Devi

Simultaneously paying homage to the dishes of his childhood in Delhi as well as the growing globalization of India and Indian food, Suvir Saran serves up a deliciously authentic and cosmopolitan menu in a lavishly warm setting. Love Saran’s take on Indian cuisine? Check out his cookbooks!

Mesa Grill

You’ve watched him on the Food Network—now go try his food! Chef Bobby Flay combines Southwestern flavors with his love for grilling at this Flatiron outpost. The vibrant flavors of Flay’s dishes are at their best when he combines fiery spices with sweeter ingredients—case in point, the Spice Chicken with a Crushed Red Cherry-Cascabel Sauce.

Spice Market

Renowned restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten puts his own spin on Asian street food at this Meatpacking hotspot. The spacious two levels are decorated with authentic artifacts from Rajasthan, South India, Burma and Malaysia and all meals are served family style, making every trip to this Market an extravagant and lavish outing.

Grotta Azzurra

Founded in 1908, this Little Italy landmark was named for the blue grotto on the isle of Capri and designed to evoke and intensify the beauty of the cave that serves as its namesake. After a brief closing for six years, new owners have completely revamped and renovated the space, bringing some of the finest Italian cuisine to a new legion of diners. (Fun fact: Frank Sinatra considered Grotta his “one and only favorite Italian restaurant.”)

Indochine

Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, and Vogue Magazine’s Anna Wintour are just a few of the fashion industry’s heavy-hitters who can’t get enough of Indochine, where French-Vietnamese dishes are served in a stylish ambience to an even more stylish clientele. Check out this gallery of select images from Indochine, Stories Shaken and Stirred, a commemorative book celebrating the restaurant’s 25^th anniversary.

 Hungry yet? Click here for the complete list of participating restaurants, as well as menus, instructions for reservations, and more.

 A note for American Express cardholders—dine three times at participating restaurants during Restaurant Week and pay with your American Express credit card, and you’ll receive a $15 credit on your next statement! Click here for more details.

Bhatti Indian Grill
100 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

This authentic North Indian restaurant has already become a popular go-to for those who love home-style Punjabi food.  The restaurant’s open fire grill is used to cook fabulous kebabs and its clay oven for the naans and rotis.  Vegetarians, don’t fret, the Bhutte Ke Kebab is delicious and meat free.  Also, the Tandoori Chat is unique (pineapples included)  and worth a taste. Among the kebabs, CitySaheli favorite picks are Murgh Malai Kebab, Gilauti Kebab, and the Methi Macchi Tikka. 

Tamba
103 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Although this very new spot is still ironing out a few wrinkles, its food is set to go.  It’s a great spot for diners looking for variety in their Indian cuisine, as this restaurant offers dishes from all the regions in India.  Its dosas are very good, and bhatura and chole – even better!  Its speciality is North Indian food and CitySaheli definitely loved the cocktails at this cozy location.

Bhojan
102 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

The owner of Dhaba has opened this pure vegetarian restaurant just a couple of doors down.  Bhojan offers vegetarian thalis and classic chats.  This restaurant just opened and offers a variety of complete vegetarian food.

CitySaheli has handpicked a few Lebanese favorites that are sure to appeal to your appetite while preserving your health.

One of the friendliest restaurants in New York just opened its doors, but already has a loyal clientele. Balade, which means fresh in Lebanese, lives up to its name. The grilled meats and mouth-watering mezzas are as delicious as the menu is affordable. The luscious Labneh on the fresh-out-the-oven bread will appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike, while the moist Mouhallabie pudding dessert offers a lighter alternative for all taste buds. The spicy beef Soujouk sausage is highly recommended, as are the homemade Hummus and savory side salad. The sleek and intimate East Village eatery also boasts the best Baba Ghanouj in NYC, along with a wide variety of Lebanese wines.

