Authentic Indian dining exists just beyond your doorstep

Whether you boast being a cultured Indian food connoisseur or a novice to this exotic food realm, Diva is an excellent choice. Nestled comfortably on Elm Street in Davis Square, this Indian Bistro serves quality cuisine at a reasonable price. Although in the course of the past year they have cut back on some of their special touches, Diva remains a strong force to be contended with amongst other area Indian restaurants such as Harvard Square's Bombay Club.

In fact, Diva was a strong contender in Boston Citysearch's "Best Cheap Eats" category.

The pleasurable Diva experience begins upon crossing the restaurant's threshold. The dimmed lighting and general ambiance make for a perfect combination of eastern influence and trendy American style. Trendy light fixtures add to the charm, along with the comfortable oversized booths for two. The bar, although stocked with enough alcohol to kill an Irishman, is largely collecting dust. (In the numerous times I have given my tastebuds the pleasure of dining at Diva, I have never ordered so much as a beer, nor seen anyone else take advantage of its alcohol collection, for that matter.)

The real pleasure, however, begins when the aromatic entree arrives. The menu provides a large range of choices designed to appeal to even the most finicky and tentative of diners. Chicken Tikki Masala is among one of the safer dishes for those of you with less adventurous taste buds, whereas Lamb Vindaloo guarantees that your mouth will be on fire until the Naked Quad Run.

Each meal is served on an aesthetically pleasing white ceramic plate and comes with white rice. While the rice is a welcome addition to the meal, Diva tends to skimp on the portions.

The unique combinations of spices characteristic of Indian food shine at this eatery. Definitely arrive with a large appetite, especially if you care to munch on the delicious but filling naan, a pre-meal munchie resembling pita bread that serves as Diva's answer to the traditional American pre-dinner buttered roll.

Moving to the back of the restaurant, you might notice a plate-glass-enclosed room, usually containing a stern-looking chef within the confines of its walls. The customer may witness first-hand the making of the naan, as well as other interesting breads that the chef decides to prepare. Although he certainly doesn't give the friendliest looks, it's always fun to watch an expert doing his work. It also provides for great conversation if you're on an awkward first date.

The army of soldiers that comprise Diva's staff are just that _ an army. As a result, the service is efficient, prompt, but very impersonal. They diligently refill your trendy blue water glasses (which, again, is key if you get the Vindaloo) but just as quickly give you your check.

If you're looking for a perky waiter with "flare," Diva is most definitely not for you. The obvious intention of Diva's battalion of waiters is to provide efficient service. Unfortunately this is coupled an distinct lack of social skills. The overall experience, however, remains pleasurable.

If you've heard nothing but positive reviews from prior Diva visitors, be forewarned that the restaurant's style has changed over the last year. Before this transformation, an appetizer of flattened bread was served with several different dips. It was the perfect appetizer to tide you over but not ruin your appetite until the main dishes arrived. To my dismay, I have discovered that Diva has since discontinued the complimentary appetizer.

The restaurant has also undergone changes with respects to the presentation of its entrees. Dishes were once served in large copper dishes so groups could share and sample each other's orders, similar to a style that many Chinese restaurants employ. A large copper dish of rice was also included to assure that your Chicken Tikki Masala would assuredly not be without some rice on which to spread its succulent spices. After the changes were put in place, dishes were served on smaller plates _ which means smaller servings _ and the amount of rice served is barely enough to meet one's needs. Although this is an understandable move due to the dismal economy, some of the charm was lost with these alterations.

If you want to make your mouth come alive again after months of bland dining hall food, Diva is a great choice for the awakening. Its interesting blend of dishes at a reasonable price combined with its proximate location make it an excellent option, whether for a night out with the parents, a first date or an dinner outing with your ten closest friends.