Celebrate Easter at IL Tesoro

 

In addition to chef/owner A.J. Black’s standard dinner menu of new classic Italian fare, enjoy a special Easter Lamb tasting menu on Easter Sunday (April 8).  Black has prepared a four-course prix fixe for $65 per person, which allows you to savor lamb in different ways.  Dishes include Lamb Milanese, served with heirloom tomatoes and micro arugula, and Roasted Baby Lamb, served over wild mushroom risotto with a white truffle porcini sauce. For a sweet ending to your meal choose between  Tiramisu or White Chocolate Crème Brûlée. The full lamb tasting menu is below.

Easter Lamb Tasting Menu

$65 per person

Baby Lamb

First Course

Lamb Milanese

With Heirloom tomatoes and micro arugula

Second Course

Braised Lamb Ragu

In a cherry tomato sauce with fresh orecchiette

Third Course

Roasted Baby Lamb

Over wild mushroom risotto with a white truffle porcini sauce

Fourth Course

Tiramisu or White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

IL Tesoro is located at 1578 First Ave., at 82^nd St. They will be open Easter Sunday from 5pm-10pm.

For reservations, call (212) 861-9620 or visit http://www.iltesoro.net for more information

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

Luxury Has Never Been More Affordable With New ‘Ultimate Luxury Package’

Pictured above:  Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Business Class Airfare, Five-Star Hotels, and Chauffeur-Driven Touring From Just $2,799 Per Person Round-Trip Including All Taxes and Fees

Imagine traveling to Ireland in Business Class round-trip on Aer Lingus, staying at five-star hotels across the country, and enjoying private chauffeur-driven touring between cities — all for less than $3,000 per person round-trip for a six-night getaway. This dream trip is now a reality for travelers who book the new "Ultimate Luxury Package" from the Aer Lingus Vacation Store.

A group of four travelers will experience true Irish hospitality with incredible elegance and unparalleled luxury throughout this six-night vacation which includes stays in four of Ireland’s most exclusive properties where many of the world’s famous actors, athletes, politicians, and royalty have stayed: Four Seasons in Dublin, Glenlo Abbey in Galway, Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney, and The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt. And to make it even more exclusive, the private driver lets travelers see it all in style and comfort!

Here is how the itinerary works:

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved. Disclosure

La Caravelle Champagnes Offer The Perfect Affordable Holiday Bubbly. Always Delightful and Highly Recommended By The Walman Report

Rita & Andre Jammet

Click Here For The History

Champagne Cuvée Niña

The signature brut is named after one of the Caravelle ships built by Columbus for his voyage to the New World. The multi-vintage cuvée features a blend of 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier, with an elegant floral nose and notes of yuzu, white peaches and gingerbread.

We like to start with this one and enjoy it with hor d’oeuvres. Follow it with the elegant Blanc de Blancs and seafood or chicken and finish with the superb Rosé and game, cheese and dessert. If you choose but one, it’s a matter of taste and menu. They are all enchanting.

SRP: $34

Champagne Rosé

This beautiful salmon pink Champagne uses the same base blend as Niña with the addition of elegant red wines from well-known appellations such as Aÿ and Bouzy. With a floral and red berry bouquet, the rosé evokes hints of cherry almond, pomegranate and fennel.

SRP: $39

Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Made with an exclusive blend of the best chardonnay crus harvested primarily from the Côte des Blancs and aged for three years, this complex wine has an elegant bouquet perfumed with white flowers and a refreshing, lively flavor with notes of citrus and rhubarb.

SRP: $39

A glance at the impressive list of restaurants offering La Caravelle Champagnes, including the elite Daniel and Adour, shows that we are not alone in our enthusiasm. It also makes it easy when you are not interested in devoting time to an encyclopedic wine list to remember the name: La Caravelle. As the song says “Easy To Remember, But So Hard To Forget.”

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

Pol Roger For Mom. A Half Bottle of Heaven For $35

 

A perfect break before or after dinner, 1/2 bottle of this gem has a suggested retail price of $35. One sip and you’ll know why Winston Churchill said he could not live without Champagne and spent almost every day of his adult life enjoying his own special cuvee of this bubbly elixir.

