get to it.

okay, thanks! I've lived next door to it for a year now, might as well. Thanks.

I'm far from an expert, but I went to Vatan once a few years ago. it was a fun experience, maybe a little kitschy. All the walls have murals of villages on them. You take off your shoes before eating and sit in raised booths on pillows. I think some booths may even have curtains around them. I remember enjoying the food and being pleasantly surprised that I left full from a vegetarian restaurant. I can't remember specifics but there was a puffy bread with a spicy marmalade-type sauce that I got seconds off. Service was relaxed and pleasant. Good Taj Mahal beer.