While spending time in New York my brother walked me by these two side-by-side Indian restaurants on the Lower East Side just off St. Mark's Place. They're completely identical and have two very aggressive hosts / barkers out front vying for business. So if you try and go in to one the other enthusiastically explains why they're better.
I think it's hilarious. I can't help but wonder if they're in it together and share a kitchen in the back. Either way, I bet they both get more business because of it. And there's enough for all of us. We already had a reservation elsewhere but had we not I would've loved to see which one of these places we would've chosen to eat at between the two. It would probably come down to who could guarantee the best palak paneer (my favorite).
P.S. I'm kind of obsessed with the cluster of lights combined with the un-designed signage.
P.P.S. Have you guys ever seen the movie 200 Cigarettes? I always think about that scene with Kate Hudson and Jay Mohr in that Indian restaurant in NYC - these two places kind of reminded me of that.
Little Italy is kinda like that, too. Rows of basically identical Italian restaurants serving pretty much the same food, with suave hosts trying to charm you to come on in.
ReplyDeleteI used to choose a place based on who gave me the best compliment.
Francine - Ah, yes. There's no place like Little Italy to boost your self esteem, right?
ReplyDeleteThe one on the right (Panna II) is actually the one from 200 cigarettes and the more well-known one in NYC.
ReplyDeleteMia - Well, there you go! Good to know. I'm definitely going to hit it up next time.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE 200 Cigarettes! When that new New Year's Eve movie had previews out I was thinking "I've already seen a much cooler version of this movie" =)
ReplyDeleteI love Panna II! Great, cheap indian food, and the atmosphere is awesome. I've never been to the identical place next door, though.
ReplyDeleteI love Panna II- great, cheap Indian food with constant techno music and flashing lights. It rocks. Never have been to the identical place next door, though.
ReplyDeleteI've been there! My brother took me when I was in New York last year. (It was actually my first Indian food experience, and it was awesome.)
ReplyDeleteI love the lights, too.
Lol, that's pretty funny .. but brilliant (if they are teamed up and have a shared kitchen).
ReplyDeleteThis scene definitely feels like something out of 200 Cigarettes. I remember these Indian restaurants -- not these two in particular but the street of them. I used to pass them on my walk home when I lived in the East Village. I was never sure if their decor was cultural or competition. But I do think it's funny how the windows are such a contrast to the signs.
ReplyDeleteLove these shots Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteIronically, my fiancee found a cigarette in his meal there years ago. Apparently the management didn't care when he told them. YUCK. He's never gone back, and I've always avoided it since he told me! (Sorry I'm being a drag here...)
ReplyDeleteThey've been there FOREVER. I've eaten in both, though probably more than 10 years ago. I agree, the one on the right is slightly better, but I let them argue over me.
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