Indian Express: Dubbed "an expedition to Spiceland," this new Tribeca restaurant boasts two chefs as your tour guides: Alfred Durga Prasad and Alexander Xalxo, of Tamarind and Earthen Oven. (Alfred is regarded at a "Master Chef" of Indian Cuisine, so there's bound to be a some jealousy in the kitchen.) The press materials warn: "Don't let the name fool you...this is anything BUT fast food." Dishes served in the 65 seat restaurant include such items as Cochin Crab Cakes (a specialty of coastal India made with crushed Cochin peppercorns, onion, tomato, garlic & spices), Quails (farm raised Spanish Quails marinated in red chillies, hung yoghurt & spices), and Hara Bara Kabab (a delicately spiced grilled patty of Spinach, chick peas, corn, apricot & sesame seeds.) 18 Murray Street (between Broadway and Church), (212) 608-5555
Salumeria Rosi: The emphasis here is on cured meats from Parma, Italy, provided by Parmacotto, the Rosi family's cured and cooked meat business. Located on the Upper West Side, it's a little 25-seat cafe and take-out counter promising "an authentic Italian experience for the American market." Tuscan chef Cesare Casella has prepared a menu with dishes like Costine (spicy Tuscan spare ribs slow-cooked with tomatoes, rosemary and garlic); Peperoni Capp (Fire-roasted peppers marinated with anchovies and capers); and Sette Fagioli (Republic of Beans heirloom seven bean salad). Wine and cheese pairings are available, as is a Prosciutto di Parma, aged 36 months. You can also order full dinners to take home. 283 Amsterdam (between 73rd and 74th Streets), 212.877.4800.
GustOrganics Bar: The folks at GustOrganics flagship restaurant—which the owners claim to be the first and only 100% USDA Certified Organic restaurant—aren't satisfied with making sure their guests eat the most healthy food; now they want to make sure everybody gets loaded on the healthiest drinks. All the beverages at their new bar are free of chemicals, artificial substances, hormones and pesticides. And they sound delicious too; the cocktails include Fresquito with fresh mangos, fresh squeezed orange juice & vodka; a Rojito with fresh strawberries, oranges and vodka; and a Basil Daiquiri. Of course, there's also a big selection of certified organic beer and wine. 519 Avenue of the Americas (between 13th and 14th Street), (212) 242-5800.
Photo of Indian Express courtesy Martin Burgess.
