Jai Ho! Delicious Indian Cuisine in State College

*DISCLAIMER - If  are thinking about not reading this because it involves a type of food that you are unfamiliar with, I urge you to keep reading.*

Since I have not been able to drive around much lately, I figured I would write a bit about another hidden hot spot downtown. Located near The Cheese Shoppe (see last post), down a set of stairs on Calder Way, is an excellent Indian food restaurant. I know this makes some people say, "Ewww, Indian food", especially the people who have never given it a try. 

I tried Indian cuisine last year, while studying abroad in Ireland, and fell in love. Unfortunately, it can get expensive, and as a college student trying to be as thrifty as possible in a foreign country, I had to limit myself.

While abroad, I was also told that Chicken Tikka Masala is the national dish of England. Don't quote me, but London served it nearly everywhere. Most people would think the national dish is fish and chips. So, with that being said, take all stereotypes out of your head and give Indian food a try. People all over the world like it, afterall.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Being skeptical of trying a ethnic food in central PA, I decided to give in and try India Pavilion after many recommendations. Quickly seated and waited upon, I began to look over the menu. I had to get what I knew best - Chicken Tikka Masala, which India Pavilion descibes as "boneless tandoori chicken (white meat) cooked in a thick, creamy tomato sauce with herbs and spices". You can get it spiced mild, medium, or hot, and it is served with basmati rice, a long grain, non-sticky rice associated with the region of India. Also, a popular choice as a side is Naan bread, which is an unleavened bread coated in olive oil and baked. It is delicious, and India Pavilion's Naan did not disappoint.

Naan Bread

To further entice you to give Indian food a try, I have introduced many people, even picky eaters, to give Chicken Tikka Masala a taste. No one has not liked it, yet.


Back to India Pavilion, the staff is very friendly and tends to the customers needs. The prices are not as steep as I saw abroad. My dinner cost about $12.00. I hear there is an $8 lunch buffet, too, which would be a great inexpensive way to try different authentic dishes.


And if my blog hasn't convinced you to try this place yet - it is BYOB! So if nothing else, try some naan and beer.

Rating: 5/5 (A delicious and enjoyable experience)

Restaurant Info:

India Pavilion

222 East Calder Way

State College, PA 16801

(814) 237-3400

For their full menu and more details check out their website:

www.indiapavilion.net/

Wake up and smell the... cheese?

Busy with the end of the semester and being home the past weekend, I have not been able to make it to too many new finds. Recently though, I have come to discover a great coffee shop. Although located downtown, I could not pass up writing about this refreshing spot.


The Cheese Shoppe, which is almost hidden in it's basement location on Caldar Way, is an excellent store for the coffee and tea lover alike. Lured by the scent of freshly ground coffee, you will find an array of coffee beans, loose tea, chocolate, and yes, some cheese, too. (You almost feel caffeinated just by walking down the steps from the robust smells.)


The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Willing to help as much as you want or stay away as much as you want, they seem to care very much about their customers wants and needs.


They also brew a few choice coffees. So even if you are just walking by and need a quick pick-me-up, this is the place to go. The atmosphere seems to be a coffee lovers dream, and there are even a few outside tables to catch up with friends in the newly sunny State College. It must be Spring!

Rating: 5/5!

Store Info:

234 East Calder Way

State College, PA 16801

(814) 234- 4244

You can even purchase coffee off the store's website:

http://www.wcclarke.com/

¡Ay, caramba! Real Mexican in State College?

There are a few places downtown to find ethnic food like Cozy Thai and Kaarma, but you want Mexican tonight. What are your choices? Chipotle or Qdoba... fast food.


I recently caught wind of a newer Mexican restaurant, Rey Azteca. Across the street from Nittany Mall, it is about a 5-10 minute drive from campus, and totally worth it if you can get there!


Upon being seated you are brought a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa to hold you over while you look over the large menu. Enchiladas Suizas was my choice with homemade sangria that we brought because of the BYOB policy.

The service was quick, friendly, and should I say authentic? The inside of the restaurant has booths split up into seperate house-type sections with sombreros and colorful blankets adorning the walls. The food is traditional Mexican, much better than the fast food you will find downtown, and the portions are perfect. Inexpensive too -- three enchiladas with rice and beans = $7.50.

My dinner - yum!

So venture down Benner Pike and get your Mexicana on! ¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba!

Rating: 4/5

Restaurant Info:

Rey Azteca

485 Benner Pike

State College, PA 16801

(814) 238-8700

www.reyaztecarestaurant.net