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| - About 6 months ago this place started to noticeably, but subtly, evolve. Gone were the friendly owners, replaced by a new crop of much younger, less interested employees. I can recall on not once, but at least 2 to 3 occassions going here shortly after 11am for an early lunch and the place was closed. I've walked in at 11:30 am and they're still setting up?
Prices went up, small changes to the menu items started showing up and the coma-inducing, extra scoops of food that really defined the value of their offering started to wane. In other words, now you're getting too much food (instead of WAYYY too much food) for $9, instead of $8. Subtle - but impactful to the discerning lunch goer.
One correctable, subtle issue that popped up, and still persists today as I pull another one out of my mouth while chewing and writing this review, is exhibited by the fact that they cook with in-tact, full-sized Cardamom pods and cloves. Now in and of itself, this is not at all an issue, and in fact encouraged as the subtle flavors are a terrific layer of flavor. The problem exists when the pods and cloves are not removed prior to serving the dish and so you'll occassinally get a mouthfull of surprise when you bite into an entire Cardamom pod which can simply destroy your pallette for the next several minutes. It's a rookie mistake, that can be easily changed and make a subtle improvement to their quality.
Unfortunately, after some serious evaluation of this place for several weeks, if not months (yea I still come here pretty much weekly because it's the closest place to my office) I can no longer recommend this place to folks who may have an Indian food itch burning in their appetites. The subtle changes that the Aroma management team has made have deteriorated the overall offering beyond my comfort zone. In fact, the line out the door that used to exist for Nirvana II is gone - the people have spoken!!
The other factor here is that Persis Biriyani opened up a place across the street in the Latta Arcade. In another month or so, after they work out the kinks, I would expect Persis to crush this place on every facet of their offering. DING DING DING - LETTTS GET READDDY TO RUMMMBBBLLLLEEEE!!!!!
And oh yea, the naan is still awful.
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