From a press release:
“Tamashaa, a modern Indian Gastro Bar, will debut on Wednesday, May 15th in the heart of Columbia Heights (3115 14th Street, NW). Seating 95, Tamashaa is the brainchild of esteemed restaurateur Rajiv Chopra (Bombay Velvet in Reston), renowned Chef Manoj Goel, and their dynamic Beverage Director /General Manager, Satyam Rai. This upscale Indian establishment will offer a unique tapas-style menu, transporting its guests on a culinary journey, complete with nostalgic flavors and unexpected familiarity.
photos courtesy Tamashaa
The name “Tamashaa” originates from a Hindi word meaning “performance or spectacle,” signifying the restaurant’s dedication to not only serve great food, but also to provide a holistic, memorable dining experience. Shivani Chopra, the Co-founder of Tamashaa, is a skilled interior designer from India whose aesthetic influence is evident in the restaurant’s decor, and her contributions have been instrumental in creating a unique ambiance, making Tamashaa a standout destination.
The Food:
Chef Manoj, with 24 years in the industry, began his career in New Delhi and has worked in renowned hotels and restaurants, including the Taj Palace and Taj Mahal hotel. He was featured in Asia’s best 50 restaurant list in 2013 & 2014 and is known for artistically presented modern Indian cuisine. At Tamshaa, the menu embraces the full multicultural span of Indian cuisine. Small plates include Multigrain Sev Puri, avocado and cranberry chaat, flaky biscuits and spicy mint emulsion and Ghevar Chaat, sweet and tangy chickpeas, honeycomb and tamarind sauce. Mains include the seasonal Soft Shell Crab with mild coconut curry, Tawa Branzino, chili vinegar marinated fish with lemon rice and Pondicherry Duck, a grilled duck breast served with curried lima beans and goan chorizo. Seven chutneys are available, available a la carte or in a group of 3, and include flavors like Smoked Pineapple, Bombay Tadka Guacamole and Bramley, Rhubarb and Ginger.
Beverage Program:
General Manager and Beverage Director Satyam Rai, brings over a decade of industry experience to Tamashaa, honing his skills in esteemed establishments like Husk in Charleston and Sonesta Resorts & Hotels as a mixologist and head bartender. Inspired by his nostalgia-inducing childhood memories, the cocktail collection, named in Hindi has been uniquely curated and reflects fond recollections and favorite elements from his formative years. The artist behind the menu design is a local talent based in the bustling city of Mumbai and each portrait is exquisitely hand-drawn.
Highlights include the Silk Route, inspired by the historic Hindi term, and is a tribute to the ancient network of trade paths that connected the East and West. The cocktail combines Clarified Chai, Blanco Rum, Ginger and Aquafaba. The Kashmir Valley, named after the ethereal beauty of Kashmir in India, is a unique blend of exotic flavors, including Haku Vodka, a premium Japanese spirit, known for its smooth and sophisticated profile. This forms a strong foundation that is then layered with Kashmiri Chilli Sake, introducing a spicy kick and is balanced with Pickled Apricot.
In addition to cocktails, Tamashaa also has a dedicated section for mocktails, inspired by the rich heritage of Indian literature, specifically the epic tale of Mahabharata, one of the ancient poems of India. Each beverage on this list is a tribute to a character from the epic tale, reflecting their unique personalities and stories through a blend of flavors and ingredients. The aim of this menu is purely to provide a unique and intriguing dining experience, drawing parallels between the complexity of these characters and the layered flavors of the mocktails. Mocktails include the Draupadi with Green Mango Shrub, Ginger, Habanero, Pink Salt and Tajin Dust and the Pandavas with Spicy Guava, Mango, Basil & Mint Cordial and a Cardamom Tincture.
About Tamshaa: Tamshaa is located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood at 3115 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010. The phone number is 202.918.1000 and the website is https://tamashaa.us.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 12 pm – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday, 12 pm – 10:30 pm”