Peachy Picks Moti Mahal Delux In New York Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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Right from the opening culinary feat of Moti Mahal Delux, it was evident that this Indian franchise is a gem and we hope you learned about it here first! Get used to what the above awning looks like, because you're going to love it there. Directly above is the Ajwaini Machchi Tikka, an amazingly tantalizing combination of mustard and carom flavored chargrilled fish, the first of many items of this hit parade that graced our palate. It will surprise you to know in this one case we are recommending a major franchise which is extremely rare for us, however, this right now is the one and only location in the United States of America and they were so smart to pick a location that borders the Upper East side and Midtown's East side. So, from an American perspective, this is not a chain for us, YET. It is a chain in India and elsewhere.
Moti Mahal Delux was started in Delhi, the capitol of India, in 2000 by Sanjiv Kohli, who teamed up with our new pal Gaurav Anand, Executive Chef and Owner of this one location in New York. This opened only one month ago and July 23, 2012 and they are killing it as there was not an open table in sight. This is NOT your local Indian Bistro thank goodness: people travel from near and far and we see why. This is testament to Indian fine dining. It was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2012/08/tasty-tidbits-moti-mahal-delux.html
and we are pleased to say it has advanced to Peachy's Picks.
Moti Mahal Delux was started in Delhi, the capitol of India, in 2000 by Sanjiv Kohli, who teamed up with our new pal Gaurav Anand, Executive Chef and Owner of this one location in New York. This opened only one month ago and July 23, 2012 and they are killing it as there was not an open table in sight. This is NOT your local Indian Bistro thank goodness: people travel from near and far and we see why. This is testament to Indian fine dining. It was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2012/08/tasty-tidbits-moti-mahal-delux.html
and we are pleased to say it has advanced to Peachy's Picks.
As soon as you walk in, you'll be greeted by a serene atmosphere that is contrary to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. At once you'll feel you're on an immediate vacation, and your private plane dropped you off on the corner of 1st Avenue and 63rd Street.
Manager Sanjeet Malhotra welcomed us with a smile and seated us promptly. He was on the top of his game all evening and we were immediately greeted with three fine sauces and a cracker to dip them in:
To the left below, you see two Tangy Scallops: pan seared with mango chutney, they continued our seafood theme started above and ignited our appetite.
To the right were the best of the three in Peachy's opinion: the Kadi Patta Jheenga Shrimps! Called prawns on the menu probably because England colonized India (check out our interview with Mover and Shaker India Hicks; her grandparents were the last Viceroys of India) and they say prawns in Ireland and England not shrimp, we're sure Shakespeare would agree that the name does not matter- and he'd agree this is the taste to beat. Delicate and beautiful, they were also terrifically flavored with curry leaves and were prepared tempered grilled. Every course was thoughtfully presented to us by Executive Chef and Owner Gaurav Anand, who is a total peach. Eating at Moti Mahal Delux was like watching the Macy's Fireworks as course by course was so enchantingly spicy and kept impressing us again and again.
We next graduated to poultry. A soothing Anardana Tikka was next grilled in a pomegranate marinade with black pepper. We noted many of these dishes will be highly attractive to warm you up once we get into the cool weather, and they are comfort food as well.
The lemon rice was Peachy's favorite rice by a mile and she had never had it before to her memory; this is only the third Indian place we've done so you know it must be excellent. With mustard seeds, curry leaves and tempered in lemon juice, this rice is zesty and perfection.
The lemon rice was Peachy's favorite rice by a mile and she had never had it before to her memory; this is only the third Indian place we've done so you know it must be excellent. With mustard seeds, curry leaves and tempered in lemon juice, this rice is zesty and perfection.
As entrees, we tried the Subz Panchmael: a vegetable melange with garlic tomato masala-a clearcut winner to incorporate vegetables into your dinner and a highlight if you are a vegetarian; the Daal Makhani:black lentil, home churned butter and MMD signature-this boasts tremendous flavor and it was one of Peachy's favorites of the night next to the aforementioned shrimp;
Chutneywali Machhi: Steamed Fish with Mint Coriander maranade in a leaf wrap-refreshing and tasty and beautifully served in a basket;
and Murgh Makhani: The Original Butter Chicken, another MMD signature-and the crowning jewel of the evening. You simply cannot go wrong with so many enticing choices that will spice up your life!
Chutneywali Machhi: Steamed Fish with Mint Coriander maranade in a leaf wrap-refreshing and tasty and beautifully served in a basket;
and Murgh Makhani: The Original Butter Chicken, another MMD signature-and the crowning jewel of the evening. You simply cannot go wrong with so many enticing choices that will spice up your life!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
If you’re looking for excellent, authentic Indian cuisine, you must head to the East! To the East side of Manhattan, that is! That’s right, tucked away on the corner of 63rd & 1st is a fabulous new Indian restaurant, Moti Mahal Delux. Moti Mahal Delux just opened on July 23rd, and is already doing a booming business. On the evening we dined there, nearly every table was full, and no sooner did a table clear than it got filled again – a true testament to the quality of the food there! Moti Mahal Delux is a popular chain of restaurants in India, and the 63rd & 1st location is its very first in the U.S. – but not for long, if word gets out about how good it is! While we were perusing the menu, we nibbled on crispy flatbreads served with three different tasty dipping sauces. Owner Guarav Anand wanted to make sure we tasted a wide variety of their offerings, and started us off by sending us an assortment of appetizers. First, we tasted the Ajwaini Machchi Tikka, which is chargrilled fish, flavored with mustard and carom. It was extremely spicy, but also extremely delicious and a great way to kick off the meal. Next up, it was Kadi Patta Jheenga (curry leaves tempered grilled prawns) and Tangy Scallops (pan-seared with mango chutney). Both of these were beautifully prepared and practically bursting with flavor. The prawns and scallops were followed by two fantastic grilled chicken appetizers, which were prepared in the clay oven: Anardana Tikka, and Cream Murgh Tikka. The Anardana Tikka was flavored with a black pepper & pomegranate marinade, and the Cream Murgh Tikka was flavored with a cardamom & cream cheese marinade.
Both were cooked to perfection and the flavors were marvelous. For main courses, Guarav again sent out a terrific variety. First, we tried the Subz Panchmael, which is a mixture of vegetables cooked in a garlic tomato masala. Big, fresh stalks of cauliflower, ears of baby corn, and carrots, along with assorted other veggies were cooked perfectly, and the sauce was outstanding. The dish was accompanied by white rice, which was also prepared just right. Next, we sampled the Chutneywali Machhi, which is a fish with mint coriander, wrapped in a leaf and steamed.
The presentation was lovely, and the fish was tender, flaky, and expertly seasoned. This was accompanied by lemon rice flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lemon juice – and it may very well be the best rice I’ve ever tasted!
The final two dishes we were served were the Daal Makhani (black lentil and home churned butter) and the Murch Makhani (butter chicken), which are two of the signature dishes at Moti Mahal Delux – and there’s no wonder why!
They were both rich and delectable, with beautifully blended spices and textures that just seemed to melt in your mouth.
From start to finish, this was a highly enjoyable dining experience. The food was fantastic, the staff was courteous, helpful, and attentive, and though the space is small, it has a light, airy atmosphere which is refreshing and welcoming. Definitely a new standout in the world of Manhattan dining!
Peachy Picks Moti Mahal Delux in New York!
Moti Mahal Delux in New York is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
