Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Edward Sung on July 11, 2011 at 1:06pm

I wonder what the story is -- if the owners are the same but took on the franchise, or what. I also wonder if the India Palace on Wyoming/Montgomery is still there. I really liked both India Palaces.

Permalink Reply by Krista on July 11, 2011 at 3:49pm

NO!  Is this the India Palace on Alameda??  That is like the only reason to venture to the westside!

Permalink Reply by once banned twice shy on July 11, 2011 at 4:03pm

As far as I know, Saffron Tiger IS owned independently and locally.  Even if it is a franchise, it still is owned by someone here who hires local people to work at its restaurants and has its offices here.

Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on July 13, 2011 at 4:40pm

OBTS, I think that's correct...this is only the 2nd branch so far.

Permalink Reply by Edward Sung on July 13, 2011 at 1:12pm

I ventured into the former India Palace, now Saffron Tiger for lunch today. I did recognize one of the waiters, but he confirmed that the place has changed hands. And apparently the new owners are Vietnamese?

I was a big fan of India Palace at this location, and I haven't been to any other Saffron Tigers, but I have to admit to really liking the new restaurant -- in fact, I think it's improved in many ways. The food is good -- actually much more fresh-tasting and flavorful, with a decent variety of dishes. The mint chutney looks and tastes like it's made from scratch, and the desserts are excellent (the mango custard actually tastes like custard).

The new owners renovated and redecorated the place, so the decor is lovely, with a relaxing vibe. The sketchy restrooms have also been redone.

Going in, I feared the worst, this being a chain, but was pleasantly surprised. Again, I was a fan of the old India Palace, but I have to admit that it had gotten a little ho-hum over the past few months. I'm glad to know that there's still an Indian restaurant at this location, and that it's as good as or better than the restaurant it replaced.

Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on July 13, 2011 at 4:39pm

Although they certainly appear to have larger aspirations and are essentially working from the Panda Express model, I don't believe Saffron Tiger actually IS a chain, really. This is only the second branch, and they appear to be completely based in Albuquerque, at least so far. The only other location is on Paseo near San Pedro.

Permalink Reply by Edith Grove on July 17, 2011 at 5:01pm

Saffron Tiger has definitely borrowed the Panda Express model, but the food is much fresher and more interesting than anything at Panda. We tried the Paseo location and I thought it was very respectable and well-priced. I would like to see this local restaurant expand a little closer to my neighborhood in the Southeast.

Permalink Reply by Phunque1 on July 18, 2011 at 8:31am

Interesting, I have not ever had an interest to try a panda express. The concept seems to be better suited for shopping mall food court environments. Then again I do not frequent many places where you use a tray to collect your meal. I generally try to steer away from them.

That being said I have tried the Saffron Tiger near Paseo two occasions the first time out of curiosity and the second as I was seeking a healthier alternative to 5 Guys.

On my first trip to Saffron Tiger they had only been open about a few weeks and it was all all hands on deck. One of the primary's was there overseeing operations and the experience was new and different. I had recommended the place to a few people that were seeking something new. The food was ok.

My second trip a few months later was a completely opposite, there was no primary on site, the new staff seemed a bit bothered that I went in as they seemed to be focusing on prep. The counter person was curt, no smile and kept stating "that will cost extra" each time I requested an item. The focus was to get me through that line and out of their way as fast as possible. The food quality had decreased and I have not been back.

Namaste in Rio Rancho is my choice for Indian style cuisine, the service is wonderful and there is a general concern that each guest enjoys the food and experience.

 

I heard read a new term a while back "sheeple" (sheep-people). For Saffron Tiger it seems to me that their focus may be serving sheeple. My opinion... Saffron Tiger is a step down from the full service independent restaurant it has replaced. There are many choices when you go out to eat, I am still amazed that any time I drive by the local Taco Bell/ Pizza Hut the drive through is loaded with cars.

Permalink Reply by Edward Sung on July 18, 2011 at 12:40pm

I haven't visited the Paseo location, but have read about the Panda Express model there. I didn't see that at the Alameda location -- it looks more or less like it did when it was India Palace: a sit-down restaurant with a row of steam tables along one wall.

 

If Saffron Tiger isn't a chain in the sense of Panda Express or other franchise chains where you have to follow a certain model, then maybe the people who own/run the individual locations have the freedom to operate in different ways.

Permalink Reply by Phunque1 on July 18, 2011 at 1:27pm

Wonder of they retained the Tandoori oven with the Alameda location that would be grand? Naan is one of the wonderful things about a sit down Indian restaurant that many enjoy.

 

Time will tell of this concept will last. There is another Indian style quick serve that opened in far north Rio Rancho as well. It is called Tiger India Express. http://www.dukecityfix.com/group/chowdown/forum/topics/tiger-india-...

Permalink Reply by Edward Sung on July 18, 2011 at 4:22pm

The naan there is still pretty good, but they don't serve it hot and fresh in a basket to your table anymore -- now it's at the buffet with the other food, so it's hard to tell how it compares with before.

Permalink Reply by AnamCara on July 19, 2011 at 7:09pm

Yes, the Alameda location is definitely different than the Paseo location,  It is a sit down restaurant with table service, wine & beer, etc.  I haven't eaten there yet, but got some take-out and it was quite good.  The naan was a bit overdone (charred), but other than that, everything seemed very fresh and a bit lighter on the oil than India Palace.  While I was there I watched an interesting interaction go down.  A bunch of what looked like Trustafarians came in and immediately asked if the owner was around.  When the answer was no, they insisted on talking to the chef.  A waiter went back to tell the chef, and they waited for a moment by the kitchen door, then went into the kitchen without being invited!  I overheard them talking at their table a few minutes later about how they wanted to make sure their food was prepared properly and authentically.  It was all quite obnoxious, but the staff was commendably graceful about it.