 

The Pol Roger family takes extreme pride in over 160 years producing some of the worlds finest Champagne. Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of only a few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated.

Pol Roger owns close to 50% of the vineyards used for their Champagne production, a true rarity in this region of large firms. Using strict guidelines, grapes are sourced exclusively from 1er and Grand Cru vineyards that rate at an average of 95 points on the Échelle des Crus classification system. Prior to final blending each lot is aged on its own, separated by village, vineyard, grower and grape variety. Once blended, each bottle of Champagne Pol Roger is hand riddled in the cellars deep below the Epernay chateau.

"Pol Roger is the ‘gentlemen’s’ Champagne, as Jean-Paul Kauffman wrote in ‘Voyage en Champagne". It is not surprising, therefore, that Winston Churchill, and even the British royal family should have made it their favorite over the years. This refinement reflects a whole lifestyle. It is also a source of infinite pleasure. Pol Roger Champagne has a soul, created by the union of a family’s spirit and the character of a vineyard."

Summary
It is common knowledge that the true quality of a Champagne house is best judged by the consistency and quality of their non-vintage wine. This is where the true "house style" is defined and executed year in/ year out. Pol Roger is a firm believer in this philosophy and takes extreme pride in their "White Foil" Brut.

Terroir: The "White Foil" is sourced from top quality vineyards in Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), Vallee de al Marne and Petite Valle d’Epernay (Pinot Meunier) and the Cote des Blancs (Chardonnay).

Vinification Pol Roger "White Foil" is traditionally a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir (body and depth), Pinot Meunier (freshness and vigorous fruit) and Chardonnay (elegance and finesse) and is sourced exclusively from juice from the "cuvee" (first pressing). The still wines are fermented in stainless steel at a cool 45°f to retain freshness. Each final blend contains a minimum of two vintages with the youngest components being a minimum of three years old. Average dosage for the "White Label" is 12g per liter.

Available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1.5L sizes. For larger sizes please contact your local sales representative.

Notes
Pale gold with a very fine bead; flowery, delicately toasty aroma with fruit and complexity; creamy, beautifully balanced with a dry, harmonious finish.

Producer: Pol RogerWine Color: BubblesRegion: ChampagneCountry: France
Blend: Chardonnay: 33%, Pinot Noir: 33%, Pinot Meunier: 33%

 

Our favorite non-vintage Champagne. It is sure to become Mom’s too. Rating: A Major

Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved 

4 Great Sparkling Wines From Frederick Wildman Sons

For The Best Parties in Town or That Special Mother’s Day, Wildman’s Portfolio Always Enchants

 

 

Maison JJ Vincent (NV) SRP: $19.99

Maison JJ Vincent produces a range of wines made with the same care and expertise as those made at the Vincent’s historic domaine, Château Fuissé.

Made primarily from grapes sourced from Mâconnais and cru Beaujolais vineyards owned by members of Jean-Jacques Vincent’s family, these wines are of extremely high quality and represent remarkable value. Maison JJ Vincent wines are both lovely and approachable wines for immediate consumption and a great introduction to the Château Fuissé realm of great wines

Summary

"The selection for this sparkler – Crémant de Bourgogne comes from vinyards situated south of Burgundy. The vineyard soils are composed of limestone, clay and pebbles and are situated in the cooler areas. The grapes are hand-picked at the early stage of the harvest in order to preserve the mineral character and the acidity. These elements will allow freshness and crispy aromas once bottled.
The word "Crémant" was originally used in reference to "Champagne demi-mousse" which is a lower pressured Champagne. The pressure difference was 5 bar instead of 6,5 to 7 bar. The actual vinification or elaboration of the Crémant called the "méthode traditionnelle" corresponds to the "méthode champenoise" and produces a pressure of 6,5 bar in the bottle."

Notes

"From the Chardonnay grapes this sparkler allies freshness, body and smoothness. The Crémant Brut is dry and offers fine bubbles (1,5Million/30 minutes – we counted them but you do not have to believe me for this!), hints of flowers at the nose, crisp and fruity on the palate. It is a great Classic for all festive occasions

From sipping to food, (especially desserts) you’ll like the delicate balance, fresh floral hints and gentle price.

