Bawarchi revisit (Little India, Mira Mesa)

Like Bawarchi on revisit. My visiting Mom did not.

PLUSSES: Super-yum light mixed veg with mustard (?) seed. Unusual dishes. Nice tomato dal. Nice masala paneer. Delicious mixed vegetable rice. Tasty overall

MINUSES: Mom though the vegetarian selections were much smaller than when it was Ker. Grossed out by their being no salad tongs, and the man in front of us using his fingers to pick through the lettuce. $11.95 or so for the buffet.

Very crowded, though, with tons of Indian engineers from the general environs. I'd go back, but I won't bring Mom again!

Sitar (Mira Mesa)

I love having errands or appts. in Mira Mesa near lunchtime: a great excuse to hit the Scranton food court, one of the happiest corners in all of San Diego for a foodie. Tons of options there (and across the street in the backup food court)....but somehow I end up at Sitar a good 80% of the time.

Usually the palak paneer is my fave: it's a good indicator of how an Indian restaurant is, and Sitar's is perfect, flavorful, fresh. But I'm getting a little over it! So today I got their baingan bharta - again, compared to run-of-the-mill Indian restaurants it's a zillion times better. Add their earthy dal, a nice fresh roti, and some perfectly fine raita....and you've got one yummy, fast and healthy lunch for a working mom on the run!

Oh - and for those of you whose spouses will eat Indian food: on the weekends, they are open and take over most of the food court and have an all-you-can-eat buffet. Perfect for the whole family!