Peanut Butter Fingers

Living a Life Fueled by Healthy Food and Fitness

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Who’s Who
    • All About NASM
    • Disclaimer
    • Wedding
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy + Baby #2
    • Pregnancy + Baby #3
    • Miscarriages
  • Baby
  • Shop + Favs
    • My Amazon Shop
    • Codes + Discounts
    • Books
    • Blogging
  • Travel
    • Orlando & Florida
    • Blog Travel

Amrit Palace

February 3, 2013 by Julie 105 Comments

Throughout the past month, spices used in traditional Indian cooking have found their way into many of our evening meals. When Ryan was in England a week ago, he went out to dinner at an Indian restaurant with some of his coworkers and came home raving about the chicken biryani. He said he knew I’d love the dish and we decided to head out for Indian food last night so I could try it out.

Amrit Palace Ocala

Though I’ve loved the at-home attempts Ryan and I have made at Indian cooking, Amrit Palace, a local Indian restaurant, put all of my meals to shame!

We started off with Kingfisher beer.

Kingfisher beer

It was crisp and refreshing and I liked it a lot!

My meal came with a small cup of lentil soup.lentil soup

Compared to the amazing flavors in my entrée, this soup was a little bland. I didn’t finish all of it, but it was a nice little appetizer.

When it came time to dig into our entrees, Ryan and I did a lot of sharing.

IMG_2212-001

IMG_2216-001

I ordered the lobster curry which was fabulous!

Amrit Palace

The spices in the curry were strong and absolutely fantastic. I am not normally a big fan of white rice (I find it very bland), but when I poured my lobster curry on top of it, I couldn’t stop eating it. Yum!

lobster curry

Ryan ordered the chicken biryani and we both thought it was delicious. We were glad we ordered tandoori roti, an unleavened Indian bread, with our meal because it was perfect for dipping into my lobster curry.

Tandoori Roti

As we drove home, Ryan and I agreed that we will definitely be returning to Amrit Palace in the future. I think this was actually my first foray into Indian food at a real Indian restaurant, and I can’t wait to try more Indian dishes in the future.

Questions of the Afternoon

  • What are some of your favorite Indian dishes?
  • Any fantastic Indian-inspired recipes out there that I must try? Feel free to link up in the comments section!

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Date Night, Dinner, Ocala Tagged With: Amrit Palace, date night, dinner, Indian food, Ocala

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Sadie’s Results
The Secret Keeper »

Comments

  1. Kyler says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I’ve actually never eaten at an Indian restaurant but my boyfriend is obsessed and recreated his favorite dish for us – chicken tikka masala. It’s so good and I can’t wait to try it at a restaurant sometime!

    Reply
    • julie @ peanut butter fingers says

      February 3, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      i almost ordered that!!

      Reply
  2. Sarah @PickyRunner says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I’ve been to an indian food restaurant once but I ordered American food because it was a diner combination. I’m super picky so I don’t know if I’d like all the spices and things in Indian food. I can always go for some naan bread though!! I love your outfit- that blazer is super cute 🙂

    Reply
  3. Michelle@Peachy Palate says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    I love Indian food! Aloo Gobi is amazing…curried cauliflower is always a winner in my books!

    Reply
  4. Claire @ Flake and Cake says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    I think its so funny that Ryan was in England, he wasn’t far away from where I live either! Hope he had a fantastic time. Your Indian meal looks so tasty, great to get a cup of soup with it too, yum! I love Indian food, there’s a great place near us that does the most amazing Goan Fish curry. They do a little salad too with pumpkin seeds and spices, which is so good.

    Reply
  5. Megan @ www.solerunner.blogspot.com says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    My husband and LOVE LOVE LOVE Indian food!! He got me hooked on it when we first moved to Sugar Land and we love this hole in the wall place right next to our house! Our meal of choice is, sag paneer, chicken tikki masale (spelling) and vegetable kwarma (again spelling?!?!). I have never attempted to make any of this at home but really want to try! When you go back, try some of the above dishes! you will not be disappointed!!