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Lamberti Rosé Spumante Veneto VSAQ : NV SRP:13.99

Established in 1964, The House of Lamberti stands on the shores of Lake Garda in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Named after one of Verona’s oldest families, whose name graces the famous tower in the city’s Piazza delle Erbe, this innovative winery is credited with having re-vitalized classic wines from this area, adapting them to consumption trends. From the vineyards of the Veneto, the estate crafts a range of “New Italian Classics,” brilliant, elegant and approachable wines that combine tradition with a modern style that’s very popular today. “Lamberti is a champion of wines with impressive quality that are approachable in price.” — GAMBERO ROSSO’S ALMANACO DEL BEREBENE 2006 (GUIDE TO DRINKING WELL) “Lamberti occupies a leading position in the highly prestigious wine-producing area of Verona. Innovation and a focus on premium quality wines are key to this success.” — ITALIAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION (A.I.S.) GUIDA DUEMILAVINI 2007 “Lamberti is a historic winery celebrated for being the first to understand the needs of an evolving wine market and to have found the right formula to re-launch and bring prestige back to the classic wines of the Veneto region.” — LUCA MARONI, VINI ITALIANI 2008 Throughout the property are many Santepietre, or “Holy Stones,” traditional, low, stone walls that divide many old vineyards found in the Veneto. These walls were built with stones from nearby Lake Garda.

Summary

Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero and Raboso fruit is sourced from the best hillside vineyards across Treviso in the Veneto. Red fruit is vinified with the saigné method. The wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in closed pressure tanks via the Charmat method to obtain a fine mousse.

Notes

The wine has powerful aromas of flowers and bananas, with fresh and fruity flavors.

refreshing and produced by the Charmat method, where secondary fermentation takes place in tanks,

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Established in 1883, Trapiche is the world’s leading producer of wines from Argentina. Located at the foothills of the Andes in Argentina’s viticultural epicenter Mendoza; Trapiche owns over 2,500 acres of vineyards spread throughout the region. With near perfect growing conditions – hot days, cool nights, scant rainfall and tightly controlled irrigation – Trapiche is able to consistently grow and source top quality fruit.. International style, fruit driven and represent the best of Argentina.

Summary

The Varietal series from Trapiche are hand-harvested varietal wines that provide fresh, pure flavors at extremely affordable prices. Each of the wines is bottled in its purest form with no oak aging and a minimal handling in the winery.
Terroir: The Trapiche Varietal selections are sourced from select vineyards that lie along the Mendoza River east of Mendoza high in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The vineyards sit in sandy soils at elevations that reach up to 2,500 feet in elevation. Harvesting and vineyard maintenance is done entirely by hand.
Vinification: Following harvest the grapes are transported to the winery where they are destemmed and vinified at cool temperatures for a period of 10-15 days to extract color, aroma and ripe fruit flavors. To retain varietal character and freshness the wines are aged for a short period of time entirely in stainless steel tanks before a light filtration and bottling. The second fermentation employs the “Charmat Lungo” method in small 50 hectoliter tanks at 14°C. The wine stays in contact with the lees for 120 days prior to bottling.

Notes

Trapiche Sparkling is a fresh, clean and vibrant sparkling wine showing off flavors or apple, pear, melon and citrus

70% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon and 10% Malbec. SRP: $14.99

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Pol Roger Brut Reserve “White Foil”NV)

SRP: $47

The Pol Roger family takes extreme pride in over 160 years producing some of the worlds finest Champagne. Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of only a few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated.

Pol Roger owns close to 50% of the vineyards used for their Champagne production, a true rarity in this region of large firms. Using strict guidelines, grapes are sourced exclusively from 1er and Grand Cru vineyards that rate at an average of 95 points on the Échelle des Crus classification system. Prior to final blending each lot is aged on its own, separated by village, vineyard, grower and grape variety. Once blended, each bottle of Champagne Pol Roger is hand riddled in the cellars deep below the Epernay chateau.

"Pol Roger is the ‘gentlemen’s’ Champagne, as Jean-Paul Kauffman wrote in ‘Voyage en Champagne". It is not surprising, therefore, that Winston Churchill, and even the British royal family should have made it their favorite over the years. This refinement reflects a whole lifestyle. It is also a source of infinite pleasure. Pol Roger Champagne has a soul, created by the union of a family’s spirit and the character of a vineyard."

