Check the link for the comments of always right "customers" of a "fusion" restaurant:

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=36026952&postID=116084707371341129



OM at Harvard Square

OM Restaurant, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.


The word OM (AUM) signifies the sound that created universe. It is the symbol of Brahma the creator of the universe. A very religious significant word for the Hindu and the Buddhist - OM… Every mantra starts with OM. It represents primordial vibration from which everything begins…

And so OM at Harvard Square begins the disappointment as you enter through the
Nepali carved door that leads inside to the lounge suggest nothing has been created at Harvard Square, but a mediocre translation of OM - Culturally along with the Culinary…

Food preparation has all the pomp and ceremony but no AAH to the palate. The chef’s compliment – is a total waste and a poor start to the fanfare that it so pretentiously glorifies. The starter popcorn with the cheese sprinkled on it tastes dull. There is nothing modern to American food as you dig into the Lamb Shank.

What is more sad and petrifying is the Buddha looking at your food and the drink. Buddha that symbolizes peace, non – violence, is put on the holes in the wall and embedded… overlook the tables… while people sink their knives into the pork bellies and the shank. There is no Nirvana but only the noises and the horrifying deconstruction of an old tradition, culture and the art, of the people, the place, and the artist – be it the owners father. Buddha must be crying somewhere…

The only piece of art that personifies the place is Kal Bhairav – the Lord Shiva himself – the destructor or the destroyer… OM restaurant – where you could have seen the beginning of all things that could be calm, serine, and wholesome is really a place that emphasizes the modern world where there is nothing but destruction. And, so Kal Bhairav symbolizes the destruction of all that could have been good… if the creator of the place had really thought correctly the usage of such a powerful symbol OM – as you even utter the word OM you can feel the peace within yourself.

As I looked at the Kal Bhairav – the so powerful presence… I must give thanks to the artist that created it. Looking at it you can feel the power and you can almost see yourself transferred to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu Nepal where the 10 foot tall stone statue of the same sits… My heart wants to take the artist creation not only of the Kal Bhairav, but every Buddha statue the every art and rescue it from the rude owner and take it away from the “bhati” or bar and put it in a place that it would truly belong – such as a museum of traditional art… where people would appreciate the artist and the creator and know where it comes from.

The fusion of the east and west leaves a bad taste in the mouth – a bad taste in the intellect and a misplaced restaurant at Harvard Square. It tries to belong and cater to the intellectual capital of the world – only to insult it.

Hey Ashu, this thread came up in the conversation at Au Bon Pain today. Turns out the owner of Kathmandu Spice is your classmate from high school. I'll convey your best wishes to him.

I got a chance to have lunch buffet at Kathmandu Spice.

To be very honest, I did not enjoy the style of "fusion". May I am a purist. It may be interesting to Khaire customers but not like me who would expect to have more of Nepali cuisine.

I found it quite not-interesting to have Rice mixed with tomato and mustard seeds.

Potato Manchurian - was spicy yet "khallo". may be red variety of potato would taste better than the ones used.

Chicken- not any different than any other Indian restaurant- bit spicy also. The chef must have worked in some other Indian Restaurent previously or is an Indian.

Same kind of Pakauda you find else where - not a fusion.

Kauli was too spicy. I liked the crunchiness of canned mushroom though.

Sambhar was better than Woodland's in Ashland.

Lamb Kabab was good.

Dessert with Sewi and Sabudana in cream and warm named after Kathmandu (something) was good and the bowls to keep it looked nice (to my eyes). The same thing but cold would have been more palatable.

The decor was not symmetrical- off sized Nepali carvings hanged on the wall above the way to the restroom.

I wonder if a typical Nepali customer would come back for second time for buffet ?

But I have heard Dinner Menu is better.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Taste Kitchen of America ;-)

Riten wrote:

"Ashu, this thread came up in the conversation at Au Bon Pain today."


Great!

This is the point of having Sajha discussions: To start interesting conversations elsewhere with other people!!


******

Riten wrote:

"Turns out the owner of Kathmandu Spice is your classmate from high school. I'll convey your best wishes to him."


Great.
Convey my best wishes.

A restaurant entrepreneur anywhere needs all the best wishes s/he can get.

oohi
ashu

While at it, I thought I might as well voice my experience with one of the restaurants in conversation..

