If you are looking for Indian cuisine in the western suburbs, try Shikara, just off 75^th Street in Downers Grove. Owned by Surindar Jain, Shikara shares many of the same menu items as its well-known sister restaurants, Viceroy of India on Roosevelt Road in Lombard and the original Viceroy of India, open since 1986 on Devon Avenue in Chicago.

I stopped by the other night to say hello and to get a quick bit to eat. Knowing that my stomach isn’t very strong, Surindar served two mild chicken dishes; Chicken Makhani--chicken pieces served in a creamy tomato sauce that is tender and sweet; and Malai Chicken, chicken pieces marinated in yogurt, then baked in a clay oven and served with sliced vegetables. Both were delicious but quite different. Along with the chicken, I enjoyed the Naan, a baked leavened bread that is a staple of Indian cuisine, Basmati rice, and a dessert called Gulab Jamun which tastes like a mini sponge cake soaked in a sugary syrup.

I know there is a lot more to Indian cuisine than the dishes I enjoyed, but I also know there are many people who are intimidated by Indian cuisine primarily because they don’t understand it. These dishes were not hot or spicy, the tastes were delicate, and the dessert was really good! I didn’t enjoy any wine, but the wine list is filled with California wines similar to what you’d find at any upscale American restaurant. I highly recommend Shikara and Viceroy of India.

Shikara Restaurant is located at 1620 75th St. in Downers Grove. For more information, call 630-964-1720 or visit the Web site at www.shikararestaurant.com.