As you might notice, I'm currently living in Yuma, AZ (and probably will be here for at least another four years until the kids graduate high school--and then, it will be \"Hello, the Northwest!\" time finally). Anyway, our our-of-town trips happen pretty frequently, and most of the time, has to involve a hunt for good Indian food.\n\nI mean, any Indian restaurant for that matter, because in Yuma, we only got one. So, we are, obviously, locked in one that just one.\n\nORIGIN was so close to our hotel, right by Hard Rock Cafe, on Paradise Road. There were several restaurants flanking this place, so the parking lot was packed. But we lucked out and saw somebody pulling out of their spot.\n\nHubby has a \"great food radar\" it seems, because he suggested we tried the Tasting Menu for dinner. Our server recommended half meat and half vegetarian dishes (to accomodate my dietary needs). It was $45/pp. For a five-course meal. Yup--not exactly cheap. \n\nThe pureed mixed vegetable was served in what looked like a shot glass--slightly taller. I thoroughly enjoyed it even when I kept scalding my fingers just trying to pick the glass up. \n\nThe Naan basket was full of awesome goodness. We couldn't believe the amount of bread we got. \n\nThen we had a serving of three types of meat--all seasoned and grilled to just the right state of done-ness. The shrimp was fine, but the lamb was heavenly.\n\nMy favorite dish, of course, was the vegetarian curry. I almost forgot about the other vegetarian dishes that came with the curry. I tried to look for their names on the web but somehow, none of the items on the menu rang a bell, so perhaps, the Chef came up with some extemporaneous selections for that night. And we were the happier for it.\n\nNow, the true GEM of the evening dinner, was Joseph, the bartender. But to call him that is truly inaccurate. I call him The Alchemist. \n\nI'm not even fond of martinis (never liked it), but Joseph's original concoctions, from fresh juices, herbs, spices, really intrigued me. He said that a good martini comes from a mixture of several types of vodkas or gins. He also said that Bombay gin makes a fine martini because of its herbal composition. I tend to agree with him, based on how magnificent the martinis he made for me turned out. \n\nSo, for final thoughts--may be too pricey for the dinner portions, or for the tasting menu (but I'm charging it to experience). But a strong 4+ Stars for \"The Alchemist\".
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