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Head to Bombay for great eats

 
Published Oct. 30, 1997|Updated Oct. 2, 2005

(ran NP edition)

It was one of those days when nothing got done, so I wasn't about to cook dinner.

Carl wanted American fare and I was in the mood for something a little different. The Bombay Bicycle Club answered the call.

I waited 15 minutes at the restaurant and was treated very well by the wait staff.

I generally don't tip when I get takeout, but the waiter checked on me three or four times and brought me a Coke during my wait, so I gave him a small tip.

The food was packaged in three foam containers. They traveled well, even if the bag and plastic utensils were missing.

The food almost didn't make it home to Carl. The aroma of the apple pie and cream sauce tempted me to pull over on the Bayside Bridge and devour all.

Carl ate the Supreme Chicken Sandwich ($6.79) before he realized I wanted to taste it.

The grilled chicken breast was smothered with sauteed mushrooms and Monterey Jack cheese and served with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted bun, or so I'm told.

The french fries were still crisp after the 20-minute ride home.

The Angel Shrimp ($10.95) was piled high with shrimp, mushrooms and tomatoes. I counted at least 14 shrimp, enough for me to have three or four left for lunch the next day.

I tend to be overpowered by the flavors most restaurants use. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the cream sauce was light, yet flavorful. It reheated well the next day, too.

Carl summed up the whole meal when he quoted Homer Simpson: "Mmmm. Dessert."

The apple pie wedge was huge. But after losing the last apple in a game of dueling forks, I'll make sure I pick up two pieces next time.

The slices of apple were drenched in a decadent brown cinnamon sauce.

The pie comes a la mode, but I asked for no ice cream so it wouldn't melt on the way home.

The best part was the quarter-inch thick butter crust. I would still have been happy if they'd forgotten the apples.

I'd suggest adding a slice of Cheddar cheese to the pie, but Carl scoffed at my idea.

Even without the cheese, the apple pie was the hit of the meal.

Next time you're feeling unproductive, give the Bombay Bicycle Club a call. The folks there will set you up with large quantities of great-tasting food and kind service.

Just don't forget the apple pie.

PINELLAS TO GO

Bombay Bicycle Club Restaurant and Bar

2721 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater

799-1841

Customers: Two adults

What it cost: $24.06

What we got: Chicken Supreme Sandwich, Angel Shrimp and a slice of apple pie.

Time it took: 15 minutes

Pay with: Major credit cards, cash.