Not Even the Bread…

The Pitch

Always with the aim of crossing off all the dining options surrounding my workplace, today was Masala Cuisine's turn.  Following two relocations, this Indian bring-your-own-wine has found its permanent Pointe-Saint-Charles home in 2012.  Barely noticeable from outside, the restaurant's banal façade looks – and probably was – residential.

tagged:  B.Y.O.W.

The Mood

Red painted walls, hanging wall carpets and exposed wood beams give off a warm, cozy feel.  "Open concept" may be an understatement here, as everything is out in the open; from the exposed kitchen and visible refrigerator to the bare ceiling lightbulbs!  By half past noon, the dining room was nearly full with small-to-medium-sized groups of what appears to be the local office crowd.

The Food

Masala's menu is an exercise in minimalism; two starters and one dessert surround a handful of Indian standards such as butter chicken, beef masala and lamb korma.

Starter

Starter

$2

$2

Lentil Soup

Served in the tiniest bowl I have ever seen, this soup was hot and flavourful, but alas had an uneven, watery consistency.

Main

Main

$18

$18

Lamb Korma

Tough-as-rubber lamb cubes were covered in a spicy yogurt sauce and served with basmati rice and a sloppy blob of tasteless dal.

Side

Side

$2.50

$2.50

Spicy Naan Bread

Brushed with chilies, this bread was the highlight of the meal; although without charring and oiliness, it resembled Greek pita more than naan.

tagged:  IS THERE ANOTHER MENU?

The Service

Today we were tended to by a middle-aged white – non-Indian – male; probably a first for me at an Indian restaurant.  Aside from the prompt service, what struck me the most was how well he knew his customers; going as far as remembering patrons' favorite dishes and language preferences!

The Verdict

After my lunch at Masala, I found out this establishment doubles up as a cooking school for small, private events.  In fact, based on the limited opening hours – four afternoons and one evening a week – those classes seem to be the main attraction here.

As an eat-in restaurant, however, I found flaw with everything I sampled today – including the bread!  The only redeeming factor was our spirited waiter, but that won't be enough to send me back here anytime soon.

tagged:  SUBPAR

Price per person:  $20