Dining pick of the week: Saffron Flavors

PICK OF THE WEEK:

SAFFRON FLAVORS

4450 N. Tenaya Way at West Craig Road, 489-7900

This family-owned restaurant prides itself on preparing dishes from the glorious past of the great maharajas of India. That is achieved through the unique blend of spices and diverse styles that is uniquely Indian cuisine. Traditional dishes feature a variety of Indian herbs cooked in authentic tandoor ovens. chicken tikka is marinated overnight with herbs and spices and served on a sizzling platter. Other entrees include fish tikka (marinated grouper) and tandoori jhinga, jumbo shrimp in roasted chickpea flour and spices. From the curry pot comes palak chicken with spiced spinach, shrimp or lamb vindaloo in spicy curry sauce and goan fish curry, where grouper filets are cooked with ginger and tomatoes in a coconut-based curry. There is a large vegetarian menu featuring okra, potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet corn, peas and onions. Dhal makhani is red kidney beans and black lentils in assorted spices and herbs. Channa masala is chickpeas simmered in tomato sauce with Indian spices. Don't forget the many delicious naan breads. An Indo-Chinese fusion menu has chili shrimp, ginger chicken and hakka noodles with vegetables. Saffron Flavors is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (closed Monday) and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. - Jack Bulavsky