When we get a tip about a new Indian restaurant from Monika Celly, we not only listen — we make plans to visit.After all, Celly, who hails from Punjab, India, and owns the Polka Dots and Curry culinary school, is our most trusted source for where to find excellent Indian cuisine in the region.“I tried the newest Indian restaurant in town, Jannat,” she texted the day after Thanksgiving. “It’s good. It’s by one of the owners of Pakwan Indian Restaurant. Their saag paneer is hands down the BEST in the entire Pikes Peak region!”We promptly slid our planned leftovers back into the fridge and headed to Jannat Indian Restaurant Bar, 88041 Woodmen Center Heights. Celly was right — the saag paneer is outstanding, an exceptionally well-prepared, deeply flavorful take on this spinach-and-cheese comfort classic.It was no surprise to spot Balvir “Bobby” Singh in the kitchen. Singh, the owner of Jannat with his wife, Jasbir Kaur, and the talent behind that remarkable saag paneer, is a familiar face. We first enjoyed his cooking at Urban Tandoor, which opened in 2019, and later at Pakwan, which he and partners launched in 2024.“This is all mine with my family,” Singh said of Jannat. “I’m still involved with Pakwan too.”The dishes we sampled at Jannat carried the same well-executed flavors we’ve appreciated at Singh’s previous restaurants. But beyond the standout saag paneer, two items really caught our attention: Jannat’s Special and the Hot Spicy Naan.Jannat’s Special ($23.99) is Singh’s signature medley of chicken, lamb and shrimp, all cooked in his unique blend of spices. The shrimp was fresh and juicy, the chicken tender, and the lamb rich and satisfying — all tucked into a spicy, creamy, curry-like gravy.The Hot Spicy Naan ($1.99) lives up to its name. It’s intensely spicy in a way that wakes up the palate and keeps you reaching for another bite. The menu’s warning of a “fiery kick with every bite” is absolutely accurate, especially for those with delicate tongues.“We use chopped serrano chiles inside the naan,” Singh explained.As for the secret to that stellar saag paneer? He simply shrugged: “We make it every day with fresh ingredients.”Indian food fans will be happy to hear Jannat offers a daily lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For newcomers curious about exploring Indian flavors, it’s an easy and approachable place to start. The all-you-can-eat buffet is $18.99 for adults and $12.99 for kids.Hours are 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30–9:30 p.m. for dinner Mondays through Fridays, and 11:30 a.m.–2:30 lunch and 3-9:30 p.m. for dinner Saturdays and Sundays.Details: 719-559-1350; tinyurl.com/2tzr3zk6.School breakfastIvywild Kitchen, 1604 S. Cascade Ave., housed in the historic Ivywild School, is now serving breakfast daily from 8 to 11 a.m. The menu includes egg-and-cheese sandwiches, biscuits and sausage, avocado toast, breakfast quesadillas, sweet potato hash bowls, breakfast wraps, green chili and sides, plus a kids’ menu. The Principal’s Office next door offers espresso drinks and morning cocktails. With plenty of relaxed seating — and outlets if you need to plug in and work — it’s an easy stop for an energizing morning meal. Details: ivywildschool.com. Holiday fish and other treatsJax Fish House Oyster Bar, 11 S. Tejon St., has transformed into a winter wonderland through Dec. 26, complete with festive cocktails, holiday shareables and seasonal cheer. Hours are 4–9 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays. Details: 719-357-4554; facebook.com/JaxFishHouseColoradoSprings.Seasonal events include: Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Dec. 23 – Wear your best (worst) sweater and receive a free treat. Toys for Tots Toy Drive – Donate a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy a free oyster. Feast of the Seven Fishes, Dec. 24 – A five-course seafood menu for $85. Holiday cooking classesNeed a break from holiday shopping or a spark of inspiration for your festive meals? Brother Luck, chef and owner of Four by Brother Luck, 321 N. Tejon St., is offering two holiday cooking classes where guests can watch, learn, ask questions and enjoy a three-course lunch. If you’ve attended his previous classes, you know they’re full of great tips, approachable recipes and plenty of delicious bites. Classes begin at 2 p.m. Reservations required: tinyurl.com/mcmptxya.Class lineup: Saturday – Holiday Dinner starring prime rib and potatoes.$65 for three courses: roasted tomato bisque; prime rib au jus with potatoes au gratin; oatmeal cookie with rum raisin ice cream. Dec. 27 – Surf Turf for the New Year$95 for three courses: butternut quinoa salad with goat cheese and cranberries; filet mignon with poached lobster tail; apple cake with chai mousse. ...read more read less