To begin with, I feel it is too early to pass judgements about both the establishments as they just set their first step.

As Ashu dai said, running a restaurant or any business isn't everybody's piece of cake. If it were, we wouldn't be sitting here dissecting every step the other person over the fence took but rejoicing at the marvelous job he had executed.

There is so much to it than what you see around your immediate vicinity..this I say after having worked in a similar business for several years. First of all, I am at awe that the owners of both the businesses took that plunge.

With that said, I do feel that one of the restaurants needs to work on a lot of things and I didn't hesitate to voice my opinion and concern to the owner or the employees ..( I am yet to visit the second one)..I rather do that with the person who can (I hope) put my concerns to actions rather than walking out of the business with unsettled emotions and thoughts...What use would that do to me anyway?


After having talked to the Kathmandu Spice people, I found out that they serve Lunch Buffets every day until 3 or 3:30 (I forgot the exact time)..The regular menue is served for Dinner only, which is from 5:30-10:30 (I think..that's my bad memory working at its best).


The foodie that I am-give me anything with rice, I'll eat it happily. But, if you are going to Kathmandu Spice looking for authentic Nepali cuisine, I suggest go for Sunday Buffets; that's when (I was told) your Nepali pallets will be satiated and I'll bet you'll go back asking for more. As I was told, they like to experiment with their buffet settings...Give them your valuable suggests and I'll bet you, they'll follow to it. As they did with "Budi and Sewai ko pudding" for me.


The Chef, who seems to be a biggie on using mustard seeds and curry leaves on every cuisine, I discovered is from South India. I'm sure you can draw the parallels now.

In conclusion, small businesses are always willing to implement any suggestions you and I have. So, what is it going to be next time for you--Walking out with an awkward feeling or state of exuberance for articulating your valuable thoughts? Choose wisely, as your thoughts and opinions will be rewarded (I hope)...

Bon appetit!

I get confused with my "budi" and "sabudana" a lot...So no it wasn't
"budi and sewai ko pudding" but "sabudana and sewai ko pudding" in stead..
never could make it the way the Ktm ppl had it made ..I guess it has to do
more with me not being able to distinguish b/w what is what :-)

Reviewresturant -

I agree with most of what you have said and I couldn't have put it better. If there are repeated complaints about service, and these complaints are not just related to people finding themselves in the wrong restaurant, then that is a serious issue. Just look at what happened to Mantra. They started out as a hot French-Indian fusion place and if you were anybody who wanted to be seen, Mantra was the place to be. The food was good and the crowd was hep. But that has changed, and I personally think largely because of poor and snobbish service. It would be a shame if Om went down the same path. I felt like strangling that snotty waiter at Mantra who served me on my last visit there. Not even in Paris do you find such snots . I heard he has since been fired.

Thapap -
Sure why not! And hey who knows, maybe we will meet some hot gals, and we can paint the town red - we and our two chicks in my imaginary Porsche ...LOL!!

Shirish - Very interesting comments. I am chuckling as I type this because you sound a bit like a friend of mine. He is married and the missus is a very good cook and cooks for him so his standards for measuring Nepali food are very high. For me, when it comes to Nepali food, I have found any food to be good food... :)

Avani - Didn't know you were from Beantown. Welcome to the cranky gourmet club which is what this thread might soon become ... he he he. Btw, I didn't know there was a difference between budi and Sabudana ...LOL ... is there really? Also, I agree the service at Kathmandu Spice has gotten better. I bumped them up in my blog : http://www.sajha.com/guild/read.cfm?guildid=165

To good life.

Hey guys,
Do these Nepali-Indian Restaurants deliver food to wakefield, MA which is about 10 miles from Boston?

If you guys have any idea about nepali-indian restaurants in Wakefield, please do let me know...

Captain H--I suggest you go to your nearest Indian store, they got both--budi and sabudana...That's how I learnt my differences...though I still do get cofused..

btw, I didn't realize you were from the same city as mine..well, who knows we might bump on each other at Ktm Spice..For I am definately giving them a second chance...as I believe we all deserve one...hehe

Have a good week ahead!

