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| - This place is misfiled, thanks in no small part to the authenticity of the place. This is an authentic Sri Lankan, Sinahlese restaurant, and the young couple owning-operating it have much to learn about American-Midwestern mainstream culture. First, they obfuscate the fact that they are Sri Lankan, dishing up not just very authentic, but also very tasty Sri Lankan curry (my aunt Kamala makes authentic Sri Lankan curry, but it's not actually that good). And yet, there is nothing on the menu, on the storefront, anywhere here that would tell a potential customer that this is a Sri Lankan place. I've tried explaining to the owners that there is a subset of Americans who are looking for different, unique, exotic, foreign and authentic, there's a market for culinary adventure. They think they need to hide their background, so they don't scare off potential customers. Staggers the imagination, this is Madison Wisconsin. They play this canned smooth jazz that would be too cruel to use on prisoners of war, because it's called "restaurant music." Last time I was in there I brought in some traditional Sinhalese music for them to play, and a White family at a nearby table was enthusiastically encouraging them to play it, to no avail. They have all this peculiar stuff on the menu, burritos, some pseudo Chinese stuff, because they want to entice the teenagers from the nearby school to come after classes. Sweet Lord Shiva, they think American teenagers are a good thing to have in a restaurant. Well forget all that, the sincerity of the owner-couple is part of the charm of this place. They may not know a lot about American culture, but they sure have bought into the American dream. Once you meet them, you'll want them to succeed too.
The weekday menu is limited, in terms of authentic Sri Lankan, but the green bean, chicken, and dal curries are delicious. Unless you know what you're doing, do not ask for it Sri Lankan hot, but if you want authentic Sri Lankan hot, they will bring it on. I am actually salivating as I type this. This place is so good, not once, not twice, but three times, I've hopped on the bus to Madison during the week, from Milwaukee, just to eat lunch. The prices are low, the food is unique, only order from the curry section, and order one more entree than you have people, bring some food containers (they will pack the leftovers in Styrofoam otherwise, environmentally unsound, and not smart as these are gravy dishes), and bring some food home. That's what I do. Weekends they add some special Sri Lankan dish that's not usually on the menu, look for lamprais (not an eel, it's a rice dish in a leaf), hoppers (it's not like anything you've eaten before, don't listen to anyone comparing them to crepes or pancakes), and get yourself on their email list. This is the best Sri Lankan restaurant outside of New York City or Toronto in North America. I know this for a fact, as I've been to them all.
Note: The interesting chairs are actually too low to be comfortable. Go for the standard chairs or booths instead. Also note, Sinhalese food should be eaten with the right hand. It tastes better that way. If encouraged, the owner-waitress can show you how.
Outside of a handful of Indian-Americans (they like this "ethnic" food which is similar to but not the same as what they get at home), some South Asian scholars, and a few of the overeducated suburban types within walking distance, this place is still largely undiscovered. You totally get bragging rights if you come here with the sort of friends who will be impressed when you say, "I found an authentic Sinhalese restaurant!" Greet them with a hearty "Ayubowan," when you come in, and tell them Rohan sent you. Like most Sri Lankans, they know so many Rohans, they won't actually know who you're talking about, and they would give you the same wonderful service they give any customer, but I think you should tell them anyway.
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