Al Markaz Groceries and Restaurant ~ Carrollton, Texas

Just as the RJG is back on home turf, so finds Mr. Music. In fact, Carrollton is ground zero for our relationship as that's where we all lived back in the early 90s. I've been to this restaurant once with MM some many years ago. Let's see what his latest visit results in...

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I've been going to Al Markaz about as long as any restaurant I have consistently gone to. It's only competition might be Banana Leaf Thai. Both 20+ years! And I don't mean casually, I mean regularly and at times obsessively. I reviewed Al Markaz long ago, so it is time for an update. 

Music Junior turns 18 this weekend. Crazy! A foodie and underground music junkie dad could not be more proud of his eldest daughter firmly following in his footsteps! Music Jr, Baby Music and I unanimously decided Al Markaz was the perfect place to celebrate. Just as a refresher, Al Markaz is a Pakistani restaurant, Halal butcher and grocery store. They are known to have the best mutton biryani, karahi chicken and naan in DFW. They do other things well, but these are the standouts. When we go, we over-order because leftovers are awesome from Al Markaz. 

We ordered 2 mutton biryani, karahi chicken, 2 chicken boti, keema fry and sheik kebab. That is an insane amount of food for 3! But we have a method to the madness, but it's not pertinent here. The mutton biryani was glorious this evening! Black and green cardamom pods and plum seeds, oh my! Clove, whole star anise pods, bay leaf, chilies, and more. Super fragrant, and clusters of masala and fabulous flavorful mutton and delectable bones encased in masala spread throughout which are important aspects when communing with the biryani gods! The wafting fragrance is key! The staff there is great and seem genuinely happy to see the Music's come in. They are very attentive and keep us well stocked with raita! Speaking of raita (a dipping sauce made from plain yogurt, cumin or cumin seeds, cilantro leaves, and maybe a little cucumber). there are many variations, but here it's all ground in a blender and usually pretty thin and tart. Sometimes I thought they added lemon juice. We all love raita and especially theirs. The raita recipe has changed, but still yummy. it is thicker and more yogurty than before and not near as tart or herby as it used to be. The Boti was the best it has ever been! and now officially the best I've ever had anywhere! A thick coat of masala & yogurt kept the chicken super moist and flavorful. It is the item that has improved most over time! The keema (ground meat simmered in spices) was outstanding as was the karahi chicken (small chunks of white meat chicken bathing in a gravy made from tomatoes, jalapeno and an array of spices and herbs giving it a very unique flavor. The naan is still superior to most other places. After ordering, I saw someone eating sheik kebob and decided to add that to our order. it was very good, but did not stand up to the intensity of all the other dishes. Needless to say, as planned we brought home plenty of leftovers. 

It was a delicious night!

- Mr. Music review