208 First Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 529 6868

If you love Lebanese food but are looking for a more high-end setting, Ilili is the place for you. The posh decoration and the flavorful food make this Mediterranean gem a Fifth Avenue favorite. Vegetarians cannot miss out on the tasty Tabbouleh with fresh parsley and mint, the Fattoush salad with toasted bread, and the Moujadara lentil puree with crispy red onion. Meat eaters should try the marinated lamb kebab or the chicken Shish Taouk with garlic and lemon, while the tuna kebab with grilled peppers will not disappoint fish fanatics. Try Ilili during Restaurant Week for a broader and cheaper choice off their rich menu, or come during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday between 5.30 PM and 7.30 PM, for a plush experience with exotic cocktails and lighter hors-d’oeuvres from the bar.

236 5th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 683 2929

CitySaheli set out to find New York’s best Indo-Chinese restaurants and here are a few of the places to go to if you crave that Chinese cooking with an Indian twist! 

Tangra Masala
87-09 Grand Avenue
Queens, NY

 (718) 803 2298

This family-style and very friendly hole in the wall offers a wide variety of fusion appetizers, soups, chicken and fish dishes, meats, and vegetarian options.

CitySaheli tried and recommends the vegetable pakoras, dipped in a citrusy, green spicy sauce, the chicken hot and sour soup with tofu and fresh cilantro, as well as the chili chicken and vegetable Manchurian. For a fresher and spicier experience, ask for gravy without MSG. Other highlights include fried chicken wings, chili goat with gravy, tiger prawns, and Hakka noodles.

No alcohol is served, but you go for the big portions and the accommodating prices (lunch specials for only $4.95) and stay for the friendly atmosphere and tasty fusion delicacies!

Cash only.

Nanking
1634 Broadway
New York, NY

(212) 586 3100

Indian Chinese is an option at this spot, although traditional Chinese, Thai and Indian are also served.  Do try the chicken corn soup, Manchurian chicken and chili garlic chicken for a taste of true Indian Chinese.

Chinese Mirch
120 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY

(212) 532 3663

The experience here begins from the minute you walk in, with its inviting aroma.  The crispy okra and chili chicken are great.  Do pay attention to the spice scale on the menu, it’s accurate, as the food can get hot!

Ming
1655-185 Oak Tree Road
New Jersey, NY

(732) 549 5051

It’s definitely worth the trip to New Jersey to try the Indian Chinese offered at this spot.  Recommended eats include the cauliflower Manchurian, chili shrimp, sweet corn soup and chicken drumsticks.  Also, its BYOB!

Check out these 5 fusion restaurants CitySaheli loves!

PRANNA
79 Madison Avenue
(at 28th St)
New York
212.696.5700

Combining upscale restaurant with a cool event space, Pranna offers the ultimate in Indian fusion cuisine – as well as turning into a lounge bar/club at night. Created by well-known restaurateurs, Rajiv and Payal Sharma, the genius in the kitchen is Payal’s brother Chai. His extensive and expert knowledge of South East Asian cuisine is the driving force behind the restaurant’s success. The meals here are perfect for sharing!

Pranna is offering CitySaheli readers a 20% perks card. Simply hand over your business card at the front desk on arrival, tell your host you are referred by citysaheli.com and you’ll receive your card. There is no time limit for usage.

VERMILION
480 Lexington Ave
New York, 10017
212.871.6600

Just celebrating it’s first birthday, Vermilion is the brainchild of entrepreneur Rohini Dey, who created the first Vermillion in Chicago. Backers include Salman Rushdie, Sonny Mehta and Sabeer Bhatia. CitySaheli loved the Peruvian black ceviche and the duck vindaloo arepa. This is Indian and Latin American fusion at its best. Upscale and cool, the restaurant is also a great lounge destination, serving delightful tapas and a fabulous selection of South East Asian-inspired cocktails.

SPICE FUSION
777 Eighth Ave
(between 47 and 48)
New York, 10036
212.757.8100

Offering Indian classics such as Chicken Tikka Masala to the more signature Chicken Malai Kebab and Lamb Seekh, Chef Walter D’Rozario has created a successful fusion of flavors and textures at this convenient midtown venue. These Indian and Far-Eastern inspired plates will certainly tempt your palate. CitySaheli loved the mouthwatering Fish Rolls in Goan sauce and Grilled Masala Tilapia with roasted eggplant. Great for evening dining, but also a perfect lunch venue (buffet is $10.95). The restaurant also offers a comprehensive delivery menu.

