AVON INDIAN GRILL — Restaurant in Avon

Review update: For the last year, I've dined and have done takeout from Avon Indian Grill. It's time for an update.

I've explored the menu and tried all types of dishes. I plan to try many more. They have been consistently delicious. The food is full of flavor and it's definitely the best Indian food around here. The customer service is always great too. They also offer all you can eat buffet on Sundays, which I have not done yet, but plan to.

A few of my favorite dishes are, chicken vindaloo, chicken curry, chicken jafrezi, and chicken tikka masala, wow, I guess I like chicken lol. Their gobu manchurian, which is cauliflower fried in spicy and tangy sauce is so delightful.

The only constructive criticism is, the portions while dining in the restaurant versus takeout is different; they offer more when you dine in, from my experience. I won't detract any stars because the food is that good.

It's located in a small plaza with plenty of parking. Getting in and out of the plaza was easy since there is a traffic light. The restaurant interior is cozy and clean. Overall, a great spot for Indian food and definitely my favorite around here.

Takeout review:

This was the second time doing takeout from Avon Indian Grill. The first time I had their chicken tikka Masala and it was very flavorful with boneless chicken breast in a creamy orange base. The meal was average size and it came with basmati rice. We also had garlic naan but I didn't like it, it was too dry and flavorless. I like the naans that are covered in garlic and oil, the bread is stretchy; this was just dry and lackluster.

The second time, I tried out their chicken vindaloo which also has boneless chicken breast and with a reddish base with a kick to it; I just wish it was more spicy but overall, the flavor was on point. This also came with basmati rice. This time we had the chicken samosa as an appetizer which I wasn't a fan of because it was too dry inside. Usually, the ones I've had before, it had potatoes in them and it's more moist. Overall the main entrees I've tried out so far were good. I would skip on the appetizers I've mentioned. The service has been good with ordering and...

Man, what happened to this place? Stopped in to order take-out on the way home and was floored at how badly it has fallen. Front of house was completely devoid of any personality or even acknowledgement that she was happy to have a customer - which isn't what I'd expect when there were all of two tables dining in during prime time on a Saturday night. After getting a quarter of the way home I got a phone call that they'd forgotten to include my appetizers in the bag. Turned around and went back and saw my samosas on the counter and then spent another 5 minutes trying to get sauces which were being protected like they were nuclear launch codes.

Once I finally got home, food flavor was fine, although both dishes (chicken tikka masala and butter chicken) were essentially just 6 or 7 chunks of chicken in a large bowl of sauce.

I know times are tough for restaurants right now but that only makes customer service and experience that much more important. Avon Indian Grill really needs to figure that part out.

EDIT: One of the owners called me last night to discuss the things that went wrong on this visit and took a very deep interest in making things right and getting AIG back on track. You've gotta respect ownership commitment...

We have enjoyed eating at Avon Indian Grill since the day they opened (photos from one of their first few buffets) and have also availed their catering services. I wanted to wait before writing a review because there is a tendency for restaurants to start with aplomb and then just deteriorate.

I am very happy and relieved that they continue to deliver EXCELLENCE! The food is fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is intimate and the staff is very attentive. I was floored by the staff’s ability to handle the usual food industry challenges elegantly and effectively. To the owner, they are keepers!!

We recently worked directly with the owner for a large catering order. He was beyond belief honest and so very helpful! He told us that we were ordering too much and should reduce the size of each order by half!! And guess what? He was correct! We are so thankful to not have had to waste food! Rarely have I seen people be mindful of something like that and proactively respect the customer’s needs above profits.

The Sunday buffets have enough variety without being overwhelming. We love...