    Reply
  6. Pooja @ Running the Body says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Three words: CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA.

    As an Indian, I can definitely recommend this dish and tell you that it is one of my all-time favorite restaurant dishes. It’s actually (or used to be) considered the “national dish” of England! Also, if you’re a garlic-lover like I am, I highly recommend trying garlic naan next time! It’s so good that you can eat it by itself. And as a fellow lobster-lover, that lobster curry sounds fantastic. I’m glad you enjoyed the food!

    Reply
    • julie @ peanut butter fingers says

      February 3, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      i almost ordered that last night and can’t wait to try it! thanks so much for your recommendations. you’re making me hungry!!!

      Reply
  7. Irina S. says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines! I’m never *not* in the mood for Indian food. My favorite is saag paneer (aka palak paneer). I also like chana masala. They’re both great vegetarian dishes, and a few places will offer saag tofu (tofu instead of the paneer cheese), so you save on some calories/fat that way. To me, paneer tastes like tofu. Happy Super Bowl Sunday, woooo!

    Reply
  8. Christina says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    i LOVE indian food. Chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken and aloo gobi are some of my favorite dishes. Also, try the samosas SO GOOD.

    Reply
    • Melissa @mypeachlife says

      February 3, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      Ditto. Those are my favs along with butter chicken (oh that is my jam). My husband and I love Indian foods. We probably eat it once a week

      Reply
  9. Amy H. @ Run with Perseverance says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    My favorite Indian dish is Aloo Matar…it’s potatoes and peas in a really good, semi-spicy sauce! I also can’t pass up the Naan bread they usually serve

    Reply
  10. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    I’ve actually never had Indian food! I’m not sure if there’s even a decent Indian food place around me!

    Reply
  11. ashley says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    Indian food is pretty much my all time favorite. I always get palaak paneer but also love malai kofta, chana masala, veg biryani…and so many more!

    Reply
  12. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    February 3, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    I really don’t know much about Indian food. The few times I’ve had it, I’ve liked it, but I wouldn’t have a clue what to order at a restaurant. Glad you guys had such a nice time!

    Reply
  13. Lauren says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:05 pm

    I had a random roommate in college who was Indian and everything she made always smelled SO good. The spices really are different and so much more pronounced in the entrees. Everything she always cooked was delicious!

    Reply
  14. Amy @ Writing While Running says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Indian food is my favorite! Aloo gobi and saag (sometimes palak) paneer (spinach and indian cheese) are amazing.

    Reply
  15. Ellie says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    Indian food is my favorite food to eat out! Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala..oh and lots of naan!! I like to go to our local Indian restaurant for lunch because there is a buffet and I get to try a little (ok a lot) of everything:)

    Reply
  16. Meri @ RunMeriG, Run says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    Indian is my absolute favorite type of food!! And my favorite dish? Anything saag (spinach). Particularly Paneer, but also saag chaana (chickpeas) or with chicken. Also, if you ever have the chance, try South Indian cuisine! Most of what you see in restaurants is North Indian, and south is a really different/interesting type of food. It’s especially great for vegetarians, because it’s almost exclusively veggie!

    Reply
  17. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    I’m not a huge fan of indian food. It’s good but I can’t really stand spicy food and so for whatever reason it always tastes the same to me. I have a hard time getting past the spice and tasting flavor. I should open myself up to it again. Especially because I’ll NEVER turn down naan… 😉

    Reply
  18. Allison says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    I am obsessed with that bread at Indian restaurants. My aunt took me to Indian town in Chicago and had me try a mango yogurt drink, which was also to die for. Look for one next time you go! You’re beautiful 🙂

    Reply
  19. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    YUM, Indian food is SO delicious. My favorites are: Vegetable Korma, Peas Pulao, Garlic Naan, Palak Paneer

    Reply
  20. Laura Katherine Clark says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I had my first indian restaurant experience last night as well!! A few of my friends and I ordered veggie samosas for appetizers, raita (yummy condiment to add on), Nan (lots and lots of nan), Navratni Vegetable (fresh veggies in a curry sauce) and Chicken Makhani! I was apprehensive but I ended up really enjoying it!

