We were supposed to review another restaurant in K-Town, but as it turned out to be closed (on a Saturday night, WTF!), we ventured into The Clay Oven, one of the very few Indian restaurants in the area, and decided it would be as good a place as any for our purposes. Complimentary bhajis and spring rolls set the tone for the evening; a combination of effusive friendliness and a foray into Sino-Indo fusion that caters to local tastes. Aloo brisket and oxtail vindaloo, anyone? But these offerings aside, the restaurant’s real tandoori oven is staunchly traditional, as are the signature curries that were unexpectedly authentic, reasonably priced and in a word, excellent. The lamb masala was fiery hot and intensely tasty, requiring periodic sips of cooling fresh coconut to get through. We were equally delighted with the huge serving of chicken makhani (not on the menu, but they made it for us anyway), which came with fresh chunks of quality meat, accompanied by the lightest, fluffiest naan bread this side of Chungking Mansions. We left with a friendly wave and a promise to place an order for their tandoori lamb leg (a steal at $448) the next time we’re entertaining.