Do you know what this is? It’s one of those Indian restaurants on First Ave between 5th and 6th street. First of all, sixth street is nothing but Indian restaurants, but the few jam-packed next to each other on the small space on First Ave between 5th and 6th definitely take the cake. A man stands outside each restaurant and tries to convince you to come inside. “How many? How many?” What you can’t see in the picture above is that to the left of this man is another man, standing in front of another Indian restaurant that looks exactly the same and they are both asking the same thing. It’s hysterical.
I’m sure someone has a developed opinion to which of the Indian restaurants in this clump of Indian restaurants is better, but I’m a newbie here. And like many places in NYC, I’ve walked by it a million times. And I’ve often wondered who exactly eats there. I see all the gimmicky lights and think it can’t possibly be any good. In fact, when I agreed to go to Panna II for dinner last Saturday night, I had no idea that that was the place I had agreed to.
But guess what! I LOVED it! I didn’t even know I liked Indian food! But it is soooo goood:
I seriously have no idea what we ordered. Some chicken somethings. Some vegetable somethings. I know we ordered some cheese bread and some coconut bread which was Amazing. It was all amazing. And Panna II is BYOB, which is fun. We also did BYOD (bring your own dessert) cause my friends brought in a chocolate cake for me!
And when the Panna II people found out it was my birthday, they took the cake and five minutes later, this crazy “Happy Birthday” song came over the entire restaurant and the lights were flashing on and off and they brought out my cake with candles on it. It was insane. I cannot explain the birthday song to you, but if you know someone with a birthday coming up, you should take them to Panna II just for that experience. It was hilarious.
Do you see all these lights? It’s a whole other world inside Panna II. And I kind of love it.
Omg I love Indian food! Next time I visit, we should make a trip there. Channa masala is one of my faves, but I like any curries and most of the veg dishes. And I loooove naan (the bread). JEALOUS! And those lights are amazing!
Ok, yes, definitely put that on the list for the next time you’re here. :)
Wow, that looks pretty awesome! You should have an indian crawl, just walk down the street and try a different dish in each place to see which one is the most outrageous inside.
Did you try the lassi? If not, do! Sweet lassi, plain, and then if you don’t like it try some of the flavors. It’s like a sweet and salty yogurt drink, only it’s thinner than a smoothie. Yum!
I have not tried lassi! But next time I will!
i want to go there! are you going to be in the city over easter? im coming!!
Of course I’ll be here! And that restaurant is right next to Steph’s apartment so we can definitely go! Yay, I’m so glad I will see you!!
very cool place