    Reply
  21. Jamie Phelps says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    My father is from Pakistan and my mother is 100% Italian. My mom makes the best Indian food ever! She makes Chicken Biryani from scratch, and it’s amazing! I know you shop at Publix a lot, so I wanted to share this…the other day I was looking at different soups and right across from the soups in the same aisle there was a section with all kinds of things to help you make a really great Indian meal at home. I bought the jar (it’s in kind of like a jam jar) of Chicken Tikka Masala and I also bought the Biryani Concentrated Curry Paste. The brand for both of those is Patak’s. I haven’t made the biryani yet, but I can tell you that the Chicken Tikka Masala is 100% true to what my mom makes that takes an entire day – and this only takes about 20 minutes! My only suggestion if you try it is to add some red pepper flakes for a little heat and top with chopped cilantro at the end! Also, I DID NOT buy the Chicken Tikka Masala Concentrated Paste – they offer it, but I was looking for a quick pour and serve type of meal without a lot of hassle! :0)

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 3, 2013 at 6:28 pm

      Yes, Patak’s is a great brand! My parents are both 100% Indian lol, but while my mom likes to make food the authentic way (her chicken biryani is to.die.for. and so is my aunt’s lamb version- YUM!!!), she uses Patak’s in a pinch.
      But I like naan WAY better than biryani, and pair that with authentic butter chicken? Be still my heart 🙂

      Reply
  22. Jen @ Jens Best Life says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Love Indian food! My boyfriend is Indian, so we go to Indian restaurants a lot and I’ve tried a ton of things. Highly recommend getting a dosa if they make them. I also love baingan bharta (eggplant tomato curry). SO good!

    Reply
  23. Laura @ RunningJunkie123 says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    I LOVE Indian food. Spinach, Chickpeas, Naan….it’s all so amazing. One Indian restaurant by me has pumpkin as a side dish. Oh my goodness. It’s SO good. I usually get curry wherever I go because I just love it.

    They also have a dessert called Gajar Halwa. YUM. I don’t usually order dessert at restaurants but this was SO good.

    Reply
  24. Avery @ Southern Belle Living Well says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    At one restaurant I go to, Joey Eau Claire’s in Canada, they have this FABULOUS Chicken Tandoori Flatbread that is to die for. Seriously, I MUST learn how to cook Indian dishes!

    Reply
  25. Kim says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    I love curry! I’m a super picky eater so it’s actually pretty surprising to most people. Blue Menu Chicken Madras is my usual fix as it’s quick and easy for one. I also use Patak’s sauce from time to time. No star chef here so it’s actually a really easy meal.

    Reply
  26. Kim @ Cooking in the City says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    There is an INCREDIBLE Indian restaurant in DC called Rasika. They make a dish called palak chaat which is basically spinach that is fried in chickpea flour and served with a sweet yogurt dressing. It’s really just an app or a small plate, but I could get about four and eat only that for a meal!

    Reply
  27. Anne says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    Indian is my favorite cuisine! I don’t have a favorite dish becuase everytime I eat Indian I try to have something different.
    The vastness of Indian is amazing and delicious!!!

    Reply
  28. Hayley@PBRunnerGirl says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    It’s so funny you posted this today, my boyfriend and I were just saying that we want to try good Indian food soon! I have only made Indian at home, never gone to a restaurant so if anyone knows of any in Chicago land please let me know!

    Reply
    • neelam says

      February 3, 2013 at 5:57 pm

      Hayley, in Chicago there are quite a few Indian/ Pakistani food joints. My personal fav is Serena and Usmania. Both are on Devon street. Serena’s biryani is less spicy if you’re not a spice fiend. But anyone who likes curry must try Nihari curry. It is curried beef and shank meat, slow-cooked (are you listening Julie?) over-night and has to be the most flavorful curry I’ve ever had.