TABLA
11 Madison Ave (at 25th St)
New York 10010
212.889.0667

Talented executive chef/partner Floyd Cardoz leads the way at this iconic Madison Square Park trailblazer. Eat downstairs at the Bread Bar – perfect for casual drop-ins – or glide up the stairway to dining heaven at the main restaurant. We love the Goan-spiced crab cakes. On Wednesday nights the restaurant offers a rotating selection of $10-and-under small plates.

TAMARIND
41-43 East 22nd Street
New York, 10010
212.674.7400

Named after the fruit pod of a tall, tropical tree, Tamarind is ideal for a girls’ night out, as well as a great place to take a date. Perfectly located in the Flatiron district, you can dine in the main restaurant or the delightful tearoom next door, with its additional selection of teas, pastries and sandwiches. Try the delicious Payasam – saffron-flavored Vermicelli pudding served with caramelized almonds, served with Darjeeling tea. Tamarind also delivers in the neighborhood, or farther afield for an extra charge.

T Salon is Chelsea Market’s very own tea store and lounge. Its spacious seating area is neatly decorated with plush chairs, wooden low tables and Asian inspired paintings. For $3 you can enjoy a piping hot Chai in this fabulous setting. Add as much or as little milk and sweetener as you please at the milk bar, and just sit down and relax while listening to some cool jazz. Out of all the places we tried, T Salon had the largest Chai selection. Chelsea Chai was an instant favorite for its special ingredients, almond and chocolate. But T Salon also offers berry Chai, Chai spice, mandarin Chai with a touch of orange, spicy Chai, green Chai with Japanese Sencha, and a green mate Chai with a South American twist.

459 15^th Street
New York, NY
(212) 243 0432 

The low-key lighting and low ceilings at Sanctuary T in Soho offer a posher Chai experience. The staff recommends tasting one of their Chais without milk, and it works! Choose a $6 rooibos, masala or Soho Chai, wait for the hourglass to run out, dip the sugar stick in the glass cup and enjoy! CitySaheli highly recommends the chocolate Chai.

337B West Broadway
New York, NY
(212) 941 7832

This Indian café, with locations on the Upper West Side and in Soho, is known for its delicious Dosas but their Chai takes us back to India! Hampton Chutney Co. only serves one type of Chai with milk and sugar but that’s all we need! For $3 a cup, you can sit by the bar and enjoy your hot treat while listening to some soothing meditation music and looking at the photos of gurus on the wall, or leave a coin by the Ganesh statue for good fortune and take your Chai to go.

464 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 362 5050

68 Prince Street
New York, NY
(212) 226 9996

When it gets too cold to go outside, you can always make your own Chai, courtesy of Julie Sahni’s Indian Cooking School:

Masala Chai  (6 servings):

3 cups of water

6 whole grain cardamom pods

2-3 whole cloves

1 ½ inch piece cassia cinnamon stick

1 star anis petal

½ inch piece fresh ginger

1 tablespoon of Indian Assam tea

2 tablespoons of jaggery or light brown sugar

½ cup whole or low fat milk

Bring the water to boil in a saucepan. While the water is heating, crush to a coarse powder, using mortar or pestle, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and star anis. Add ginger and continue grinding until the ginger is thoroughly crushed.

Add the crushed spices to the gently boiling water and let the spices cook for 3 minutes. Add the tealeaves and continue boiling for another minute. Stir in the jaggery and the milk, and continue cooking until the jaggery is fully dissolved and the chai is thoroughly heated.

Turn off the heat, strain the chai into a teapot and serve. For cold chai, cool completely, refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and serve in tall glasses.