After all is said and done I think the main point here is that people who go out to eat expect to have a good time, to be served well and greeted by the staff and to enjoy themselves to the fullest. I really don't think Nepalese people are so wicked in the first place to want to "khutta tano" I think on the contrary we feel a sense of pride at the success of our fellow brothers and sisters and wish them well in their ventures. But when we meet our own we expect to exchange a few words of kindness and I think that is evaporating in the young generation ( or the so called modern era) they think that if people talk to them they are being nosy. Politeness and respect has been a prominent quality of any Nepalese person and it should remain that way. the world will be a better place to be in.

I dun think anyone is trying to Khutta Tano here.
People are just expressing their experience in two different restaurents.
I have been to KTM SPICE 3 times and never had any problems, in fact they were very accomodating(they even made momo for lunch at NEPALI people's request even thought the menu was closed during lunch). Whereas Om was quite the opposite. Rude waitress, crappy food, skyrocketing prices.... I mean C'mon. I was a very unhappy customer in OM. Hey if Om think they can run a business like this ...he he WHEN THE HYPE DIES DOWN(Cause hips spots in Boston seem to have a life span of a yr) good luck to them.

As far as the service in KTM spice .. I was talking to the owner ... the restaurent is 2wks old so cut them a break. They are still in trial and error period. They do realize that their service is slow, and are making changes accordingly. ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY. So I would give them some time to improve

So, lotsa people from Boston here! I have never tried OM and reading everyone's comments here..I dont think I am missing out on much. I definitely loved Kathmandu Spice. I asked them to make Momo for me during lunch time, but she refused (maybe coz I had couple of Non-Nepalis with me?? :-((..oh well). I didnt expect a lot so was pleased with watever i could get. And although it is a 'Nepali' restaurant...the food is cooked by a South Indian. When they served dosa as part of lunch, I asked them how they were serving dosa? And the owner said their chef was South Indian. Pretty good aaloo tama for a south indian eh??lol
Captain Haddock...I agree that we Beantown folks have a wee bit cranky taste bud :-) On a positive note, I am just happy that Nepali ppl are opening Nepali restaurant and proud to market it around. Most Nepali I know would just open an Indian restaurant coz its easier to market it or open a mexican place (dont know whats behind the mexican place though).
Tanjore in harvard square is an Indian restaurant in every sense, but two of the head chef and his assistant are Nepalis...I dont know why I do this...but I want to know who cooks my food, how skilled he/she is before I order. If I dont have enough trust, I stay away from complicated sounding dishes :-) Definitely taking my mom and friends to Ktm spice again!

Interesting that a south Indian chef is cooking for Kathmndu spice, I love south Indian food too. We can accomodate all kinds of Indian food as long as the service is good and the people there are friendly. It makes all the difference. When i went to ktm Spice the wait was brutal but the smiling faces of the owners and the friendly busy waiters made waiting all the easier and we also were able to consider the fact that they were newly opened. We didn't complain for the slow service, but on the contrary the hotty owner of OM and the rude Nepali waiter made everything so bland and tasteless inspite of its flashy and dazzling appearance and presentation, which at times felt like a waste. again Om is not a Nepali restaurant whereas KTM spice is somewhat Nepalese so if you are looking for Nepali food visit KTM Spice.

Captain Haddock
I have never been to Mantra - and OM certainly is not happening place really. I think it is just a misuse of the Nepali arts - which I think is so unfortunate -
Customer service has to be the first priority and if the owners of OM don't understand this then they are in big trouble - because how long can they last yeah... as you so pointed out with Mantra - I believe they will not be there anymore... Hope the new owner will keep the bathrooms...

MANTRAS USED TO BE HIP 4YRS AGO. He He
Of course they too catered to that same EUROTHRASH crowd Om is trying to cater to. he he And As I had said before...lifespan for restaurents and lounge catering to this wanna be Europeans is about a yr or two(if they can keep changing the decorations and food). They have to keep up with what is in and what is out this yr with the EUROTHRASH crowd. As I said I give them a yr before shit starts falling apart. he he

The reviewer is obviously determined to "kill" the restaurant.
Perhaps s/he has a problem with the owners not cannot see the success of others.

