THE PLACE Curry Station, 1303 Washington Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 312-6264, currystation.net. A clean and sunlit hole in the wall in a strip mall just north of downtown Sarasota, Curry Station is the perfect hideaway for a relaxing lunch—or even a big-time business deal in a private, out-of-the-way setting. About a dozen four-top tables are arranged in front of a small buffet offering appetizers and salads, chutneys, rice and six or so stew-like entrées to choose from.
THE PEOPLE College kids who appreciate an international all-you-can-eat option; p olo-shirted pros from nearby print shops and automotive businesses.
TIME FACTOR Depends on how fast you can eat.
THE FOOD The buffet ($9.95) offers a selection of traditional Indian staples, depending on the day, as well as a small, Western-style salad option. Snag some batter-dipped vegetable pakodas with some creamy mint chutney or tzatziki-like raita, then top a scoop or two of jasmine or spiced rice with one of the rich main dishes on hand—the butter chicken is always a winner, as is spicy chicken or seafood curry, and of course vegetable options like chickpea chana masala. Mop it all up with delicious, doughy naan. (You can ask for a lunch menu, too, but really, the buffet is all you need.)