Alpharetta has become a hotbed for contemporary takes on international dining.
One of the newest examples, Paradise Biryani Pointe, a fast-casual Indian restaurant located at the back of a sprawling shopping center on Windward Parkway, is flanked by Nahm Thai Cuisine and Mambo Jambo, a Latin seafood and tapas place.
The look: Inside Paradise Biryani Pointe, the spicy aromas of traditional cooking fill the air. But the ambiance is all about the present. The spare industrial build-out features blond wood flooring with stenciled designs, IKEA-style white cafe tables and long, low-slung banquettes. Vivid color photos of Indian sights brighten the walls.
The scene: One recent afternoon, South Asian pop music percolated from the sound system, while a pivoting blade-less tower fan generated a cool breezeand attracted a toddler's attention. At the order counter, a chipper young woman tended to a steady stream of customers, welcoming newcomers and answering questions about the menu.
The menu: True to its name, biryani is the main attraction. The ample, slow-steamed basmati rice dishes ($9 -- $10.89) are layered with vegetables, egg, chicken or mutton and served with raita yogurt sauce. But look for snacks, such as vegetable samosas ($3.99) and chicken 65 ($6.39), as well as larger offerings, such as Hyderabadi mutton masala with fresh green chiles ($9.86) and palak paneer ($8.69) with spinach and cheese. For dessert, there’s Indian-style bread pudding ($4.08).
The drinks: Liquid refreshments range from self-serve sodas and hot chai tea ($1.49) to mango lassi ($1.99) and a small selection of bottled beer ($4.89) and red or white wine ($5.29).
The extras: Paradise Biryani Pointe has locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia and Texas, and upcoming openings in Massachusetts and Maryland. Catering for weddings, conventions and parties is a big part of the business, with biryani trays, snacks and entrees available to serve six or eight or hundreds.
Dining out
Paradise Biryani Pointe in Alpharetta
11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.- 11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Snacks, $3.99 -- $7.99; mains, $8.49 -- $9.99; biryani, $9 -- $10.89; desserts, $4.08 -- 4.25; sides, $1.49 -- $2.69; drinks, $1.49 -- $5.29.
5310 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-339-0068, www.gabiryani.com
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