#TerrificTakeout #InauguralReview @Veeray_da_Dhaba #VeeraydaDhaba by #ExecutiveChef and #Owner #HemantMathur , #Owner #SonnySolomon and #ChefdeCuisine #BinderSaini
Chef de Cuisine Binder Saini and Owner and Host Sonny Solomon, both of whom we were absolutely delighted to meet and work with for the first time
Tandoori Chicken
It's not who you know and it never has been.
It's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know Hemant and have for over a decade! He was first featured in 2012 for Tulsi (Tulsi is no longer in business).
Peachy and Executive Chef and Owner Hemant Mathur at Saar, featured a year ago. We have to go back! Not all Indian food in New York is created equally; some is just superior and on our inaugural visit to Veeray da Dhaba, we were not at all surprised by the excellence because Hemant has an illustrious history with us over many restaurants in Manhattan. What on earth is a Veeray da Dhaba? We had no idea either but you should know it is a close family friend, so to that end these guys are exactly that and we hope this is just their first hit. Punjabi Kitchen: the word Punjabi refers to the language and this is the area that Sonny Solomon is from. The language of cuisine supersedes English and Punjabi and what you need to know is that it is DELICIOUS. Very few Indian places can compete with the few excellent owners we know in this realm in Manhattan. And you know in Washington, D.C. it is all about our pal ASHOK!!! If you just type in Ashok to the search on the right this is what you see to scroll. And if you type HEMANT this is what you see. If we knew Madonna she'd probably tell you it's the same concept.
We began with Veeray di Gobhi: crispy cauliflower florets flash-fried and sauteed in garlic-infused tomato sauce. They tasted exactly as delicious as they look in this picture, and set a high precedent for the rest of the experience. If you don't think vegetables are exciting, think again. We liked the spiciness which was the right effect, not overwheming, and the scallions! Note that pictures are always unedited. You excel like Sonny or we do not publish. Note Hemant was not present this day but we hope to see him soon.
Everyone knows that last week was the wearing of the green, but this is the eating of the green. Saag Paneer is a spinach celebration! Mustard greens and spinach team up with cottage cheese cubes, which tastes much better than you might surmise. Flavored with ginger, onion and an intelligent blend of spices, it ignites your appetite and reconfirms vegetables are exciting here.
Truthfully we liked everything we tried and that doesn't always happen particularly on a first visit, but this Butter Chicken might be Peachy's favorite culinary endeavor at this venue. Boneless chicken marinated and grilled in tandoor is fabulously finished in a rich and mildly spiced tomato gravy. Note we understand this was invented in England and predates the invention of Chicken Tikka Masala. The richness is extraordinary and every bite is a culinary adventure. We love the fragrant, relaxing aroma and the extraordinary moist quality.
Akin to the Cookie Monster, Peachy reconfirmed her Garlic Naan Monster status with the above entry. Fresh and delicious, the Naan screams to your palate you are missing out on life if you don't befriend the carbs! They also do a Black Olive Naan:
Sonny suggested the Tandori Chicken, which is a star on the menu we are told. Cornish Hen is marinated in a Punjabi blend of spices and roasted in the tandoor. The presentation and the inviting juicy chicken will captivate your senses and again emphasize that even in a casual spot cuisine tastes uber-upscale here. Next, we expanded our vegetable horizons to include a crisp Bhindi Masala: cut okra sauteed with onions, tomatoes and garlic! The satisfying crunch was only equaled by the tantalizing flavor combination.
Chicken Biryani is a magic word around here or technically speaking two of them, and the steamed basmati rice generously luxuriating with boneless chicken flavored with saffron, rose water and fragrant spices clarified to Peachy's palate that it is hot on the heels of Butter Chicken and the second favorite edible here of Peachy based on this one and only visit so far. Next, do not miss the uniqueness of Jackfruit Biryani, below, crafted with green jackfruit and a wonderful alternative if you are not a meat eater or if you want to try something different.
Don't forget the sauce: Raita, spiced yogurt!
Finally, everyone knows tomorrow is a Friday in Lent: have you had this fish?
Amritsari Macchi in the Peachy Deegan dictionary means delectable seafood at Hemant and Sonny's place. Classic deep-fried fish -white fish- is seasoned with carom seeds, tumeric and Punjabi spices, and served with mint chutney. Macci means fish
We had a fantastic experience the first visit here and we look forward to the next hit from these guys!