                                 © Julie Sahni’s Indian Cooking School

“The most important thing people need to know about Indian cooking is that Indians pan roast food and spices. There is very little, almost no sauté. Indian food needs to be roasted. There is a level of heat that is exposed to the food in the roast pan. Without it you will never get the right flavor. Never! Which is why, when we make for example garam masala or roasted cumin – used in northern Indian cooking, we roast them to the level beyond smoking. The moment people can smell the aroma they think it’s done. But that is only the beginning. It has to go beyond that. You have to take out the batteries to your smoke detector! And then the spices start smattering and popping, and they become dark brown. But until you get that, you will not have the right aroma of the spices, the deep, deep fragrance. This is the underpinning of many Indian dishes, for example chicken, lamb with spinach, sag paneer, koftas, cormas and biryanis. All these dishes, even raita, require roasted spices or cumin.”

It would be very easy to assume that Indian cooking doesn’t mix with other styles of food, like European or South American, but that would be a mistake. Sahni says she finds inspiration for new recipes when she visits all kinds of international markets, and from her students. “I just love ethnic markets. Any little time I have, I go to the market. Korean, Greek, Bolivian, any market. The trick is to ask somebody there to explain how to use the food. That is how I learn. I walk into a place and I grab a vegetable that is not used in Indian cooking, for example the Korean squash vegetable, kimchi. Then I introduce it to my students, so they can also think outside the box. When I teach them how to make a carrot salad, a classic salad from Gujarat with carrots, lime juice, peanuts and cilantro, I use a particular variety of beets taken from Korean cuisine. A student from Japan also told me it would work perfectly in a sushi! So I learn from my students as well.”

So after all of these years teaching Indian cooking to people from all over the world and from all walks of life, what is Sahni’s favorite recipe? “My favorite recipe? Oh my God, it’s so hard! This is probably something very Desi, but it’s Tarka Dal. It’s very soul-soothing, eaten with Pulka bread or a bowl of plain rice. To make a Tarka Dal, you have to cook the lentils correctly, using pink or yellow lentils. Then you heat the ghee and add the cumin seeds. When the cumin turns dark you add loads of garlic, a little bit of asafetida and red chili powder. I also add a handful of cilantro.”

To get a taste of Lassi’s lovely lassis, try this recipe, a CitySaheli exclusive from owner Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup yogurt
1 cup fresh ripe mango
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup ice

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth, 2-3 minutes; Serve in chilled glass.

For more information on Lassi’s catering service, call:

(212) 675 2688

CitySaheli’s first stop is Curry Hill.  Who says you can’t get a taste of India without actually going there? 

The Insider’s Guide to Curry Hill

Appropriately named “Curry Hill” for its many restaurants and spice shops, this district found on Lexington Avenue, between 26^th street and 29^th street, is lined with various eateries, grocery stores and specialty boutiques.  You’ll likely find many starved Indian cabbies stopped here to replenish and the smells will bring you back to the streets of Delhi or Mumbai. 

Eat.

Curry Hill has a mélange of different South Asian cuisines.  Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite like a khati roll or traditional South Indian cooking, Curry Hill will not disappoint!

Dhaba: Recently opened, Dhaba serves delectable North Indian cuisine and already has a loyal customer base.  This place provides an ambience that’s new and refreshing for Curry Hill.  CitySaheli ♥s the kebabs and pav bhaji here.  Dhaba will surely satisfy the carnivores and omnivores out there!

Chinese Mirch: Serving food unlike anything other spot in NY, stop here for truly unique Indian Chinese fusion dishes.  Don’t miss the Chinese chicken lollipops or the crunchy bindi for something tasty and unique.

Dosas, Dosas, Dosas: A favorite South Indian delight, dosas can be found in the many South Indian Curry Hill spots. CitySaheli’s picks: Saravana Bhavan (it’s a chain in Europe!), Madras Mahal and Pongal.  For more information, read CitySaheli’s article on Dynamic Dosas in NYC.

Buy.

Sometimes you just need that Fair and Lovely cream your mom got you hooked on.  Curry Hill’s many mini markets are fully stocked with Indian products, food, magazines, newspapers and more.

Little India Stores:  Stroll over to Little India Stores to stock up on frozen parathas (Indian flatbread), unique masalas and low fat paneer.  This grocery market has everything neatly organized and very friendly staff, making it very easy to find what you are looking for. 

