Local Indian restaurant’s naan and distinct dipping sauces make this event planner’s ideal ‘last meal’

There’s a certain gal about town whose culinary tastes I trust exclusively.

If you've been to an event in Dayton and it's styled just right, every detail is thought out, the food and drinks are presented well and perfectly timed out, then chances are Lisa Snapp had something to do it with.

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Lisa is the owner of her own event planning and design company called Party With a Snapp. She has a long career in catering and event planning, a wicked attention to detail, and loves to design an event from start to finish. Lisa can cook, whip up a mean cocktail and make your table look amazing, so basically, she's my idol. When it comes to food, Lisa's level of taste is unparalleled, which is why I could think of no one better to ask my favorite question: If you had one day left in Dayton, where would you eat?

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Lisa's answer is a long time Dayton restaurant, and her meal is perfect for these cold snowy days: "Chicken Tikka Masala at Amar India."

Amar India is an independently-owned restaurant with three locations in the Dayton area, serving authentic, delicious Indian food. Chicken Tikka Masala is prepared by marinating and roasting chicken in a spiced curry sauce, traditionally served with basmati rice.

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But for Snapp, the meal isn't complete without Naan bread for soaking up every bit of the sauce, and 3 distinct accompanying sauces: mint chutney, tamarind sauce, and a spiced onion chutney. These three sauces are made in-house and add a touch of sweetness, or a touch of extra spice, depending on your mood or spice tolerance. 

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Why is this meal the go-to for Snapp? It’s all about family.

“Both of my sons are addicted to this restaurant,” she said. “They live out of town, in D.C. and Denver, and have not found a match yet for Indian cuisine in their respective cities. When visiting Amar, we each get different dishes and share all, combining all the flavors on our plates.”

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Amar India holds great memories for Snapp and her family, this is their restaurant of choice for special occasions. All the exotic spices also serve as inspiration for Snapp when she’s putting out her own feast.

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“At home I like to cook full meals with interesting spices and flavors: chimichurris, fresh veggies, flavors filled with something a little sweet, and a little spicy,” she said.

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Her search for original flavors also translates to her party planning sensibilities.

“I’m always looking for new forms of entertaining and connecting with others,” she added.

Whether she’s making a meal, or arranging it on a table, it’s completely unique and completely original, and perfectly curated.

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“I love to combine art with cuisine,” Lisa said. “I get excited about entertaining and the art of doing so.”

Lisa Snapp is someone in town you want to know, no matter if she’s planning your party, helping you design an event, or if you’re very lucky, sharing a meal and breaking bread...or in this case, naan!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tess is a restaurant professional, home-baker and downtown Dayton dweller. When she's not mixing drinks for restaurant patrons, she's drinking champagne, buying shoes, or writing her blog, Ciao Vella. You can read about her home recipes, party planning tips, and more at www.CiaoVellaBlog.com

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