Is that spooky enough?
For those who do not yet know, the Cheshire Cat Brew Pub in Arvada is gone. In its place, the Yak and Yeti moved in to give local diners a new and different treat, and a haunted experience. Apparently, sometime between when the old occupants left and the new ones moved in, ghosts appeared.
The outside looks the same, as does the interior, and someone is still brewing beer, but now there are guests at all hours of the day. One employee was very sincere relating her experiences in the back room at night. She heard doors banging and pans hitting the floor. She thought it was the work of ghosts. I right away thought of the raccoons that frequent in the neighborhood. She went on to tell of chairs moving and other seemingly normal happenings that she was certain were supernatural visitations. Yes, it is a creepy, old building better suited to the Addams Family than to a restaurant, but the ghost stories left me unconvinced. So, I tried the food.
Readers will remember the visit to the Yak and Yeti in Westminster just a few short weeks ago. As is customary, I try to visit a restaurant a few times before reaching an absolute verdict, and even that is not always on the mark. Fortunately, for Yak and Yeti, their menu of dishes from India and Nepal is suited perfectly for just such sampling. Even vegetarians can choose from a wide variety of options and not settle for just a few selections. On this visit, we went with the Dinner Club.
With only five in attendance, I still was able to get rulings on five separate dishes while trying a couple of new ones myself. We sampled the Vegetable Biryani, the Chicken Tandoori, the Shrimp Curry, the Vegetable Momo, and, for me, the Vegetable Vindaloos. I went for the Vindaloos because it is supposed to be hot and spicy and that is the way I like food. I ordered mine extra spicy against the caution of others.
I liked the Vindaloos, especially since it did not have the cream sauce of some of the dishes I tried before, but it was not as spicy as I was hoping. I added some of their hot sauce, and that made all the difference. Overall, it was my best experience yet with Indian food. This cuisine is still not my favorite, but I am still learning about what I like and do not like.
I also tried another Indian beer, the Flying Horse. It was good, but the Taj Mahal beer I had before was better. What was really impressive about this restaurant on this visit was the attentive, appreciative and cooperative wait staff. They were adorable. They really made us all feel welcome and comfortable. All around, it was a very good experience at a very good price and all topped off with a belly dancer. I do not know if belly dancers generally accompany Indian food, but I do know you do not usually find that type of cuisine in a brewpub either, so what the heck?
This belly dancer was a bit thin, relatively speaking, but she danced well and did not linger long at any one table. It took customers a while to join in the fun, but, by the time we left, she was sporting a new outfit made of tips. It was fun.
On this visit, I will bump Yak and Yeti up to an “A”. Although I did not check the condition of the restrooms, the rest of the restaurant was very clean. Everyone was pleased with the food and we all enjoyed the evening. After all, the most important reason for dining out is to enjoy the evening. Ghost stories will always attract customers, and, even though I did not see a ghost, I am happy they are on the menu. Offering ghosts, belly dancers and plenty of menu options, Yak and Yeti might just be able to make a go of it in Arvada.
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IMAGE GALLERY
Ghost? Hah!
Vegetable Vindaloos
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Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable Momo
For more info: The "new" Yak and Yeti Arvada 7803 Ralston Road. 303-431-9000
Most entrees in the $8.00 to $12.00 range. Also serving a variety of appetizers and Indian breads. Fresh brewed beer available too.
Comments
I am looking for reader comments on this establishment, especially from carnivores. If you had a good experience here, let me know. If you know of another, maybe better establishment serving similar cuisine, I want to know that too. Thank you for your help!
I have had the vegetable momo, and it was good. I'm with you, Stan. Indian food isn't my favorite, but some friends like it so we occasionally choose an Indian restaurant. I'm glad to know of a choice that doesn't include cream, clarified butter or any form of curry seasoning.
Lol The food is...ok. The stories about that place being haunted is...well laughable! I worked there when it was the Cat for a year and not once did I see any ghosts and I was there after hours ALOT. Anyway! I cant say I really like the food or the new feel. I miss the Cat I wont lie.
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