Kalyustyan’s:  Need some kick in your cuisine?  Kalyustyan’s is a spice store dating back to1944. Known for its wide array of spices, Kalustyan’s not only has South Asian spices but also carries Middle Eastern and Turkish seasonings.  The shop offers friendly service and you will not be disappointed by the selection available.

Butala Emporium:  Make sure to stop here if you’re looking for deities for your temple at home, religious books to read to your children or pieces of furniture from India to decorate your home with.   Also available is everything you would need for a religious ceremony at home.

Entertain.

Sangeet House:  Any Hindi movie fans?  Hate waiting to get your order from Netflix?  Rent or buy DVDs and video cassettes at Sangeet House located at 124 Lexington Avenue.  You can also find a wide array of music CDs and tapes for those interested in South Asian music.

There are numerous compelling reasons to eat organic.  Organic foods are often more nutritious, richer in both vitamins and minerals. Often the food is more flavorful, particularly organic fruits and vegetables.  Organic farming is also considered better for the environment because it doesn’t release harsh chemicals into the soil and water. 

So if you’re curious to taste the difference, try one of these CitySaheli picks for an all-natural treat: 

Started in 2008 by Argentinean-born businessman Alberto Gonzalez, GustOrganics claims to be the first restaurant in New York City to use 100% USDA certified organic ingredients. Whether you take a seat in the eco-conscious decorated restaurant or on the spacious outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner every day of the week. Eco-friendly to the bones, this Chelsea eatery operates on low-energy appliances, provides straws made of corn, and runs on the motto “Good, Clean, Fair.” Be sure to try to one of their signature pizzas!

519 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
(212) 242 5800

In the mood for a slice?  Pick it up at Slice, The Perfect Food, an all organic pizzeria started by Indian-Japanese twin sisters right here in New York.  This east side spot offers unique and healthy whole wheat pizzas featuring fresh organic vegetables and free range, hormone-free meats.  A second location in the West Village will be opening shortly.

1213 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 249 4353

Candle Cafe serves organic and vegan food in a plush yet eco-friendly setting. Munch on a wild mushroom saffron ravioli with cashew ricotta, a grilled focaccia served with miso-tahini, a chili-lime grilled seitan, or a Tuscan lasagna with soy cheese and seitan ragout. Enjoy the meal with an organic beer from England, or an equally natural wine from France. This Upper East Side restaurant and juice bar also offers a special gluten-free menu with appetizers like guacamole and Aztec salad, a ginger-miso stir-fry entrée, and soy mocha-swirl ice cream for dessert. If all this eating makes you tired, try the fresh Amazon Mania fruit juice with raw acai, apple and banana, or go straight to the Espresso, organic of course! 

1307 Third Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 472 0970

Since 1976, Angelica Kitchen has served an ever-changing menu of ecologically grown and plant-based meals. Situated in the East Village, the spacious sand-colored restaurant supports family farms and ensures minimum waste by not using bottled beverages. The chefs come from all corners of the world and cook up creative organic dishes such as a walnut-lentil pâté with tofu sour cream and crudités, a three bean chili with cucumber red-onion salsa, or the Si Se Puede salad with cherry tomatoes, marinated chickpeas, greens, and tofu ricotta. Desserts include a blueberry ginger parfait and a maple tofu whip. If you come in solo, make friends at the community table! No cell-phones, cash only and BYOB!

300 East 12 Street
New York, NY
(212) 228 2909

If you want to try more healthy food but can’t stay away from all that yummy meat, you have come to the right place! An organic answer to fast food, FreeFoods was launched in 2007 and brands itself as an upscale café and caterer that only uses local and sustainable ingredients. The contemporary cuisine targets Midtown people on the go with a menu that features a curried shrimp salad, a free-range turkey sandwich, and even barbecued ribs! Sweet treats include peach bread and cranberry wheat muffins from the bakery. For chill stay-in nights or busy lunch breaks, order online or get delivery!

18 West 45th Street
New York, NY
(212) 302 7195

150 East 52nd Street
New York, NY
(212) 371 1945