When I was in college I lost my sense of smell, and as a result, much of my sense of taste. Fortunately, my problem was solved with a surgery that returned me to a relatively normal state (at least as far as my senses are concerned). But I still have my good and bad days. It is on these good days that I find it a necessity to make sure I give my senses the best experience they can get… and it is for this reason that I have eaten at Thali of India more than any other place on Market Street
(28 E Market St, Corning, NY to be exact).
Their website claims “more than 140 items in the Menu” and I would add the words “unique and authentic” as well. When it comes to Indian food, you really can’t match the rich sauces and variety of flavors (get over yourself Mexican, we all know it’s just corn, meat, and cheese in different shapes). I know because I had an Indian roommate in college, and his spices took up about 75% of our available cupboard space. If your new to Indian food, you don’t know how lucky you are to have a place like Thali in your town. Introducing your taste buds to these flavors is a rush that will literally take you to another part of the world.
Looking at the menu always seems overwhelming. Usually I just end up getting something random and surprising myself. This is one of the few places where you can be adventurous and have it pay off. It seems like every time I visit I suddenly have a new favorite food. This is a good approach for those who don’t know where to start, or you’re like me and have A.D.D. (which your parents deny and you remain un-medicated throughout your adult life… where was I?).
You will be full when you leave… If you don’t have room in your fridge, or you have too much room in your wallet, it’s not a bad idea to split a meal and share an appetizer. You can not go wrong with any of their Pakora Appetizers. My favorite being the Vegetable Pakora which is potatoes and cauliflower dipped in a spiced batter and fried. My current favorite meal is their Palak (chicken or vegetable), while my girlfriend usually gets the Korma or Vindaloo. All are amazingly delicious. Another tip… Get the assorted bread basket. You’ll get more for less, are able to sample all different types of bread (their online menu lists 12), and have some to take home for your leftovers.
Your waiter will likely ask you how spicy you want it… get medium or hot. I usually get hot (and wish it was hotter), my girlfriend always gets medium. When it comes to Indian food, I don’t think of spice in terms of say hot-wings, but rather in terms of intensity of flavor. If you want the full flavor, don’t cheat yourself with a mild sauce (seriously, their medium is very mild compared to some places I have been). If your brave, wink at the waiter and say “Indian spicy.”
But wait… there’s more! They have a lunch buffet from 11-3 (or somewhere close to that time range) and a dinner buffet on Monday nights (5-9 I believe). While I highly recommend ordering off their menu to get your meal fresh and hot, if your a buffet kind of person, you’ll appreciate the variety. It’s a good sized buffet (if your expecting China Super Buffet size, you’ll think it’s small). There are two long tables which consist mostly of a few popular dishes, appetizers, deserts, and sides. You also get a bread basket of fresh Nan.
It is a classy and relaxed atmosphere. No need to dress up, but you can. It’s decorated very well and it feels cozy even if your sitting at a center table. There are two floors and if it’s during a time where you would expect it to be busy… it probably is. I’m not sure if they take reservations, but I’ve never needed them. It is family run, and the owners are very friendly people.
Myles Lasco
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