Star of Fort Collins
Holly Bea
Fort Collins Now
9:39 a.m. MT May 2, 2008
If you’re a fan of Indian food, or have ever been curious about trying it, you can count your lucky stars that Star of India is now in Fort Collins.
This restaurant jewel opened less than a year ago. It has been winning hearts and palates ever since, including mine and a gal pal’s during our recent visit.
I should state that I am a true and longtime Indian food lover, and I have been blessed to live in and visit some cities that offer some of the best outside of New Dehli, including Chicago, New York, Houston and London. Star of India simply surpassed my expectations, and I look forward to my next visit.
If It’s Sunday, It Must Be Goat Night
OK, so I don’t know if every Sunday is Goat Night, but it was written on the blackboard at the entryway when we went to the restaurant. We were greeted warmly and seated promptly, with water poured within seconds of being seated. Upon perusing the wine list, I was delighted to see some terrific wines available by the glass—including Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet—served in lovely stemware and at reasonable prices, to boot. Best of all, they pour a generous glass of wine. They also offer a selection of Indian beers.
We started with an order of the Meat Samosa, a tasty stuffing of meat, peas and seasoning served in a flaky crust with a side of marinated cucumbers that my tablemate said were fabulous. (I have to take her word for it, because if a cucumber isn’t pickled, it will never cross my lips.)
I had decided to order Lamb Vindaloo for my entrée, but my waiter enthusiastically recommended that I try it with goat. Keeping in the spirit of culinary adventure, I acquiesced, and must admit it was rather tasty. Seemed like there were a few more bones than I am used to, but it was very tender. The Vindaloo, (spicy curry with potatoes marinated in vinegar) while a little more tomato-ey than I am used to, was excellent. And my friend’s order of Lamb Mango was this incredible combination of sweet and spicy: a mild but flavorful curried lamb cooked in mango, cashew nuts and green herbs. We also indulged in the Saag Paneer—cooked spinach in thick gravy with chunks of fresh homemade cheese—was perfect.
Make Plans to Visit Star of India
If you’ve never experienced Indian cuisine, a great way to start is by visiting Star of India during its daily lunch buffet, which isn’t offered on Monday nights, when they offer an evening buffet. You’ll get a chance to try a range of dishes, and I promise you, you’ll find something you’re sure to enjoy...even if it’s not Goat Night. They also offer take-out, delivery service and catering.
Star of India
• 2900 Harvard St., Unit B (off College)
• 970.225.1740
• Lunch Buffet 11 A.m.- 2:30 P.m. Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
• Dinner 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