Summary

It is common knowledge that the true quality of a Champagne house is best judged by the consistency and quality of their non-vintage wine. This is where the true "house style" is defined and executed year in/ year out. Pol Roger is a firm believer in this philosophy and takes extreme pride in their "White Foil" Brut.
Terroir: The "White Foil" is sourced from top quality vineyards in Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), Vallee de al Marne and Petite Valle d’Epernay (Pinot Meunier) and the Cote des Blancs (Chardonnay).

Vinification Pol Roger "White Foil" is traditionally a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir (body and depth), Pinot Meunier (freshness and vigorous fruit) and Chardonnay (elegance and finesse) and is sourced exclusively from juice from the "cuvee" (first pressing). The still wines are fermented in stainless steel at a cool 45°f to retain freshness. Each final blend contains a minimum of two vintages with the youngest components being a minimum of three years old. Average dosage for the "White Label" is 12g per liter.
Available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1.5L sizes. For larger sizes please contact your local sales representative.

Notes

33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier.

Pale gold with a very fine bead; flowery, delicately toasty aroma with fruit and complexity; creamy, beautifully balanced with a dry, harmonious finish. Bread and Brioche aromas with citrus notes. A spectacular sipper.

Perfect with almonds, oysters, caviar and throughout the meal.

One of the world’s great non-vintage Champagnes! Wine On Line Rating: A Major

 

 

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Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

Pasternak Wine Imports Bring Affordable Grace To The Holidays

                World Class Imports

Founded in 1988, Pasternak Wine Imports is a national importer of fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile & California. Our producers are leaders in their portfolios are all exceptional in quality and value.

 

Earth Day, Easter and Mother’s Day are all within 2 weeks of one another!

So here are some terrific selections from the dependable Pasternak Wine Imports.

 

Earth Day: 4/22

Morro Bay  Cabernet, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc- all Lodi Rules Certified Sustainable- www.lodirules.com

Drink Certified Sustainable Lodi Wines
When you drink a certified sustainably grown Lodi wine, you are supporting a farmer, a vintner, and a community that embraces its responsibility to take care of the environment.

By being concerned about habitat, wildlife, and our workers health and safety, along with committing ourselves to clean air and water, healthy soils, and energy conservation, we protect our land and the community we live in. This allows us to produce higher quality wines more reflective of the places and people that grow them. It gives you the opportunity to promote responsible farming by enjoying the great wines from these vineyards.

Sustainable winegrowing is the environmentally responsible way to make great wine.

The Sauvignon Blanc is unbeatable. Clean, crisp, great fruit and one of the best Sauvignon Blanc’s California makes.

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Easter: 4/24

Some old favorites- Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc

Goldwater

Marlborough, New Zealand

Goldwater Wines have been producing expressive Marlborough wines since 1992. Our wines are sustainably produced and nurtured through the growing season by our talented and experienced team. These wines showcase the best the Wairau Valley of Marlborough has to offer

 

Also Chateau de Jau Cotes du Roussillon Villages Rouge with new looks,

Vignobles Jean & Bernard Dauré

Château de Jau

Roussillon, France

The Dauré family has long been acknowledged as the premier winemaking family of Côtes du Roussillon. Their holdings are comprised of two estates: Château de Jau and Les Clos de Paulilles.
Built in 1792, Château de Jau is located in the southernmost foothills of the Roussillon slopes of the Corbières Mountains in French Catalonia. Today, the estate produces Côtes du Roussillon Villages Rouge, Côtes du Roussillon Blanc, Muscat de Rivesaltes, along with the lovely wines known as “le Jaja de Jau.”

Hidden gems Dievole La Vendemmia (a fabulous Chianti Classico that is light, but full of depth and flavor) and Blason d’Aussieres , and crisp whites- Lafite Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Blanc and Guy Saget- La Petite Perriere 2009, a delightful sauvignon blanc that will impress you with it balanced fruit and acidity. Greta with sautéed cod in lemon butter sauce. 

