The Black Knight, my BFF and I were going to Cirque du Soleil show in Redmond and need a place for dinner before the show. Now, Remond is a bit of a culinary wasteland, despite the fact that it’s full of foodie loving Microsofties.  It’s getting a little better with places like Tipsy Cow Burger and Homegrown sandwiches, and I’d add Guilt Trip to this list. Guilt Trip is an Indian fusion restaurant – with dishes like cheese sticks and bacon butter chicken. It appeals because it is so different and so hard to fathom what some of these combinations would taste like without trying them. Now, what to try between three people?

lamb kabob – crispy on the outside of the patty with full flavored minced lamb; these aren’t what I was expecting as I was thinking about kebobs on a stick, but these were still pretty tasty. They are a little on the dry side, but that’s what the dal on the side is for!

Delhi Beat Fries – crispy with just a little of kick, not very spicy, but there’s definitely hints of curry powder in them. These are a fantastic side for a burger!

Paneer Tikka – grilled paneer with green peppers and onions; who doesn’t love grilled cheese? These cubes are rather large, about 1.5 inches each, so you’ll have plenty to share. Everything has a nice smoky flavor and a delicate char on the outside.

bacon butter chicken – everyone already loves butter chicken, so the way to make it better is to add bacon right? Of course! There’s a nice piece of bacon floating on top of chunks of butter chicken. Plenty of sauce for the accompanying naan and it’s a nice combination.

This was a fun experience! They put their own spin on these dishes and it gave them that extra kick that makes them unique. After all, who else serves bacon butter chicken?  It’s a casual restaurant and a great place for trying new things – share the plates family style with your friends for a memorable meal. And much like the Cirque, it’s a little bit surreal so that you’ll want to come back and experience it again, just to make sure your imagination didn’t deceive you.

SUMMARY
Overall: Happily ever after
Highlights: Delhi beat fries, bacon butter chicken
Footnotes: They have an extensive chai and lassi menu that shouldn’t be missed; there’s also a chutney bar for all of your dipping desires