New Mesquite eatery offers classic flavors of India

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

Mesquite’s newest Indian restaurant, Bombay Cafe, is family-owned and operated. Pictured l to r, son Ahmad, mother Rabia, owner and father Shazad, and son Shahan greet guests as they enter an invitation-only opening event at the Mesquite location last week.

The authentic cuisine of the Indian subcontinent and its surroundings is available in Mesquite at the new Bombay Cafe. This curry and grill express is located at 340 Falcon Ridge Pkwy, Suite 402, across the street from Mesa View Hospital.

The new restaurant officially opened its doors on Monday, Sept. 20. A ribbon cutting event is being held at the restaurant by the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at noon.

But even before these celebrations, the new restaurant had an informal friends and family-only event on Wednesday evening, Sept. 15. More than 30 people attended the event and were treated to a rich variety of delicious Indian flavors.

Guests were welcomed by restaurant owner Shazad Kalique Sheikh and his partner in the business Robert Lorentzen.

Shazad and his wife Rabia hail from Lahore, Pakistan. The couple is assisted in running the restaurant by their two sons Shahan and Ahmad. Their older daughter Mahnoor was unable to attend because she is away at college at Boston University.

A wide variety of dishes were served at the soft open event. A wonderful Chicken Coconut Curry offered a sweet, creamy taste to compliment the traditional curry spices. The chicken roast was tender and perfectly spiced. Ten-year-old Ahmad admitted that his personal favorite dish was the Chicken Tikka Masala which included tender, marinated chicken cooked in a creamy sauce. And lest we forget, the Garlic Naan flatbread was absolutely to die for!

Bombay Cafe owners include partners Robert Lorentzen (left) and Shazad Sheik (right).

The Mesquite restaurant is actually the third location for Bombay Cafe. The first location was opened in St. George in 2009 where it quickly became a local favorite. A second restaurant was added in downtown Cedar City in 2015.

Serving up delicious food and running an excellent restaurant is not half of Shazad’s talents. He is well-known as an accomplished artist, both in Pakistan and the United States.

Shazad is actually a Professor of Art at Dixie State University in St. George. His colorful and vibrant paintings decorate the walls of his restaurants, making it an even more appealing space in which to dine. More of Shazad’s artwork can be seen at www.shazadsheikh.com.

For more information about Bombay Cafe, call 702-346-1067 or visit www.BombayCafeIndianFood.com.