Guy Saget

Loire Valley, France

Guy Saget, the leading premium Loire Valley winery, is 9th Generation Family owned and managed. They are continuously exploring the best expression of Sauvignon Blanc both Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Quality and respect of nature have always been the philosophy of Vignobles Guy Saget. Brought up in the vineyards, the Saget brothers; Jean-Louis and Christian, learned from a very young age to love and respect the soil. Vignobles Guy Saget sources two-thirds of the production in the Loire Valley from their estates with the remainder from long-term relationships with families of vine growers.

GUY SAGET
Loire Valley, France
THE VINEYARD
Quality and respect of nature have always been the philosophy of Vignobles Guy Saget. Brought up in the vineyards, the Saget brothers;
Jean-Louis and Christian, learned from a very young age to love and respect the soil. Vignobles Guy Saget sources two-thirds of the production
in the Loire Valley from their estates with the remainder from long-term relationships with families of vine growers. La Petite
Perrière Sauvignon Blanc is the result of the very best selection of the vines from our estate Domaine d’Artois in Touraine. Situated on
the right bank of the Loire in the appellation district of Touraine Mesland, next to the town of Blois, the Domaine d’Artois represents 80
hectares of vineyards planted on two different types of soil: Sand and clay with a hint of limestone.
HARVEST & AGEING
Golden and healthy grapes are mechanically harvested from the 24th of September to 3rd of October. 80% of the grapes are quickly
pressed and the must is cold settled for 48 hours. For 24 hours, the remaining 20% undergoes skin maceration. The juices are quickly
put into fermentation with yeast (EB2 and FW) which have been primarily selected for their specificity to enhance the Sauvignon Blanc
flavors. The wines are aged on fine lees at the end of the alcoholic fermentation and prepared to be bottled very quickly (in February)
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
La Petite Perrière Sauvignon Blanc 2009 has a deep color with golden specks and a lively intensity. The nose is very complete thanks to
a multitude of aromas such as peach, melon and grapefruit. This wine is clean, well-balanced and refreshing with a hint of mineral at the
end of the mouth.
Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Finished Alcohol: 12.5%
La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Pasternak Wine Imports . (800) 946-3110 . www.pasternakwine.com

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Mother’s Day: 5/8 Celebrate with Pink & White!

Les Deux Rives Corbieres Rose & Blanc

Les Vignerons du Val d’Orbieu

Les Deux Rives

Corbières, France

The ‘deux rives’ in Les Deux Rives wine refers to the two banks of the Canal du Midi (much like the Left Bank in Paris is called the Rive Gauche), and the label is inspired by a 1920s postcard of the Canal.

Built adjacent to Corbières in the late 1600s, the Canal connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, and was one of the most important routes for transporting wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon to northern France, greater Europe and beyond.

Jaja Rose & Blanc

Lucien Albrecht

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’ Alsace

Alsace, France

Lucien Albrecht, Jean’s father, pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wines vinified by the classic Champagne Method from 100% free run juice, are the best sparkling wines in France outside of Champagne itself. Recently Maison Lucien Albrecht was awarded four gold medals at a comprehensive National I.N.A.O. tasting of all sparkling wines in France, giving the firm more gold medals than any other Crémant producer in France

Albrecht Crémant Rose & Brut

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Morro Bay Cab- Chard & Sauv Bl all line priced- srp $10.99

Lafite Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Blanc srp $14.99

Guy Saget La Petite Perriere srp $11.99

Albrecht Rose srp $19.99

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Try them all as we did and you’ll be delighted. Not only that, you won’t go broke in the process.

http://www.pasternakwine.com/

Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

TULSI Is Divine In Any Language

 

ADDRESS: 211 East 46^th Street

Between 2^nd & 3^rd Avenues

New York, NY 10017

Reservations: 212-888-0820

www.tulsinyc.com

OVERVIEW: Tulsi is a high-end Indian dining destination in midtown Manhattan, serving lunch and dinner as well as innovative bar bites in a relaxed, modern setting. The 55-seat restaurant and bar showcases authentic regional Indian cuisine prepared by chef/co-owner Hemant Mathur and his culinary team. “Tulsi” means divine basil and is pronounced TOOL-see.

