Rasika

This week I had a meeting downtown with some visitors from elsewhere...Nashville. Desperate for some ethnic cuise we went to the new "Bombay" bistro: Rasika. Billed as a modern indian cuisine with almost a tapas like menu we were intrigued. The Rasika syndicate includes the Bombay Club as well as Bardeo and others. The decor was as modern as DC gets and t was nie. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. A very nice opener to a meal. We order a series of smaller dishes to get a sense of the place. We started with the Palak Chaat. All I can say is ORDER THIS! This crispy spinach construction with dates and yogurt is probably one of the more original dishes I have eaten in a long time. The crispy bright green leaves have a new nutty flavor when added to the dates is almost mediterranean. I did not know spinach could be this good. Popeye would be taken aback: no greay green limp mush here. The other items included a mixed grill where the tandori chicken was a standout. The lamb was good but not as flavorful as one would hope. The aromatic lamb flavor was hidden in the masala. The salmon was delicious but still the yardbird was the best. We ordered and okra dish as well. Here is the test: can thy make okra without that gluey stuff hiding the herbaceous flavor of okra. They did so beautifully. I am a sucker for saag paneer. Unfortunately they had none at Rasika but, we had the crispy spinach so if there was a paneer dish I could have my craving mollified. Lucky for me they have a velvety ochre dish of Paneer Shaslik. It was great! Having lived in little India in NYC I am familiar with the over sweetened almost resin like desserts of Indian restaurants. I was encouraged by the lack of red velvet and Ravi Shankhar wafting from the speakers. This place will do some updated spicy or savory version of Gulab Jamun. I was disappointed. We were steered away from the those little honey balls that are reminiscent of Dunkin' Donut munchkin's slathered in honey. I had the apple jalabe. I was unimpressed but the heirloom mango with cardamom ice cream was a suitable ending. It was an updated traditional ending. Rasika was delicious I will go back. They care about their ingredients and it shows.

Rasika
633 D Street NW
Washington DC
202-637-1222
www.rasikarestaurant.com
Three Stars