The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

My quest for really outstanding Indian cuisine continues. My current favorites include the Namaste Cafe, 2512 Hennepin Ave. S., Curry Up in Maple Grove, and Kabobs in Bloomington.

What's a girl to do when she's snacky for a quick samosa?

Sure there's the appeal of a buffet lunch at one of the all-stars ... but then there's the pre-schooler and his crankiness level and the crunch of time that doesn't allow for full-service AND an on-time arrival at school.

Thank goodness I was in Maple Grove. (NEVER thought I would write that.)

The new sign hasn't gone up yet outside the little cafe at 15th and E. Hennepin, but the former East River Market has been renamed the Chindian Cafe. The grocery shelves are gone, and the seating has expanded, from 12 seats to 20+. Chef-owner Nina Wong, who is ethnically Chinese, but born in Vietnam and raised in the US, has a new partner: her husband, Thomas Gnanpragasam, who is of Indian ancestry, but born and raised in Malaysia. "He's a foodie," reports Wong.