what do I know

Ok, let me start out by saying, this will not be a positive review. Memories of India used to be a place that I enjoyed going for lunch. They have some decently priced lunch specials that can come with or without a somosa and all lunch specials also come with dessert (mango ice cream or rice pudding). So those are the things I liked.

What made me decide to never go to the restaurant again were two things: the service and the re-use of food (that’s right, you heard me). For lunch, anywhere from 4 to 8 of us from work would go out. Each and every time we’d go, we had the same issue with splitting up the check. The conditions under which they could split up the check always changed and when we finally got our bill sorted out, it would take over a half hour to pay so we could leave. As far as food re-use, the waiter took a bowl of rice pudding that someone took a bite out of and didn’t like, and served it to another table where it was promptly gobbled up. Whether he knew it had been eaten from or not, wow, that sucks. I know plenty of you will probably tell me that it happens all the time and it’s probably happened to me, but I saw it this time.

So with that I’m not going back to Memories of India in Dr. Phillips ever again. Maybe other have had better luck, but that place is off my list.

Memories of India is located in the Dr. Phillips area at 7625 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL

RANT : So many of you out there may be saying, “So what about splitting the check.” and maybe you’re right; for big parties there are usually issues at local places when splitting the check. The food however is not the only thing that motivates me to go back to a restaurant. Why small restaurants will turn away potential business by having poor practices for handling the bill is something I will never understand. And don’t give me that, “the software won’t handle it” BS; ring us each up separately or hold onto the original ticket and re-enter it. Good customer service with respect to stuff like this is something people remember and respect. If you’re too busy to be bothered with these luxuries for the customer, then don’t worry, I probably won’t be back. I could understand the argument that says the wait staff deserves the guaranteed 18% tip for large parties, but why not just charge this on the individual bills? I’ve have had this done plenty of times and in fact left over 18% most times. I have the utmost respect for the people who prepare food and wait on me when I dine at a restaurant. My quarrel is not with these people, my quarrel is with the owners and managers who adopt practices like what I’m describing. Maybe I’m alone on this, but I really have respect for the local places that I can go to, with a large party, and there is never an issue splitting the bill. It may be possible that these practices are in place to make it easier on the waiter/waitress, but I would challenge the owner/manager by saying, why is it hard in the first place for the wait staff to split the check? My mother, brother, and sister-in-law have all waited tables for years at different times in their lives and have the same gripes. Maybe I’m setting myself up for a lot of spit in my food, but the bill thing just “grinds my gears”.

Woodlands Indian Cuisine is a vegetarian Indian restaurant on OBT that is truly a great spot to eat. I was first introduced to it by a co-worker of mine for lunch and have been hooked ever since. It’s funny that a few days later, I spoke to a friend of mine who knows some great Indian establishments, and mentioned the Woodlands to her. Not only did she know about the Woodlands, but she was pissed (well as upset as she never is) that I had to opportunity to eat there more recently than she did. Slowly but surely I began to realize that this particular Woodlands location was a pretty big favorite amongst Orlando locals. In fact, I’m still amazed at the number of people who already know about this place. I will admit, I do have to be in the mood for Indian food, but most of the time the mood is available. I think it’s because I’m Cajun, but I’m not sure. I’m used to a lot of stews and sauces with varied contents so when I can’t find a good gumbo or etouffee, Indian food is a great substitute.

Lunch at the Woodlands offers a very high-quality buffet (~$7.99) with a good assortment of sauces, stews, salads, rices, and breads. Additionally, I’m not sure if they charge for it, but they serve this pancake thing with your meal that tastes great (especially with the coconut chutney). I’ve had no issues with the service since I’ve been going. The restaurant may appear a bit rundown from the outside, but inside it feels relatively clean and well kept. For what it’s worth, we’ve never had an issue splitting checks either.

I really like the Woodlands for lunch; I hear dinner there is just as good. I didn’t think I’d consider vegetarian cuisine an ample substitute for the other Indian restaurants I’ve visited, but the Woodlands definitely surprised me. I’d suggest it to anyone who is willing to try a great restaurant that doesn’t already know about it.

Woodlands Indian Cuisine is located at 6040 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL