404596 Wed May 23 18:00:30 -0700 2007 8 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2596901 Last March, I set up a sampler dinner at Tibet Nepal House and with 15 different dishes, it truly was a "Feast." Except for 2 or 3 things that were a yawn, I really enjoyed almost every dish; however, there are definite standouts that I want to mention below. First, there were the Yak Momos (dumplings). I mentioned them in a previous post, but was curious to see how they would taste a second time around. They didn't disappoint. I'm not sure what kind of seasoning goes into that meat, but it really gives that yak meat great flavor. Just like before, I was perfectly content noshing on that Yak Momo on its own and didn't need any of the sauce to supplement it. Then there were two chicken dishes that were just out of this world. One was the Kukhura Sekuwa, which was chicken breast marinated with sour cream and Himalayan spices. As we all know, chicken breast can lean towards being as dry as a bone, but this chicken was moist and tender with a sweet-heat flavor that was just delectable. The other was the Chyamtango Pujaari, which was chicken cooked with dry chili, cumin, garlic and Nepali spices Again, the chicken was moist and tasty and the blend of all those great spices just really pumped up the flavor volume without going over the top. As for the vegetarian dishes, I'm a big fan of the Goodruk which consisted of prepared mustard greens, cabbage and tomato cooked with Nepali spices. I liked how the slight bitterness of the mustard greens combined with the tomato's acidity. Being a fan of bitter melon, it suited my palate. I also really enjoyed the Tofu Saag which was sauteed tofu cooked with pureed spinach and seasoned with Himalayan spices Even though the tofu was deep-fried beforehand, it still absorbed a lot of the great spinach flavor from the sauce. Another great vegetarian addition was the Arun Valley Saag, which was fresh baby bok choy cooked with Chef's special blended sauce of ginger, garlic, onion, celery, etc. I love ginger so this dish was a hit with me at first bite and when you bring in garlic, this dish could be quite overpowering, but I think this dish is well balanced by the sweetness of the onions and the celery. In regards to bread, I preferred the Tibetan bread which was deep fried whole wheat bread. It had a light crispy texture that was really enjoyable to eat. I didn't care too much for the Chyamtange Dhopzi, a stone-ground whole wheat leavened bread because of its too chewy texture. It reminded me of bad pita bread. As for dessert, the house-made rice pudding is always a hit with me. It's light, creamy and offers just the right amount of sweet to end my meal without me feeling as if I over did it. Overall, this was a great dinner. After all that food, I think all of us could have been rolled out of the door, assuming we would have fit. I have to say that I've never been disappointed by a meal at Tibet Nepal House and this one was no exception. To see pics, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/la_addict/sets/72157600170095363/ Tibet Nepal House 36 E Holly St Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 585-9955 www.tibetnepalhouse.com Thanks, Abby http://pleasurepalate.blogspot.com/ Wed May 23 18:00:30 -0700 2007 12403 pleasurepalate 1 2597032 Nice photos. The green beans and the dumplings looked tasty to me. Wed May 23 18:55:58 -0700 2007 2596901 57689 katkoupai 1 2597154 how many people was this dinner for? and was it a set menu (kind a like tasting menu?) or did you order a la carte? and what was the final cost for this dinner? Wed May 23 19:51:04 -0700 2007 2596901 79299 rickym13 2 2597403 In answer to your questions: 1) There were 13 people who happened to be at this dinner 2) Yes, it was a set menu. I sat down with the owner and we chose the dishes together. 3) The total cost, including tax and gratuity, was $455 at $35 per person. Wed May 23 22:02:23 -0700 2007 2597154 12403 pleasurepalate 1 2597256 Really nice post. I have eaten there only once but was really impressed. There are sooo many pricey places you can eat in Pasadena with so-so food and so-so service. Tibet Nepal House had unique, intriguing food with really attentive and good-natured service. Look forward to going back, maybe for the buffet! Wed May 23 20:54:07 -0700 2007 2596901 11626 running pig 1 2597322 Beautiful and well described post! Thank you!! Btw- how much was it pp? Wed May 23 21:25:22 -0700 2007 2596901 43277 miffy 2 2597405 It was $35 per person, including tax and gratuity. Wed May 23 22:02:57 -0700 2007 2597322 12403 pleasurepalate 3 2597408 That is quite reasonable for the amount of food! Wed May 23 22:07:01 -0700 2007 2597405 43277 miffy 4 2597431 Definitely and there were even leftovers. Some people got lunch the next day, too. Wed May 23 22:19:57 -0700 2007 2597408 12403 pleasurepalate