Spice In Cafe was dead empty when I strolled in. That could be because the doors open at 11:30 a.m. and I blazed in promptly at 11:31 a.m. The $6.95 daily lunch buffet had just been laid out, and I was the first to dive into each and every mouthwatering dish.

Though small and compact with just 12 items, the buffet had the warm touch of an Indian grandmother who'd made a remote kitchen her stomping ground for decades. Soothing stone-like walls, bright flowers and soft Indian music made for a peaceful environment and the waiter seemed surprised at my exuberant excitement over each bite of food. Cubes of cheese in curry sauce were torn apart, stuffed in crispy biscuit-tasting naan triangles and dunked in chickpea stew while glass after glorious glass of ice water washed everything down.

Centerstage Reviewer: Misty Tosh