Tamarind, Winter Park

I had a late dinner at this Indian restaurant in a decrepit strip mall on the corner of 17-92 (Orlando Ave and Lee Rd) last Monday. The parking lot is so devoid of illumination, I don't know how the landlord or proprietors in this area haven't been sued for some sort of malfeasance that such an environment engenders. I had the Chicken Xacuti for $13. It was good. Kind of like Tikka Masala, but, with coconut. It was a big portion (enough for two). It came with basmati rice. They provided me with a complimentary basket of the thin Indian "crackers" (I'm spacing on the name) with three accouterments to snack on. One was a salsa-esque salad. One was a sweet, black, thick liquid. One was a hot, green puree. I can't believe I'm still struggling with the terminology after eating it for so long. It doesn't help that the food is so fattening I can only allow myself to have it once a month. In any event, the food seems mostly higher end. The fat lady at the Sentinel gave it good marks. It is run by the people who do Ashirwaad (sp?). They have some dishes I haven't seen labeled as such at other Indian restaurants, but, they seemed to think they were common enough when asked about them. They do tandor, soups, salads, naans, dosas, desserts and "stews" of chicken or vegetables or lamb or seafood. Most are in the $13-$16 range. The most expensive thing is $20. They are on Idine. The place is in the old Cuban location. They dressed it up in Indian luxury. The design is very rococo. They have plush tapestries, chandeliers, ornate accents and a big mural of a village scene on one of the walls. It has: two booths that seat six, four that seat four, two tables that seat four and two tables that seat eight. Service (1) was good. The meal came out in minutes. There were three others there at 9pm. There was a wait for a table on first attempt to dine there the Saturday before. I would guess it is popular. They are open every day (take that lazy Americans). They are open for lunch. No buffet, but, a pick 'em menu is offered. I forget the price on that. It's a good spot for value.