Ashu – It is not to kill the restaurant but to bring out the fact that one cannot get away with bad behavior in a country like USA or anywhere else. There is no gain to kill a restaurant that will kill itself anyway. In fact hope the restaurant owner will get to read what is being said and understand he CANNOT be rude and say things like “let them go” … If he treats his customer this badly, what do you think is going to happen. This is warning to him to shape up rather than to kill his restaurant…

The reviewer appears to know more about Nepal than about the food that the restaurant serves.

Ashu – Yes and food is good anywhere if cooked properly. The other day at Legal sea food the Mussel tasted great and the crab cakes were presented brilliantly… Food at other upscale place like SONSIE is much to be desired – the goat cheese that OM served was really tasteless… one does not do baseless reviews without having tasted some of the best – not only in USA but around the world… I can tell you the momos at China garden in Soaltee was quite good… the Food at Yin Yang was very good… The food at Delhi’s QBA ( an upscale lounge) was excellent… see http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/QBA-925051627.html

As for me, I have NEVER been to this restaurant.

Ashu – if you have not EVER been there then do not even bother… It’s a long trip for you from Bangladesh I believe…

But from what I gather from these posts, I do know the Nepali owner -- Mr. Yonzon.
I am not partcularly a fan of him, but -- Nepali to Nepali -- I wish him success in this
venture.

Ahsu –
You are better off not knowing him...
Success is for all in this country if you are passionate about your venture. But believe me bad customer service is not desired even though the food may be good in this (OM) case useless.

Still, I think this review is vicious, cruel and mean and just plain stupid.
It is NOT written by a food-lover.

But don't believe me.
Just look at the evidence - and decide for yourself. –

Ashu – The reviewer has eaten better food than found at OM… I would not touch the place with all the comments and the 17 points below says a lot of the establishment and the owner...

Look at this LONG list of negative phrases in this short review:

Bottom line?
I would visit the restaurant and make my own decisions, and NOT trust a review like this.

Ashu - Judge for yourself... Would you visit a place if you are descriminated and insulted?

The LONG list of negative phrases in this short review:


1. "begins the disappointment"
2. "lounge suggest nothing"
3. "a mediocre translation of OM"
4 "but no AAH to the palate"
5. "total waste and a poor"
6. "pretentiously glorifies"
7. "The starter . . . tastes dull.
8. "nothing modern to American food"
9. "sad and petrifying is the Buddha"
10."noises and the horrifying deconstruction of an old tradition"
11. "Buddha must be crying somewhere…"
12. "destruction of all that could have been good."
13. "rescue it from the rude owner."
14. "The fusion leaves a bad taste in the mouth.'
15. "a bad taste in the intellect."
16. "a misplaced restaurant at Harvard Square."
17. "insults [the the intellectual capital of the world]"

Need anything more be more said?

oohi
ashu

Ashu – To put it simple and plain negativity brings out negativity… and what is so great about OM – if the customer service STINKS…

From one Nepali to another – don’t underestimate the power of the people who eat good food and come to your establishment hoping to do the same but be treated badly… . Don’t discriminate the people that come in… you never know who they are and how it may affect the business – maybe not in the short term but definitely the long term… Recently I had friends visiting from NY – If the customer service was great and you were treated with respect OM would have got more business… but lost it all… TOO BAD...
Establishments like restaurant is very difficult to run as you so pointed out therefore it is very important to understand customer service if you are to survive… the competition out there is brutal… and too many choices to be stuck at OM!

This discussion regarding OM is pretty useless. OM does not cater to Nepali crowd nor gives a damn about what Nepalis think. They won't even speak to you in Nepali get a clue. If nepalis go or not go to that place, they don't care because they want to cater to the yuppie crowd. You might be a nepali yuppie in which case you're within their demography. Regular mashu, daal, bhaat, achaar eaters, head over to kathmandu spice which is relatively better as far as Nepali food is concerned.

I am not an expert on the subject matter or neither have I been to OM. I would love to check it out if I make it to Boston some time. For a restaurant to be successful, most important thing is: location, location and location. That is what people in the industry say.

In US, more than 90% of the restaurants shut down with in the first year. Average bottom line is around 4-5% (please note AVERAGE). In light of these numbers kudos to any Nepali who venture into food business. I wish them all the best.

