FOR: SWEET AT DINNER.
405 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; dineturmeric.com
Stone-colored walls create calm in this arty, minimalist space with reddish-brown tables and mixed media art. Intricate patterns of women are
offset with metal cut-outs intersecting racy poses.
Nothing on the menu at Turmeric is as intriguing as the decorations, but the price feels good. For $20 the maharaja platter sings the carnivorous anthem: chicken tikka (singed), sheekh nawabi (compressed beef), Bombay salmon (wedding-food quality), lamb boti kebab (rosy hued) and chicken curry (creamy).
The vegetarian thali grabs sweeter versions of menu staples. Spinach in the saag paneer handles a less savory presentation but the peas and eggplant dishes taste candied. The lemony yogurt sauce, raita, helps balance flavors.
At least the sweetness continues: rice pudding is like spooning down a smile. 405 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; dineturmeric.com
(March 2013)
