Sometimes it pays to be one of the regulars. WhoSEZ and I have now been to Sahib's enough times that the waitress recognizes us. She knows we'll want one order of Sahib's splendid samosas to share right away - they go into the fryer the moment she spots us at the door - and a second order to split with the main course. She knows that WhoSEZ will order from the vegetarian side of the menu, while I will ask for recommendations on chicken dishes. We will get some kind of bread. We will gush about everything she brings.
When we were there this past Friday, I was having a hard time deciding between a chicken entree and a garbanzo bean concoction. Finally I went with the chicken, and as usual it was excellent. Toward the end of the meal, the waitress came back with a small bowl of the bean dish, too. She had explained my difficulty to the chef, she said, and, with our earlier effusive praise ringing in his ears, he had sent out a sample for us to try. No extra charge, they just thought we'd enjoy it.
Did we ever! I wish I could remember the name of the dish so I could tell everyone to order it. It's garbanzos simmered, chili-like, in an array of spices I can only begin to identify. The ones I noticed most were cinnamon and cardamom. I always associate those aromas with apple pie, so I was afraid I would bite into sugary beans, but that was not the case at all. Instead I got a savory dark sauce studded with mild chickpeas. It was a real treat.
You can bet we tipped big, and will return to do so again. So make your
pleasure known when you dine out. You could end up with some really cool
beans.