Vermilion: Bringing The Best Of Indian And Latin American Cuisines Together In Midtown East!

By: Anne M. Raso

There's no question that there is an infinite amount of fusion eateries all over Manhattan, but few create such a heavenly blend as Vermilion (on the northwest corner of 46th and Lexington) does with Indian and Latin America cuisine. I have to be honest and say that chef/owner Rohini Dey leans a little heavier on Indian, but the results are always magical. How did she decide on creating a restaurant with this seemingly odd cuisine fusion? She says that her decision was based on history: "The Indian-Latin concept of Vermilion is also based on deep historical cross-flows and culinary influences of the Persians, Moors, Spanish, Portuguese, and waves of direct migration. Vermilion’s melding draws heavily from the tropical and geographical overlap of ingredients, herbs and spices across India, Spain & Latin America -- such as coconut, tamarind, mango, lychee, papaya, beans, rice, guava, plantain, cilantro, lime, corn, rice, beans and chickpeas, saffron -- all utilized extensively in both cuisines."

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All Hail Haldi: Curry Hill's Newest And Possibly Best Eatery!

By: Anne M. Raso

As a matter of fact, the first thing that the server asks you after the gratis papadam (which is in a unique burrito shape) and accompanying condiment tray appear on the table is if you like your food mild, medium or super spicy! I will also say right here that their Raita is extra mild as opposed to having the strong cucumber taste that is traditional. Haldi is a simple yet striking Indian restaurant smack dab in the center of the legendary Curry Hill. There is copper cookware hanging from the ceiling but otherwise it is a modern space with clean lines and the occasional piece of classic Indian and New York street scene artwork. There is a fun wall mural of a Checker cab driving by the Taj Mahal to the immediate left when you walk in. The wonderful smells of Indian spices as you enter make you salivate but don’t worry—if you are someone who prefers your Indian cuisine mildly spiced, they take that into account!

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Just Say “Aah” To Aangan: Classy Indian Fare On The Upper West Side!

By: Anne M. Raso

My recent visit to the classy Aangan was an exceptional experience. It is a clean, modern space with only about a dozen tables and an exquisite multicolored Indian chandelier on the ceiling. The service was super-attentive, the location was super convenient (right in view of the 1 train stop) and the portions were well-sized. All dishes seem to come out of the kitchen in ten minutes or less as well. I started out with my favorite Indian drink of all, Mango Lassi ($4.95) that was rich and tasted like it was made with fresh mango puree. You can get rum put in it for a couple of dollars more and this was the first time I have ever encountered and alcoholic Lassi! Quite good and strong, but I prefer the original. The regular Lassi was so thick it barely went through my straw and the paper umbrella was a cute touch.

Assorted Appetizers