Food Photo Friday - G'raj Mahal

Most of the dishes at G'raj Mahal, while delicious, are not particularly photogenic. Chunks of protein swimming in sauce and served in a cardboard bowl do not make for the most compelling photos (but don't think I didn't try).

The exception is their rack of lamb, which is cooked to tender perfection in their tandoor oven. This dish is now going to be a staple every time I visit G'raj Mahal, along with their fantastic beef kashmiri, which was far less sweet and delivered more of a kick than I expected. If you go in search of these dishes - which you should - try not to arrive at peak hours, as they curtail their lamb tandoor production when it's too busy.

Tasty, tender, spicy goodness on a plate.

On the other hand, if you're there when it's not too crowded, you might feel more intimidated by the critters that make up the Austin Bike Zoo. They are typically hanging around G'raj Mahal, casting their beady eyes upon the diners, plotting their next move.


Quietly encircling the unwary masses.


Sweet butterfly bicycle, or creepy alien food-stealer? You decide.

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New Toy!

As most of you know, the large majority of the photos for this blog have heretofore been taken with a four-year-old ultracompact camera, my beloved Canon SD800 IS. Despite the fact that - back in February - the flash started to emit puffs of smoke, I couldn't quite bring myself to part with my trusty friend.

But with a birthday on its way, I finally decided that it was time to treat myself to a new toy. I picked it up on Thursday night, just in time for a visit from my dear friend Andi, whom I had not seen since 9th grade (thanks, Facebook!). Between eating my way through Austin with Andi and our Supper Club's October meeting, which consisted of a food trailer tour, I had ample opportunity to play with my new baby. It's still a compact camera, because I need to be able to throw it in my bag and go - but it is still SO much more powerful than my old one. Here are a few shots from its maiden weekend.

Corned beef hash at Zax.


Shot at Lambert's on Auto mode without a tripod. With my old camera, this photo would have been a terrible blur. This camera handles low light shots extremely well for a camera of this size.


Lambert's pork ribs with a ah-ma-zing fennel & coriander rub and a hint of maple glaze. Served with apple & roasted fennel slaw. ($16)


Calamari at Fonda San Miguel.


Lengua tacos at Taqueria Arandas. One of the best bargain meals in town at a ridiculously low $1.60 apiece.


The fragrant Fish Malabar at G'raj Mahal.


Seared Yassa chicken served bunny chow style at Cazamance.


Army of sliders from Along Came a Slider.


Poor Qui buns from East Side King.


Chicken karaage at East Side King.


Brussel sprout salad at East Side King.


The terrifying Baby Rattler, featuring fudge icing, fudge Oreos, and the largest gummi-anything I've ever seen, at Gourdough's.


The Razzle Dazzle (raspberry filling, chocolate icing, chocolate chips) at Gourdough's.

I have high hopes that this new camera will help me bring you a whole new level of food porn. Stay tuned!

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