Dosas for a party?
Sujatha emails (link added):
Looking for a good dosa maker for parties. This is a service springing up in many high-density Indian communities (esp NJ/NYC areas). Professional makers of the south indian thin-crispy potato filled pancake called dosas bring their several large griddles to your cookout and make them individually for guests. It's quite popular (esp at graduation parties, engagement/pre-wedding parties). Wondering if there is anyone w any such experience in the capital district.
I am hesitant to just walk into local Indian restaurants & inquire; I predict owners will respond enthusiastically that they can do this despite no experience with large parties or equipment (travel-friendly large griddles are required) and disaster will ensue.
Sujatha acknowledged this might be a long shot. But you never know -- all it takes is one person with an answer.
Also: A dosa party sounds like a lot of fun. We'd very much like this to be possible here.
So, got a suggestion -- even just a place to start looking or asking? Please share!
photo: Flickr user SanFranAnnie (cc)
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Comments
PARIVAR is a traditionally South Indian cafeteria type set-up on Central Ave at the back of the grocery store. They make fantastic dosas, and the most authentic I've had in the states (I spent a month in southern india, so I'm not using the word authentic lightly). I'm not sure if they cater, but the owner is very friendly, definitely knows his stuff, and is the kind of guy who will give you an honest answer no matter what:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/parivar-spices-and-food-albany
... said Patrick on Feb 22, 2013 at 12:25 PM | link
Karavalli is the only place I know of in the area that actually makes Dosa.
... said Dave on Feb 22, 2013 at 12:31 PM | link
I also want to go to the dosa party.
... said andrea on Feb 22, 2013 at 1:22 PM | link
The guy that owns Thunder Mountain Curry is already setup to do things at remote locations because he goes to the Troy Farmers Market. Check with him. His dosa are really good.
... said J Mac on Feb 22, 2013 at 1:45 PM | link
I second the suggestion of Parivar. Excellent dosas! If they don't do them for parties, there's a new chaat bar at the corner of Albany Shaker and Osborne attached to the Annapurna Indian grocery. Not sure if they can help you, but it's worth a try.
... said Amy on Feb 22, 2013 at 1:47 PM | link
I enjoy the Parivar dosa, it's gotten better over time. But I kind of doubt they are equipped to go mobile.
Thunder Mountain Curry on the other hand, is all about mobile. They did have a dosa special once, but it was alarmingly thick and more like a pancake than a thin, crisp crepe.
Still those may have gotten better over time too. And if all parties were okay with mini dosas, I have a hunch that those might work out better.
At the very least it's another option to consider.
... said Daniel B. on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:22 PM | link
karavalli and parivar both make dosa. parivar is better.
... said colleen (with a little c) on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:25 PM | link
I would second Mike at Thunder Mountain Curry...I don't know if he caters but it would be worth asking him, his Dosas and everything else are excellent.
... said Josh on Feb 22, 2013 at 2:49 PM | link
Dosas are quite easy to make at home. All of the ingredients and chutneys to go with them are available both India Bazaar and Parivar on Central Avenue. They also carry a prepackage mix that is good as well.
Parivar makes excellent dosas for take away. I'd stop in ahead of time to arrange for a larger quantity.
... said Rekha on Feb 22, 2013 at 4:24 PM | link
Thunder Mountain Curry is serving dosa at the farmers market in troy until 1.
... said J Mac on Feb 23, 2013 at 9:41 AM | link
Wow! Thanks for the suggestions! Didnt think id get any responses!
I will definitely look up Thunder Mountain Curry & perhaps i can make it over to the Farmers market one weekend to audition their dosas!
Have had excellent dosas at both Karavalli & Parivar, havent asked them but I don't think they would be equipped to go mobile -- this involves bringing a huge cooking station to your home, and for the party Im having, cooking dosas for 40+ people.
Thanks everyone!
... said sujatha on Mar 2, 2013 at 8:05 PM | link
I know Thunder Mt Curry catered a friend's wedding! Their set up is very portable.
... said Jessica R on Mar 4, 2013 at 9:08 AM | link