Indian

Refreshed Rasika Opens in Penn Quarter – Check Out the new Look

By Prince Of Petworth

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633 D Street, NW

From a press release:

“Ashok Bajaj’s landmark Rasika is closing briefly on July 5th, for four days, to undergo a total makeover. It will reopen in time for dinner service on July 9th. Located at 633 D Street, N.W., (between 6th & 7th Streets), the four-star restaurant will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opened in December 2005. Rasika was quickly recognized as one of the America’s “Best New Restaurants” by Esquire, as well as one of Food & Wine’s “Hottest Restaurants in The World” during its first year. This crowd pleaser is known for exceptional Indian fare, created by Rasika’s Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam, who captured the “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic” James Beard Award in 2014.

Guests will find an eye-catching transformation of the 140-seat oasis. The new décor is being spearheaded by Harry Gregory, the director of ara Design of London, England. Gregory designed the opening interior for Rasika and has worked with Bajaj on several of his award-winning restaurants over the years.

“The make-over is necessary to maintain Rasika’s good looks and cutting edge appeal,” states Harry Gregory. “Without transforming the restaurant’s appearance too much, it was decided to freshen up the interior by changing the colour palette and by providing new lighting, fabrics and furniture. However the first step is to install a new acoustic ceiling to lower the noise level which will make the restaurant an even more pleasant space to dine.”

In the main dining room, silk effect wall covering will be employed in a soft range of mustard colors that harmonize the whole space and work alongside the new chair upholsteries, which will be in shades of olive green and brown. While in the private dining room, a whole new feel is being created incorporating a specially made wall covering from Europe’s Timorous Beasties. This company is known for being bold when it comes to use of both pattern and color. In fact the new private room will be quite a special and striking place to entertain up to 16 guests.

New lighting is being imported from United Kingdom-based Chelsom Lighting. The “artichoke” lights are finished in a soft brushed gold tone to bring a sense of glamour to the interior. These will enhance Rasika’s signature red and clear glass crystal curtain which will remain in place. The new lighting will enrich the middle section of the restaurant while accentuating the Indian atmosphere.

Patterned fabrics from Rubelli in Venice, Italy will also add a quality touch to the new interior and again invoke the feel of India. The contemporary feel of the restaurant is enhanced by new armchairs from Potocco, a company also based in Italy and specially sourced for this important make-over. Finally a new feature wall with shelves and lighting exhibits original artifacts brought from India by Ashok Bajaj. One will see antique pots and vases which add the atmosphere of the new and fresh Rasika restaurant.”

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You can see their menu here.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Grand Trunk now hiring – 24 hour ‘South Asian American Fast Food’ coming soon, for real now, in Penn Quarter (plus expansion already planned)

By Prince Of Petworth

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641 Indiana Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for the heads up about Grand Trunk now hiring. I was optimistic last month and even more so when I spotted the new signage above and the reader saw the posting for jobs:

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Lots of details from craigslist:

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Hospitality has always been a core value for South Asian civilizations and our corporate culture is rooted in centuries of tradition. At Grand Trunk, our staff works together as a family unit, and we treat every guest as an extension of this family. Providing impeccable, world class service and raising the bar at every level is required of all our employees as we are committed to setting new standards in the industry. We seek charismatic, always positive individuals to join our team. Please understand that our application process is rigorous, and that we are only able to accept a small percentage of applicants. Extensive past experience is not always required, as we offer training in order to maintain the best team in the city for our respective positions. If you believe you have what it takes to be a part of the GT family then we encourage you to apply today!

As a company with significant expansion plans, Grand Trunk accepts applications for all employee positions year round.

Grand Trunk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrating diversity is at the core of our corporate culture. (more…)

That was Fast! Salt and Pepper Grill III (Indian) Now Open on Upper Georgia Ave

By Prince Of Petworth

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Last week we learned that Salt and Pepper Grill III was taking over the former Chocolate Crust space on Georgia Ave just south of Missouri by the Walmart. Thanks to a reader for sending the update – though they didn’t particularly like the naan:

“the lamb roganjosh was delicious! and the place is decorated very well, better than the other two. lunch buffet service starts today…”

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Salt and Pepper Grill III (Indian) Coming to former Chocolate Crust space

By Prince Of Petworth

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Very good news for Brightwood and north country. Thanks to a reader for sending the news about Salt and Pepper Grill III. Despite pleas to the neighborhood, Chocolate Crust closed (just south of Walmart) at the end of October. Salt and Pepper Grill II opened up a year ago at 14th and Shepherd St, NW. The original Salt and Pepper Grill is located at 2632 Georgia Ave, NW in Pleasant Plains. You can see their menu here.