      Reply
      • Hayley@PBRunnerGirl says

        February 4, 2013 at 1:02 am

        Thanks so much Neelam! I am definitely a spicy girl, but I am sure we will be trying both places!

        Reply
  29. AJ says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    lobster curry?! YUMM! I don’t eat a whole lot of Indian, but when I was in Japan we went to an Indian restaurant and I had cheesy nan…it was the best thing in the whole world!

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

    Reply
  30. Meg says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    My family owns several indian restaurants. Chicken biryani is definitely the best! I also like Dal Makhani (lentils). At our restaurants, they make it without a lot of cream so its healthy and yummy.

    Reply
  31. Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    Hi I read that quickly and totally thought you said armpit palace. I was like wow thats either the worst restaurant name ever or Julie really didn’t like it. Glad it wasn’t armpit palace and you enjoyed your meals!

    Reply
    • Mrs. Swan says

      February 3, 2013 at 8:59 pm

      Armpit Palace is what many call it locally that do not like Indian food. I have been there and the food was great. I didn’t see the lobster curry though so if I ever go again I will be getting that myself. I usually end up a block or two away for sushi. LOL

      Reply
  32. Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    at first glance I read the title of your post at armpit palace and continued to until I realized that just could not be right lol! I love naan bread that we usually get with Indian food, I am a huge fan of chicken tikkal marsala and shrimp shaag which is shrimp and spinach, its delicious!

    Reply
  33. Sonja @ The {Happy} Travel Bug says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    My all time favorite Indian dish is Butter Chicken. It’s as yummy as it sounds! 😉 I have never made it before, but I did find this recipe online for you. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-indian-butter-chicken/ Let me know if you try/like it.

    Reply
  34. Caitlyn says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    Other than biryani, vegetable korma is one of my favorites. One if my good friends from college is Indian and her mother used to make the most amazingly delicious dinners for us…her lentil dish is awesome but I have no idea what it’s called!

    Reply
  35. Andrea D. says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Omg lobster curry sounds absolutely delicious! I am a huge fan of Indian and recently have discovered Chicken Tikki Saag, which is soooo good! You should definitely give it a try! If the restaurant doesn’t offer tikki saag, regular saag is very good too. I found this recipe recently that is actually Moroccan chicken, but the flavor is exotic and delicious–definitely something different to try if you are looking to kick up the flavor in the kitchen!

    http://recipes.womenshealthmag.com/Recipe/moroccan-stewed-chicken.aspx

    Reply
  36. Audrey Adams says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    Oh my goodness that all looks so good!!!! I wish I could take that food out of the screen! I love Indian food

    Reply
  37. erica says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    mmmm! i LOVE indian food. i would recommend chicken tikka masala, chana masala, saag paneer, dal, and lots of naan! samosa is a great appetizer too. honestly, i don’t think you can go wrong with indian food. if you’re looking for healthier options, stick with the tandoori options. yum yum yum!

    Reply
  38. Stav says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    Another vote here for chicken tikka masala! I dream about this stuff. And if you want a veggie dish, go for the vegetable korma!

    Reply
  39. Esha says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    It always makes me so happy to see people enjoying Indian cuisine! I’m Indian, but from another part of India where our home/local cuisine isn’t the typical Indian restaurant fare you would see at restaurants, so I don’t really make that style food at home. Punjabi food (like the restaurant you ate at yesterday and most Indian restaurants) is no doubt amazing and next time, like someone else had mentioned, definitely try Chicken Tikka Masala or for a veggie dish try Palak/Saag Paneer (kind of like a creamed spinach and cheese dish) or Chole (chickpeas dish)…based on what I read on your blog I think you guys would enjoy it!

    Also, since you’re the Smoothie queen, I could totally see you liking a mango lassi!

    Reply
  40. Esha says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    Ooh, and you should totally try South Indian food sometime! A lot of times they offer South Indian food at Indian restaurants that serve mainly Punjabi food, but my 2 favorites are dosa and uttapam, both of which are similar. They’re like thin semi-crispy crepes but dosa you can get plain or filled with a spicy potato filling and uttapam mostly already has vegetables in it like a pancake. But both you can dip into a coconut chutney or veggie stew/soup and they’re heavenly!!

