Mint
ADDRESS: 150 East 50th Street
(Between Lexington Avenue & Third Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
WEB SITE: Click Here
TELEPHONE: (212) 644-8888
FAX: (212) 644-2019
HOURS: Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Mon.-Sun.
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sun.-Thurs.
4:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight, Fri.-Sat.
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Mon.-Sun.
CUISINE: Regional Indian
CREDIT CARDS: All major
PRICE RANGE: Lunch (entrees): $10.00 – $30.00
4-Course Prix Fixe Lunch: $17.00
Dinner (entrees): $10.00 – $30.00
3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner
with wine/beer: $40.00
DRESS: Smart Casual
RESERVATIONS: Recommended
SEATING CAPACITY: Dining Room: 75
Private Dining Room: 10
Bar/Lounge: 25
NUMBER OF ROOMS: 2
(Private Party Room seats 10)
EXECUTIVE CHEF: Gary Sikka
PASTRY CHEF: Gary Sikka
WINE DIRECTOR: Nawid Sahebzada
OWNER: Gary Sikka
OPENING DATE: December, 2005
Returning for an update, after our rave review in 2005, we were delighted that Mint, the charming Indian restaurant in the San Caros Hotel, has retained all its elegance, color and expertise. The stylish BAR/LOUNGE offers an exotic ambiance, enhanced by a handsome 15-foot long L-shaped granite and mahogany bar, mint-colored leather and fabric-upholstered banquettes, mahogany candle-lit tables, exotic ottomans, rich wood floors, vibrant red, orange, and fuchsia hanging drum lamps, and a serene waterfall. (Semi-private and private dining areas available, as well as the whole restaurant if required),
The impressive 15-foot long custom-made, L-shaped granite and mahogany bar, located in the front of the restaurant, features a fine selection of global wines. A variety of wines are available sophisticated by the glass. In addition, a premier choice of spirits, liquors, after-dinner drinks, dessert wines, Indian beers, and specialty cocktails such as Indian Sunset (Ketel One Orange Vodka, Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice, and Cranberry Juice), Bollywoodtini (Absolut Ruby Red Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Mango Puree, and Cranberry Juice), Pomegranate Martini (Grey Goose Vodka, Pama Liqueur, and Pomegranate Juice), and Elderflower Fizz (St. Germain and Champagne) are also available. The Lunch and Dinner Menus are available at the bar.
The Main DINING ROOM: offers an exotic, romantic ambiance for sophisticated dining, enhanced by a 12-foot high ceiling, mint-colored leather and fabric-upholstered banquettes and chairs, mahogany candle-lit tables, handsome columns, hanging red, orange, and fuchsia silk drum lamps, rich wood floors, framed Indian paintings, and colored mood lighting to create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere..
Where Mint really excels in in the exquisite food and attentive service. Start with one of those expertly mixed cocktails and go easy on the extraordinary cylinders of parchment poppadoms. Don’t neglect the chutney sampler, which includes such offbeat offerings as eggplant and garlic chutney and mango, ginger, mustard seeds and chilies, as well as the soothing min raita.
While here is a bargain Prix Fixe menu, we suggest you take the a la carte route and sample such divine appetizers as the outrageously delicious Chilly Fish, Spicy fish tossed in bell pepper, herbs and spices, along with a beautifully fresh Corn Salad:
Corn, chopped onions, cucumber and tomatoes with lemon dressing. Add some Chicken Seekh Kebab: Tandoori skewers of Ground chicken seasoned with herbs and spices and perhaps some of the fabulous rosemary nan bread.
By now, you are probably ready to add a bottle of white wine, beer or any thing with bubbles from the short and well priced beverage list. You must try a variety of the superb curries, each uniquely distinguished and delicious. If in doubt, ask the charming manager Nawid Sahebzada for direction. We enjoyed flavorful Goat Rogan Josh: Goat meat marinated with yogurt and cooked in a onion sauce; a delicate Goan Fish: Seabass cooked with coconut coriander and cumin and two versions of lentils: one with black lentils and kidney beans — the other, yellow lentils and spinach, infused with Indian herbs and spices.
We wanted to sample one dish from the Tandoor and chose the masterful Lamb Chops: Rack of lamb served with mashed potatoes, mix greens and
mint chutney . Terrific!
Even though you are probably satiated, don’t miss the light and elegant Indian sweets. Order from the Indian side of the menu (Western options are also available for chocolate lovers). Try Gulab Jamun: Warm cottage cheese and milk balls, served in sweet syrup and the refreshing Kheer, a creamy Indian rice pudding.
We love Mint and think you will be equally impressed. There is a second restaurant that opened last year in Garden City that we hope to review in the near future. The Manhattan store remains one of New York’s top and rates A Major.
Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.
