Inside Troy MacLarty's Bollywood Theater, Open Now

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[Avila, 3/7/12]

After a four-month build-out (and a R&D trip to India for good measure), former Lovely Hula Hands chef Troy MacLarty has quietly opened his casual Indian restaurant, Bollywood Theater, in the NE Alberta building that also houses the Salt & Straw scoop shop. Four large sets of roll-up windows allow light to filter into the dining room, which is dotted with Indian ephemera (like a back wall completely covered in postcards, stamps, and assorted images).

MacLarty, also an alum of Chez Panisse, focuses on street food from across the Indian landscape, keeping things appropriately casual with counter-service ordering. Wednesday's opening-night menu included "snacks" like pav bhaji, a mixture of potatoes, vegetables, and tomatoes served with buttered rolls (described as a favorite of Mumbai mill workers); aloo tikki, pan-fried potato pancakes; and vada pav, a spicy potato dumpling coated in chickpea batter before frying (dubbed the "poor man's burger" of Mumbai). Protein-filled larger plates include two variations of curry, egg masala, and pork vindaloo (a Portugese-influenced dish from Goa); veggie sides highlight okra (julienned and fried) and beets (roasted with coconut milk).

Bollywood Theater currently has no phone (or website), but hours are 11am-10pm, Wednesday-Sunday.
· All Previous Bollywood Theater Coverage [Eater PDX]