CUISINE: Regional Indian

EXECUTIVE CHEF: Chef and tandoor master Hemant Mathur has been internationally recognized as one of the leading Indian chefs in New York and beyond. In 2004, he and Suvir Saran opened Dévi, located in the city’s Flatiron District, where Mathur reigned in the kitchen for six years. Prior to Dévi, he was the opening co-chef at Amma in 2003, the executive chef at Diwan Grill in 2002, and worked under the late Raji Jallepalli to open Tamarind in 2000.

CHEF DE CUISINE: Dhandu Ram, formerly the chef at Yuva, who first worked with Chef Mathur at the famed Bukhara Restaurant in New Delhi. He was also the chef at Bukhara Grill in New York.

PASTRY CHEF: Surbhi Sahni, who created the ethereal Mango Cheesecake and other Indian-inspired desserts at Dévi. She was the pastry chef at Amma; developed the concept and menu for the Tea Room at Tamarind; and worked in the pastry kitchens at davidburke&donatella, Picholine and Between the Bread.

GENERAL MANAGER: Sandeep Solomon, formerly the general manager at Dévi, who has over 15 years of front-of-the-house experience at such New York restaurants as Geoffrey Zakarian’s Town; Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market and Mercer Kitchen; and Terrance Brennan’s Artisanal.

Consulting Mixologist: & Beverage Manager: Nirupama Srivastava

Architect: Kamal Patel & Associates

Photos by Melissa Hom

Hours:

Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 pm; Sunday, 5:00 to 10:00 pm
Lunch: Monday to Saturday, Noon to 3 pm
Bar: Nightly, from 5 pm

Reservations can be made by calling 212-888-0820, or on OpenTable

Parking:

$12 during lunch and dinner hours (maximum of 4 hours)
Parking lots at 127 East 46th Street and 135 East 47th Street
(both between 3rd and Lexington Aves.)

Contact:

Tel: 212-888-0820 | Fax: 212-888-0827
info@tulsinyc.com

www.tulsinyc.com.

THE LOOK IS A KNOCKOUT, Combining Subtle Colors and Clean Lines:

This 2,000-square-foot venue, with a bar/lounge area that seats 14 and a dining arena that seats 55 people, is modern yet gives a cultural nod to traditional Indian motifs – designed for comfort, relaxation and the enjoyment of food, drinks and conversation. Hues of green based on its basil namesake, beige and brown are part of the subtle but striking interior created by a balance of art and artifacts, lighting and the use of wood, stainless steel, glass and porcelain tiles. Extra allure is created by a Fosted Glass Picture Window Etched with Sanskrit Sloka Sayings.There is Shamiana Seating Designed with Modern Touches and a Tableside Chaat Trolley.No other Indian restaurant in New York offers such elegance and refinement in which to enjoy superlative cuisine.

Tulsi features distinctive regional Indian cuisine created by Chef Hemant Mathur, critically acclaimed for his clean, distinct flavors and a master of tandoor cooking – from savory street food and breads to tantalizing vegetable specialties and fragrant curries, to signature tandoor-grilled meats and seafood.

Guests may also enjoy a seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu (also a Chef’s Vegetarian Tasting Menu) and bar snacks, as well as a thoughtful list of spice-friendly wines and handcrafted cocktails.

THE FOOD HAS THE WOW FACTOR

The a la carte Menu Includes:

Bar Snacks – Tulsi Tandoori Aloo; Shrimp Kati Roll; Crispy Cod Bites

Starters – Street Cart Chaats, served tableside; Walnut Chicken Roti Roll; Trio of Momos

Seafood Entrees – Tandoori Prawns; Parsi Fish of the Day; Semolina Crusted Monkfish

Meat Entrees – Goat Rogan Josh; Duck Moilee; Tandoori Wild Boar Chops; 12-Spice Chicken Curry

Vegetable Entrees – Stuffed Baby Eggplant; Roasted Pesto Portobello Mushroom

Sides – Tulsi’s Dal, Butter Paneer, Kulcha, Parantha, Family Naan

Desserts – Ginger Panna Cotta; Eggless Pistachio Cake; Banana Pitha

Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pappadum (Below)

Seven-Course Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Chef’s Tasting Menus

Chef Hemant Mathur’s seven-course tasting menus (omnivore and vegetarian options). The Chef’s Tasting Menus are available at dinner nightly. Price is $65 per person; $95 with wine pairings. For reservations, please call 212-888-0820 or book online at OpenTable.com.

