Tag: Metrowest

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Taste the Soul of India

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MA

The Metrowest area has what seems like an infinite number of dining possibilities. Many of these establishments, I have driven past hundreds of times and never given a second thought. Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, is one of these restaurants. Conveniently located equidistant between Route 128 and Framingham, Soul of India provides an intimate setting, high quality service, and authentic Indian cuisine.

In full disclosure, I had never eaten Indian food prior to my meal at Soul of India, so I really didn’t know what to expect. Of course I had reservations about spice, spice, and more spice. What I was hoping for was an experience that would allow me to learn more about the cuisine and come away having enjoyed an authentic Indian meal. 

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MAUpon entering the restaurant, the time and energy taken to include traditional Indian decor was evident. We were seated very quickly and offered a basket of thin crispy bread (much like toasted Syrian bread) accompanied by three dipping sauces ranging from spicy, to savory, and sweet.

The waitstaff was very knowledgeable, and provided us with an explanation of the menu. Our server made sure to ask us what kinds of foods we enjoy and since it was our first time eating Indian food, recommended selections that were less spicy. Our order included garlic Naan, Vegetable Samosas, Tandoori Cooked Chicken with Pepper and Onions, and Chicken Tikka Masala. The waitstaff was spot-on with their selections, as the food fit our tastes. Each dish provided a mild spice, tempered by our server’s recommended of a refreshing mango smoothie made with fresh fruit and creamy yogurt.

The goal of Soul of India is to provide “a mix of authentically traditional Indian fare with a modern flare and offer a unique menu not previously seen in the Boston area.” The restaurant also provides a full drink menu, and a small but very functional bar space at the front of the restaurant. Additionally, most of the dishes can be prepared as gluten free upon request; Soul of India also offers an extensive vegetarian menu. In addition to the full diner menu, Soul of India provides an extensive daily lunch buffet, which allows patrons to sample more of their offerings, without the added expense. I believe this is one of the most reasonably priced dining establishments that I have visited during my time writing for Mass Foodies. Dinner for two, including drinks, was less than $70 including tip.

If you are looking for an authentic meal, Soul of India is conveniently located on the eastern side of Metrowest, and delivery is an option for those living within five miles of the restaurant. I fully expect to visit Soul of India again, and adventurously delve deeper into the menu. Soul of India is located at 103 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776.

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29 Sudbury – From Date Night to Family Night

29 Sudbury provides a versatile backdrop for many dining experiences. The staff were welcoming, and graciously tended to our needs. Reservation are recommended on busier nights, but the website provides the option for online reservations. I look forward to experiencing their new style Italian cuisine in the future.

When I began my quest to track down local eateries in the Metrowest area, I really didn’t know what to expect. My goal was to find local restaurants that provide customers with quality food and good service, but I wasn’t sure what I would find. In a short time, I have come across a fine-dining steakhouse, an upscale Italian trattoria, a legendary diner slinging burgers and dogs, and a craft brewery with a cult following and a well executed menu. My next stop took me to a local, yet well talked about, restaurant that provides a versatile backdrop ranging from family night to date night and everything in between.

By its own self admission, 29 Sudbury, located at 29 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA, is an open air kitchen that strives to prepare modern, scratch-made, Italian influenced cuisine. The chef works with local farms and suppliers to provide as much locally sourced food as possible, really showcasing what foods are available in the region. A section of the menu highlights which local farms are sourced, and which ingredients they supply.

It should surprise no one that a Sunday evening of a holiday weekend in the middle of January didn’t have patrons knocking down the door to 29 Sudbury. Yet, it was clear that the design of the restaurant allowed for larger crowds. There are multiple levels, and during the spring, summer, and fall, there is a large outdoor seating area. The open air kitchen allows for guests to see, hear, and smell the preparation of their meals, and the large bar provides a casual venue for a drink with friends of a place to watch the game.

The menu at 29 Sudbury is designed in the traditional Italian style, starting with the antipasti course, and finishing with the entrees, although I would describe the food as Italian-fusion. You will also find a nice selection of hand tossed, coal fired pizzas. In an attempt to taste as much of the menu as possible, we decided to order items from every section of the menu, except the entrees. Truth be told, the entrees seemed a bit overpriced for the offerings.

Our meal began with Crispy Semolina Artichokes, served with smoked tomato aioli and pine nut pesto, and an order of Bolognese Dip, paired with a whipped garlic and herb ricotta, and served with coal oven crackers. The artichokes were tender, and although they were fried were not too heavy. The Bolognese Dip was a unique dish, that I would expect to be served with fresh Italian bread, but the coal over crackers stood up to the hearty sauce well. This dish reminded me of dipping bread into a simmering pot of homemade sauce. The remainder of the meal included the Watercress and Grilled Pear Salad, a coal fired Margherita Pizza, and the Tuscan Oreccheitte, which included hot Italian sausage, roasted fennel, rapini and crushed garlic.

29 Sudbury provides a versatile backdrop for many dining experiences. The staff were welcoming, and graciously tended to our needs. Reservation are recommended on busier nights, but the website provides the option for online reservations. I look forward to experiencing their new style Italian cuisine in the future.