Ed. Note: I just had Salt and Pepper Grill II delivered on Friday and it was freaking delicious.

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5830 Georgia Ave, NW

Bombay Club Celebrating 25 Year Anniversary with special $25 Lunch Menu in January

By Prince Of Petworth

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815 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From a press release:

“In January 2014, Ashok Bajaj’s first Washington restaurant, The Bombay Club, located at 815 Connecticut Avenue, NW, a block from the White House, will celebrate a milestone – its 25th birthday. Award- winning restaurateur Bajaj moved to Washington, D.C. in 1988 and opened The Bombay Club that same year. He convinced his landlord that the nation’s capital was ready for a fine dining Indian restaurant. The Bombay Club’s immediate success was the catalyst for Bajaj to build his successful restaurant collection, which includes eight top tier dining establishments in the city.

In commemoration of this special 25th year, The Bombay Club will feature a selection of classic Indian dishes during the month of January. These dishes have rotated on and off the restaurant’s menu since its opening, due to their popularity and requests by frequent guests. At lunchtime guests can enjoy a two-course menu, plus a complimentary Indian petit four for $25 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, (complete menu is posted below). Then, at dinner service, a complimentary glass of champagne will be presented with the entrée course in celebration of the anniversary. The Bombay Club will also observe Restaurant Week, January 13-19th and the featured dishes will be incorporated into these lunch and dinner menus as well.

A selection of new cocktails will also be showcased in January. They are priced from $10 to $12 and include the Mango Bellini, Mango Puree &Sparkling Wine; the Mumbai G&T, Infused Gin, Lime and Tonic; Raj Cup, Pimms Lemon Juice & Soda; Singapore Sling, a very traditional recipe for the 25th anniversary of Port, Lemon Juice and Sparkling Wine, and the Kamla (Lotus Flower), Vodka St. Germain (Elderflower Liqueur), Lemon Juice with a Lemon Sugar Rim and Punjabi Punch, Orange Juice with Spices and Amrut Old Port Indian Rum.

Prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, The Bombay Club’s anniversary highlights include Mango Shrimp, with mango and ginger; Goan Masala Crab, with lump crab, spices, onions and fresh curry leaves; Tandoori Scallops, with tomato cilantro chutney; Paneer Tikka, with cottage cheese, yogurt, peppers and tomato; Chicken Chop, with coriander, clove and black cardamom; Tandoori Salmon, ginger, garlic, yogurt and garam masala; Lamb Vindaloo, peri-peri masala, onions, potato; Lobster Lababdar onion, tomato, fenugreek, garam masala;Fish Moilee, rockfish, coconut, ginger and clove; Green Chili Chicken, with onion, tomato, dill, cilantro, peppers and spinach; Tandoori Trout, fresh trout, ginger, garlic, pomegranate; Gosht Palak, with lamb, brown onion, spinach and cinnamon; and Bombay Thali, with market fresh vegetables,paneer and dal. Entrées include rice, naan, garlic naan and roti.Prices will range from $18 to $28. For dessert Mango Crème Brulee, with kiwi and pineapple; Carrot Halwa, with carrot, milk, almonds and ginger cream, and Rabri, an Indian milk pudding and fresh blueberries are anniversary featured specials.

Full menu after the jump. (more…)

Judging Restaurants – Mehak

By Prince Of Petworth

Mehak is located at 817 7th Street, NW in Chinatown. Whenever I’ve walked past this place it is almost always nearly dead empty. But I saw a nice review from the Post:

So are there any fans out there? You can see their menu here.

Sneak Peek: New Restaurant, Fusion, Opens on Georgia Ave.

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in September we spoke about Fusion. I’m happy to report that they have now opened. As you can see from the photo above they are located at 4815 Georgia Avenue (two storefronts from Moroni’s excellent pizza.) I spoke briefly with the owner, Barry, who described the food as “refined Indian”. The restaurant will seat upto 50 people and will feature a full bar. Though, make no mistake this spot is most definitely a proper restaurant. Barry had previously worked in managerial positions in the very well respected Indian Restaurants – Rasika and Bombay Club. I believe that bodes very well for us. I happen to be a big fan of the Bombay Club. It’s exciting to potentially get a spot of the same caliber up in Petworth. I asked Barry, 35, how he decided on this particular location and he explained it simply – “I live around the corner”. In addition to serving lunch and dinner (when they get their liquor license) Sundays will feature a three course brunch.

I’m especially excited about this restaurant because Barry exhibited such enthusiasm for the neighborhood. He also said on a number of occasions that he is “in it for the long haul”. And it was very nice to hear indeed. Be sure to check them out.

More photos after the jump. (more…)