The remarkable Dum Biryani (Above)

Our table of four chose two tasting dinners (one omnivore and one vegetarian). Each allows a choice of entree and dessert, but the entire table is obliged to do the tasting, for purposes of pacing. This technique is highly suggested so that  guests can sample the full range of the kitchen’s prowress.

While every morsel was sheer perfection we urge you not to miss Gobi Takatin | Sautéed cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro from the a la cart menu, a    cauliflower creation bound together with the secret ingredient of catsup that is worthy of a visit to Tulsi  on its own merit. Other must-haves from the main menu include Parsi Fish of the Day | Steamed in banana leaves, with coconut, cilantro & sesame paste, a succulent Duck Moilee | Coconut-curry leaf sauce, South Indian potatoes, and okra chips and the lovely Street Cart Chaats | Savory regional snacks.

Tasting menu standouts included a remarkable Pumpkin Ginger Soup with Fenugreek and Onion Seeds; Calamari Chaat with red onion, tomato, cilantro and chaat masala and the subtle Hyderabadi Fish Murtabak, a casserole, layered with seafood, cilantro, green chilies and parmesan.

Roasted Pesto Portobello Mushroom, stuffed with Paneer-cheese in tomato-fenugreek sauce and Achari Tofu, marinated in mustard pickle and tandoor-grilled were balanced winners from the vegetarian options.

While Tandoori Wild Boar Chops were outstanding, Goat Dum Biryani, baked with rice, ginger, garlic, cardamom, mace and saffron and encased in Indian bread that is broken open tableside is as dramatic as it is delicious..

 

Wild Boar Chops (Below)

All desserts are the best you will sample in any NY Indian restaurant: Favorites include BLACK CARDAMOM CHOCOLATE TORTE,  PISTACHIO CAKE (Pictured Below) and  BANANA PITHA Banana fritters, caramel sauce, salty pecans, and butter-crunch ice cream.

There is a beautifully selected wine list, as well as a terrific paring by the glass, thanks to Beverage Manager: Nirupama Srivastava. Price points are fair and there are bargains to be found. If you ever though Indian food required sweet wines, think again. The house has a fine mixologist, if you want a perfect martini or some inventive house crafted cocktails.Service is smooth and attentive and the room is impeccably managed by General Manager: Sonny Solomon.

If you are seeking out fine dining that is affordable. glamorous and exotic, you needn’t be an Indian food aficionado to appreciate Tulsi. Here is global Indian cuisine at its finest. The experience is elegant; prices are affordable and to repeat a point:Tulsi is divine in any language. It is already stealing the show from its competitors and Chef Hemant Mathur is a master of his craft. Make your reservations soon. You won’t be sorry.

The Walman Report Award: One of New York’s Great Restaurants: A Major

 

Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

GALLAGHER’S SURF AND TURF HIGHLIGHTS VALENTINE’S NIGHT THREE-COURSE PRIX FIXE MENU ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Sweethearts can enjoy the classic Valentine’s Day dinner – “Surf and Turf” – at Gallagher’s Steak House on Monday, February 14. The Theater District restaurant is offering a prix fixe lover’s menu at $90 per person (plus tax and gratuity), a small price to pay for passion that includes Gallagher’s filet mignon!

The romantic menu includes a choice of three appetizers, Classic Caesar Salad, Lobster Bisque with Fresh Crabmeat, or Fried Calamari, setting the mood for the main Surf and Turf attraction. Gallagher’s 10 ounce Filet Mignon will be coupled with 8 ounce Maine Lobster Tail and Claws, served with Herb Lobster Sauce and Clarified Butter, and Mashed Potatoes or String Beans. The sweetheart third course is Strawberry Shortcake. A glass of champagne for both lovebirds will accompany the dinner.

Reservations are recommended for love-struck diners, by calling 212.245.5336. Gallagher’s is located at 228 West 52^nd Street between Broadway and 8^th Avenue.