blomble

As we just can't trust the American palate to review a decent curry.
How about an attempt at a concise list of recommended (or not) establishments.
The ability to make a decent Chicken Tikka Masala being my particular 'Gold Standard'
I'll kick it off with:

Los Angeles area

Shalimar - 23011 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91364 - Very Highly Recommended (best I've found, yet) -

tonrob

While I've found a few "decent" ones (i.e. worth going back to) the only one I've found on this continent that's comparable to UK standards is this gem in Montreal that's run by some bloke who used to cook in Ealing:

Bombay Restaurant, 1723 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC

Just in case any of you are up there for any reason. BTW - there are two blinding brewpubs (that each serve 2 real ales) within spitting distance on the same street, which needless to say, adds to the appeal.

[Drool...] Roll on Friday...

Patrick Hasler

There's one on the high st in Saratoga Springs NY ...... $45 for a lamb tikka

shazza777

Red Onion-1908 E. Central Texas Expressway

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=23868

tonrob

Bargain. Do you get the whole sheep for that?

penguinsix

I really hate Indian food, but several of my Indian friends mention 'Heritage India' in Washington, DC (2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW). Considered one of the better ones in the DC area (which is getting more and more Indian as many techies move to NoVa). Bit pricey though.

I was also taken to a place in NY to a place called Bay Leaf at 49 W 56th St, New York, NY. Again, not a fan of Indian, but my friends from India said it was pretty authentic.

Like I said, I'm not a fan, but thought I'd pass along some recommendations from some native lovers of that cuisine.

Lord Lionheart

Anarkali in West Hollywood www.anarkali-la.com. Check out the coupon section on the website, buy a meal for two for over $40 & get $25 discount!!! Never had the chicken tikka masala but the price is right

Dan725

After many, many bad ones, this one recently opened up in Tampa:

http://www.cilantrojax.com/

Cilantro
11009 N. 56th St.
Tampa, FL 33617

- Excellent; we're very happy!

Birt Tiddler

Clay pit in Austin downtown, is about the best of a bad bunch round here.

Why do american curry houses do those awful burnt little dry popadoms like rice paper????

Nigs

The Clay Pit in Addison in the North Dallas Area is connected via family with the same Austin Clay pit.
I love this restaurant. Great food, nice atmosphere and the family are on the floor every time.

I can not recommend them any more than that, they CARE, about the food and how the guest enjoys the experience!

Now if I can just stop going there I will be able to teach my partner how to make a decent Indian curry!!

Nigs

As for the popadoms I think they "nuke" them not fry them, hence the dry, burnt flavor. I was taught to microwave them years ago as a young chef. Age tells me that is the wrong path...................OK just back from watching "forbidden Kingdom" but the popadoms suck over her!!

Fry 'em, hell most things get fried here all the time!

Hit the Kroger for them if you just have to do it your self.

tonrob

For a start they're more similar to the 'spicy' ones from UK restaurants rather than the normal ones. Despite my love of spicy things, and the fact that what follows is often a vindaloo, I like the poppadoms themselves to be of the plain variety, which I simply haven't seen over here. I always found spicy ones in the UK to be dry and a bit nasty.

Hiro11

Just wanted to point out that chicken tikka masala is British, not Indian... It's like saying my gold standard for Chinese restaurants is who can prepare the best chop suey and egg foo young.

Titchski

Little India,
330 E 6th Ave (corner of 6th and Grant)
Denver

Best Indian food I've had in the US. Nothing in my neck of the woods (Fort Myers) that I'd write home about though, sadly

Leyther

I recommend this place also and even better since it is only four blocks from our apartment, although for lunch they only do a buffet as opposed to a full menu like they do for dinner.

The only other Indian I have tried is India House which is in downtown Denver on 15th & Blake. It is more of an upscale place and the food is a tad pricey and it isn't the best (although it isn't bad either) but the atmosphere is great, very relaxed and cosy with excellent service.