    Reply
  41. Bridget B. says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Everyone is saying it, but I will just add Chicken Tikka Masala is out of this world, especially if it’s hot and fresh. Saag paneer is also great. I love the samosas too, but they are addictive and definitely fried so very few health benefits. Hah! The flavors are all so tempting. Enjoy yourself!

    Reply
  42. Maria @ Pappa Don't Preach says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    This is great! My roommate is obsessed with Indian food. Eats it all the time and even cooks tons of dishes at our place. I’ve NEVER had anything other than Naan. Terrible, I know. I made a promise to her and her boyfriend that I’ll give it a shot. We have some great spots around us that have lunch buffets. I think that might be the best bet for me. That way I can try a bit of everything and see what I really like!

    Reply
  43. Karey says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    I spent a year doing voluntary service in England a few years ago. I was in Bradford, England which is considered the curry capital of the UK because it has over 365 Indian restaurants. So, as you can imagine, I ate a lot of indian food. 🙂 My absolute favorite dish is Chicken Korma with Mango Lassi to drink. The korma is a little sweeter and definitely worth trying sometime!

    Reply
  44. Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    yum! I love curries, but I’ve only ever made Indian food at home. I don’t have anyone who wants to venture out into the restaurant world with me to try Indian food. Looks like I might just have to go on my own! I love naan bread though; it’s so so delicious, but I’m a bread lover. I love Indian food because there’s so many vegetarian options as well.

    Reply
  45. Karen says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    My favorite Indian dish is chicken & spinach, you must try it! It looks like creamed spinach. Some menus called it Saag or Saagwala or Shaag (which means greens, and can be spinach, mustard greens, and/or fenugreek) and other places call it Palak (which actually means spinach).

    Saag/Palak can also be served with lamb, cheese or chickpeas – but the chicken is my favorite!

    Reply
  46. Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    I’ve never cooked Indian but I love to eat it! I love going with a group so we can split several dishes.

    Reply
  47. Laura says

    February 3, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    I’m English so of course I love curry 🙂 Chicken Tikka Masala is my favourite but I also like the (slightly) healthier and spicier tomato based curries such as Rogan Josh. I love the following recipe: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chickenkorma_72074. Another one I’ll use when I have less time is this one: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/527605. Both thoroughly recommended!

    Reply
  48. Bitsy says

    February 3, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    I love Indian food! The best I ever had was when I lived in San Ignacio, Belize, of all places! Since then I eat and cook it all the time. My favorites are chana masala, aloo gobi, and samosas. My favorite recipe that I keep going back to is mango and chicken curry found here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-indian-chicken-and-mango-curry/. It’s delicious and definitely worth a try.

    Reply
  49. Kesley says

    February 3, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    I could eat Indian food everyday for the rest of my life! Seriously so yummy. My absolute favorite is any Vindaloo- it’s a spicy curry and Saag Paneer. !

    Reply
  50. Sarah says

    February 3, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Most Indian restaurants I’m aware of have a lunch buffet – I’d highly suggest that to get tastes of lots of things. My favorite is Chicken Korma, and I’ve also started to like gajar halwa (sweet carrot pudding).

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
NEVER MISS A POST!
FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestBloglovin
Follow

Search

Fashion Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Items I Swear By

Kid Favorites

Shop My Baby Essentials

Quick Links

  • Favorite Posts
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Fashion
  • Pregnancy/Baby
  • Family

Recent Posts

  • Week of Weeknight Meals: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #558
  • Recent Looks: #11
  • Week of Workouts: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #557

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I DO NOT post everything I eat. Though I am a certified personal trainer, the workouts I post may not be right for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.

Affiliates

Please note that affiliate links may pop up on PBF from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support!
Privacy Policy

Copyright � 2013 Peanut Butter Fingers / Julie Fagan. All Rights Reserved.
Blog Designed by SWOON CREATIVE