There is nothing wrong with OM using Nepali paintings, thanks and statues. All it does it, provides ambiance for its customers. If one does not want to chow down meat, fish or anything else in front of the statue of Buddha, there is always another restaurant open for them with in a block or two, if not with in the same block. Looking at the menu, their targeted customer base is not a DBT (daal, bhat, tarkari) crowd. It is wrong to assume OM as a Nepali restaurant, just because of the name and owners involved. Having said that, it is not in the owner’s best interest to treat his customers as explained above. He should know that one customer recommends to four, if s/he had a good experience. However, if the person had a bad experience, they will talk about it to 20 people they know, if not more.

I have seen restaurant mangers/owners going beyond what is needed to satisfy their customers; by providing free drinks, free food or even taking care of their entire bill as well as providing free gift certificate for next visit. As the saying goes, customers are always right.

First thing first:

1) Food should be delicious.
2) Staff should 'earn' the gratuities 'not demand'.
3) Cleanliness is imperative.
4) Each customer should be treated as if he/she were the last one.
5) Overall value should be competitive.
6) The customer should also pay some gratuities depending on how great the service is as you are aware wait-staff rely on the tips for aggregate daily income.

By the way, a few weeks ago I went to an indian restaurant. They were pathetic. They demanded tip on the cc bill. We were planning to pay cash to the host (waiter).
That was so rude. I am gonna avoid that place like 'plague'. It's called 'Heritage India'
in the nation's Capital.

anybody been to indian cuisine near 'kemah' , houston, tx????

Bibas100 - I don't believe very many restaurants from metro Boston would deliver that far north. I am not terribly familiar with the restaurant scene in that neck of the woods but there is a place called Bollywood Grille in North Andover, which is about a 20-minute drive from Wakefield, and they've got some interesting Indian food. If I may, I'd recommend their Goan Fish curry - was pretty good when I had it.

Avani - Oh thaaat budi - yeah I know what that is, it's the thing made from basun that you use in raita, no? For a minute I thought budi was another type of tapioca .. he he. On second thoughts, yes, I can certainly tell the difference between that and sabudana :). I wonder if I'd like budi in my kheer though - isn't it a bit salty? Have you had it - how does it taste?

I am willing to give them a second and a third chance and maybe even a fourth one That's why I was there a second time and I am glad I went because it turned out to be much better than my first. Maybe they found out I was that mean guy railing against them on Sajha and decided to be play along ....LOL :)

I'd be delighted to bump into you at Kathmandu Spice or anywhere and make your acquaintance. I'll be the guy sitting in the corner table with a sailors hat, beared face and pipe in my mouth ...just like in the cartoon ...ha ha ... ;) On second thoughts, bad idea, that would send anyone running for the hills! :P

Dimple -

"Om is not a Nepali restaurant "

That's what I have been saying since the beginning of this thread. Thanks for putting it into such clear words - I was beginning to feel like a raving lunatic because no matter how many times I said that people were still going on as if OM was a Nepali restaurant.

Bad owner and bad waiter at OM, huh? No candy for those guys :) Contrary to what I said earlier, maybe they do owe you an apology. Hey, btw, have you tried Cafe Momo in Manchester? You might like it - the owner is very friendly and talks to you.There are some Nepali items on the menu but the cooking and serving style is mostly eclectic American.

Reviewrestaurant -

"Hope the new owner will keep the bathrooms..."

LOL! They did a lousy job meeting your expectation too it seems. Shame on them. On another note, I don't have a problem with their art, I quite liked it, but I see where you are coming from.

Bostongirl - Your mom is with you? You are one lucky person - must be enjoying all the good cooking, huh? :) Hmmm ... maybe I should ask my mom to come too ...ha ha :) Btw, I like Tanjore too - haven't been there in ages though.

Bathroom Coffee - A fellow Beantowner! Yeah, Mantra is certainly past peak and you're right they peaked quite a while ago. I was last there about 2 years ago - that was my last visit. I will have to take your characterization of the crowd with a grain of salt mostly because I am not comfortable with such cynical characterizations of others and I honestly think that's a rush to judgment. That said, the more I hear about people's experiences at OM, the more I wonder when their bubble will burst. I can only hope the owners are reading this and do something about it.

Have a good week everyone.