April 13, 2011 (Updated February 15, 2023)

Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe & Rugged Maniac Race Photos!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

26 comments

I went to the cutest restaurant last night in Chapel Hill with my friend Jackie! I just have to share:

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I don’t think I ever would have found this place, called Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, on my own — it’s on Franklin Street (the main street in Chapel Hill), but hidden in a little courtyard! My friend Jackie heard about it from her friend. Word of mouth at its best 🙂

Isn’t their menu the cutest?

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Vimala’s is an Indian place with a focus on local, organic, and fair trade food. It was cute, cozy, and a little hippie inside. Right up my alley 🙂

I ordered the Samosa Chole Chaat, which was two vegetable samosas over slow-simmered chickpea curry, garnished with fresh onion, tomato, sweet yogurt, cilantro-mint and tamarind-date chutneys and topped with crispy sev noodles.

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It was delicious! Great flavor. 

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My friend Jackie ordered the Tandoori Chicken Thali, which was marinated with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices, and served on a thali with rice, dal, bhaji, chutney, chapati, and pappadum.

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YUM! The chicken was really good — especially dipped in the yogurt sauce 🙂

In other news — official race photos from the ridiculous Rugged Maniac 5k race I did over the weekend with Tina and Heather are starting to surface! They are pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

Check out our high knee skills:

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And Tina taking off for the next obstacle:

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Heh. They say more photos will be posted over the next few days — stay tuned! And if you haven’t read my race recap yet, go read it! Most ridiculous and awesome race ever.

I’m off to school — busy day today! Meeting with my professor this morning about a group project, then biochem, then working on a paper and an assignment, then epidemiology recitation and group work! Have a good one 🙂

And speaking of busy days — go check out my guest post on dailySpark about how to make time for fun and health when you’re really busy!

- anne

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26 comments
  • Jen @ keepitsimplefoods
    OMG, that Indian food looks amazing! And the race looks like so much fun! Much more interesting than a regular, boring old 5k.
    Reply
  • Meghan
    I LOVE Vimala's. Not sure if you're aware, but she actually hosted dinners out of her home every Wednesday night for YEARS before opening that restaurant. And at those dinners, she'd ask that people only pay as much as they could afford. She has such a generous heart. It's great to see her finally making her dream come true :-)
    Reply
  • Katie
    Oh my God, that Samosa Chole Chaat looks amazing. Maybe it is time for another trip to NC?
    Reply
  • Jen
    Wow. Your dinner looks absolutely wonderful! What a great find :)
    Reply
  • Jenny @ FItness Health and Food
    those pics look great! you have definitely inspired me to sign up for the muddy run in Chicago! am loving those samosas also :)
    Reply
  • Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition
    How fun! I have always wanted to do one of those races! They had one in Chicago in the fall called the Muddy Buddy but I had to work so I couldn't go :( I just hate how work always gets in the way of fun! haha
    Reply
  • DC Runographer
    That race looks awesome. I've done the Warrior Dash and Run Amuck and they definitely should incorporate the hanging tires.
    Reply
  • Gavi @ Gavi Gets Going!
    Your pictures are awesome! You all look so fresh-faced and happy in the midst of the muddy obstacles! :) I'm so glad it was such a fun race. Do you think you'll do another anytime soon?
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Definitely! It was a blast.
      Reply
  • Errign
    Mmmm I love Indian food - that place looks so cute! Great action shots, those are awesome :) fyi, I made the whole wheat carrot cake muffins with spelt flour & maple syrup and they came out great...totally baller. :D
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Yum! Glad you liked them :)
      Reply
  • Kelly
    Those race photos are awesome!!
    Reply
  • Annie
    When I visited Chapel Hill in the fall my friend took me to Vimala's and I ADORED it. SO delicious and cute!
    Reply
  • Maggie
    Hey Anne, I'm a UNC undergrad and I've just recently discovered your blog. I LOVE Vimala's--it's only a few blocks from my house. She has an awesome record of service to the community, using local and organic food, and making my vegetarianism so much easier :). I also go to Franklin Street Yoga and love running, so we have a lot in common! Just wanted to say I really enjoy these daily reminders of the greatness that is Chapel Hill. Maggie
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Hey Maggie! Welcome to the blog :) Chapel Hill rocks!
      Reply
  • Heather
    I'm so inspired to run a 5k like the rugged maniac now! It looks like a blast!!
    Reply
  • Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie)
    I've never been to an Indian restaurant before! Everything looks delicious :D Omg that manic 5k looks insane!
    Reply
  • Bethany
    I love Curryblossom Cafe!! It's definitely one of the best places to eat in Chapel Hill (I'm a grad student there too) "Sage" is also a nice smaller restaurant in CH with lots of great healthy, vegetarian options. Just found your blog through Tina's. I've loved going through old posts and seeing some of my favorite running trails and places to eat. Can't wait to read more :-)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Yum I've been to Sage too - so good! :)
      Reply
  • DHP
    What a neat place. Thanks for sharing. And love those photos!
    Reply
  • Emma (Namaste Everyday)
    YUM! word of mouth really is the best way to hear of things. I also love local, organic, and fair trade restaurants! It means they not only have great food, they have great LOVE of food
    Reply
  • Desi@ThePalatePeacemaker
    Anne P! Vimala's is my all time favorite restaurant! Really, it is. I love everything about it. So happy to see it on your lovely blog! xo
    Reply
  • Aubrey
    This place looks awesome! I'm moving to Chapel Hill in August to start my MPH and I'm so excited to have found your blog. You make everything look fantastic.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      That's great! Will you be here at UNC?
      Reply