Taj Mahal in Boise, ID

Looking Back!

Today, I'm looking back on a dining adventure with my Bro and Sis-in-law, two years ago.

They took us to their favorite restaurant, in downtown Boise.

The Ishaq Family

I am reminded of this wonderful family today, after reading my brother's post on Facebook.

Chris has often posted about this fabulous family and their decadent dishes. But today he spoke about missing their favorite restaurant, during Coronavirus lockdown.

The Atmosphere

I remember the warm welcome our group received... lots of laughter and hugs. Chris introduced us to Sohaim, and they teased each other about their hats. Chris asked about Sohaim's wife, but we would have to wait. She was busy in the back. 

I remember feeling so comfy in the cozy restaurant, with the warm colors and music, the art and the unusual display of instruments!
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Settling In
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Then we got comfortable at our table, with some drinks. 

Don and Chris had some kind of curious beer. Karen and I split a bottle of Lassi, with homemade yogurt. Thick and sweet and yummy!

 Our Feast!

Chris and Karen did all the ordering. I obviously can't remember it all, but I do remember the Bengan Pakora! Eggplant slices, dipped in some kind of chickpea batter! So crispy good, with some kind of amazing sauce.

I remember Goat Biriyani, so tender and lean! There was Masala with lentils and  buttery Chicken Korma, puree'd spinach Palak... Oh I want to go back!

We feasted until nearly 11 pm. All the other dining guests had departed. Then, the atmosphere changed.

Family

It was late, but not too late for some celebration. The Ishaq's grown sons arrived and were introduced. Both were gracious and polite and good humored with Chris' teasing.

The sweet 2-year-old grandson enjoyed a little distraction with an iPad at a nearby table. He nibbled on a plate of chopped cucumbers and onions. What a sweet little guy at such a late hour.

​When his grandma appeared from the kitchen, sweet Roham made it clear that no one was to bother his grandmother.

He clung to her and fussed, if we got too close. Oh my! I hope I someday have a grandchild who adores me so much!

Nawn Lesson

After our meal, we had an exciting lesson on making naan (spelled nawn, in the menu) We moved into the kitchen to see just how much effort and skill, goes into this heavenly bread!

We kept a safe distance from the tandoori oven and watched! First we saw the  rolling and stretching of the dough.

Seems I remember the dough being laid flat on some kind of springy pillow, then dropped into the steaming opening. The dough clung to the wall of the oven and the heat was cranked up. Less than a minute later, long skewers were used to flip the piping hot bread from the oven. What an amazing treat to watch and eat! I wish I'd gotten a video.

Wonderful Memories

I remember we departed with our boxed up leftovers, just as some family friends  entered with a cake of some kind.

I was happily exhausted from our amazing dining adventure and the Ishaqs were finishing a day's work and ready to celebrate. Was it a birthday? I don't know, but I was mighty impressed to know this hardworking family had energy left to celebrate! They obviously deserved some fun!

Now, I'm thinking of the Ishaqs and I wish them well during this pandemic time. I was happy to hear that Chris and Karen have regularly been enjoying carry-out feasts from Taj Mahal. But I know how eager everyone is, to once again gather and dine inside this fabulous restaurant!