Spring 2007

Vindalho Newsletter ::

“Journey to India” Dinner Series

For ten days in March chef de cuisine David Anderson explored three regions of India. By plane, train and automobile, bus and riverboat, David traversed a fascinating part of the Indian subcontinent. David met with and ate with cooks, street vendors, farmers in marketplaces and locals in each city and state he visited. He has returned triumphant, loaded down with spices, chiles, bags of rice, prepared masalas and recipes. Journey with us and explore the Portuguese-inspired foods of Goa, the coastal and tropical flavors of Kerala and the melting-pot tastes of urban outpost Mumbai. View a slide show of David Anderson's India trip.

Each region provides ingredients and inspiration for the dinner series scheduled for April 15, May 20 and June 10. Dinners begin with an appetizer selection followed by family-style main dishes and dessert. The cost is $65 per person, per event, and includes food, wine pairings and gratuity. Seating is at 6 pm and space is limited. Make a reservation by calling 503-467-4550 or email david@vindalho.com.

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Spring Menu: Bursting with Flavor

As the warmer weather comes on our menu shines with renewed seasonal excitement. Consider these new tantalizing dishes: Spring Vegetable Sambar Soup made with steamed semolina idii, Lamb Seekh Kebabs with fenugreek cream sauce, English Pea and Fava Bean Samosas, Cabbage Vadai dal and cabbage “doughnuts” with fresh coconut chutney, Theeyal Keralan-style vegetable curry with coconut and tamarind, Baffado De Galinha Goan-style chicken curry with green bean foogath.

At Vindalho, we have found that the best way to enjoy our food is in the tradition of the subcontinent. Sharing multiple dishes at the table is the best way to fully appreciate the complexities of this cuisine. We are offering two family-style regional menus — North Indian Tandoori Nights and Flavors of the Spice Coast — that work exceptionally well. Order one of these or work with your server to suit your tastes. Family-style menus are for parties of four or more with participation of the entire table; $26 per person.

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The Bar: Join the Club

There are some clubs you definitely want to belong to — the newest cocktail added to the Vindalho Bar is one such club. Called the Poona Club, this deep red concoction is adapted from the Fatty Crab restaurant in New York City. The real kicker in this delicious cocktail is the Tanqueray Rangpur gin – delivering a smooth, satisfying and refreshing drink. The gin is distilled with Rangpur limes, mild and full of juice; ginger and bay leaves. These flavors work to smooth the edges of the gin. Add to the cocktail shaker ice, red vermouth, blood-orange juice, Angostura bitters and West Indian Orange bitters. Shake all these participants together and pour. Now, relax, savor and congratulate yourself – you’re a member of the club.

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Turn off the Bangra — there will be Jazz at Vindalho

We invite you to explore the world of jazz guitar this Friday, April 13 while your palate revels in the flavors of India. We promise a tantalizing evening. Mike Pardew, rising star in Portland’s jazz universe, celebrates the release of his first CD as lead guitarist. Transgression features jazz guitar duets with internationally renowned player John Stowell.

Mike Pardew is a Clinton neighbor and co-founder of Cadenza Academy, the music school he runs with his brother Kevin, at SE 21st and Clinton. Mike is an extremely talented musician and instructor. The music, identified by Mike as using elements of “modal jazz,” is abstract, dynamic and soft. For a preview of a great night, listen to Lynn Darroch's podcast as posted on The Oregonian's Music Blog.

When: Friday, April 13, sets at 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm
Where: Vindalho, 2038 SE Clinton, reservations for dinner – 503-467-4550, special late night bar menu available
Who: All ages show; NO COVER

Please join us.

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News & Events

We were very pleased to be featured in the March/April issue of VIA magazine, Indian food goes local and seasonal. Portlander Susan Seubert's beautiful photograph of one of our signature dishes, Goan-Style Mussels, graces the story. Along with the highly acclaimed Vij’s in Vancouver, BC, Vindalho was lauded as a standout in the West, creating delicious modern Indian food with fresh and local ingredients, epitomizing farm-to-table dining.

Join us on Sunday, April 29th at 6 pm to benefit Ecotrust Food & Farms Program. Funds from the dinner will support an array of Ecotrust programs that seek to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers. You can help Ecotrust bolster the local food economy while enjoying a family-style Indian feast including drinks and service, all for $60. The dinner is open to the public and reservations are required. Contact Laura Ford at 503-227-6225.

On May 12 chef de cuisine David Anderson tests his mettle during the People’s Choice competition of the Iron Chef, a fundraiser for the Children’s Relief Nursery. David will take on three other chefs and battle to see who will compete for Iron Chef 2008! The event is held at the Chiles Center, University of Portland. Visit www.crn4kids.org/ironchef for ticket prices and more details. Get ready to rumble!

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