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| - I ate dinner at Mango Shiva tonight, using a coupon that I purchased from Living Social (I paid $25 and got $50 worth of food). I would definitely return to Mango Shiva even without a coupon!
I arrived before my friend and was promptly seated and given water. The server was very attentive and polite while I waited; I also received some papadums (with a side of chunky mango chutney) to munch on before my meal. My friend arrived and the server showed us the menus, as well as the drink list and specials menu.
We both started with their "Dirty Mango Lassi", which is a traditional mango lassi spiked with rum. All of the drinks at Mango Shiva are fairly expensive, with cocktails ringing in at $9.04 before tax (is that a lucky number or something?), and I would consider going back during happy hour when they are only $6. We then shared an appetizer from the list of specials, which was their homemade paneer served kebab-style with grilled vegetables (bell peppers and onions). I admit I'm a lame Indian-food customer because I love the flavours but have no tolerance for the spice (I lost it when I spent a few years living in a "bland" country). The appetizer was delicious but a bit too spicy for my own tolerance level, which meant it ticked my mouth to the point where I was giggling incessantly. For a vegetarian main I had the masala cauliflower. From looking at the tables beside us we didn't think the mains were intended for sharing, but this would have been a great dish to split with another veggie main or even a meat dish (for you omnivores). The cauliflower was coated in a creamy tomato curry sauce, and on the side there was a zucchini fritter and two yam fritters (not the eggplant listed on the menu). You get a choice of sides: rice or one of two varieties of naan. These will be served on the side, so they're also good for sharing. After the appetizer and the mains we definitely didn't have room for dessert, but based on the high quality of our entrees I'm sure the desserts are delicious!
The ambiance in the restaurant is chic and evocative of India, with lots of warm candle light, transparent furniture and sparkling decorations. It would be a great place for a date (if the love of your life can handle a little spicy food, that is!) and we saw lots of large groups of friends sharing an evening out. I think Mango Shiva is a great choice in downtown Calgary.
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