NVM Review

Best New Indian Lounge

By Warren Rojas

From the spacey murals to the earthy cuisine, there's plenty of ground to cover at Tandoori Nights, Clarendon's clubby Indian neighbor.

The look here is sleek, uncluttered elegance. Wall-length murals provide a colorful backdrop to each of the modern dining areas, while cushioned bar stools and plush sofas give comfort to the young and pretty who come to get down and dirty during happy hour.

Co-owner and executive chef Shivani Miglani prepares a number of Indian standards-Tandoori-style clay pot offerings, yogurt-laced stews, homemade flat breads like naan and roti-that should be familiar to most ethnic dining enthusiasts. Better yet are signature creations that take traditional Indian cooking in exciting new directions.

An innovative twist on garlic shrimp dunks several hefty prawns in an engaging white wine and honey glaze. A Goani-style fish entrée delivers whopping filets of flavorful salmon smothered in a thrilling red curry sauce accentuated by some terrific dried chilies (great dish). A portion of dim aloo summons hollowed out potatoes stuffed with homemade cheese and then simmered in a soothing yogurt sauce decorated with sliced almonds. The house lamb kabobs produce tender cubes of seasoned lamb brought to a blistering finish on the grill. The Tandoori chicken is respectable; the Tandoori shrimp emerges just slightly spicier. And if another mango lassi just won't do, try one of the bar's frosty fruit beverages, like a homemade chiller of mangoes and strawberries twirled about with crushed ice.