Peshawari Naan

Mint is a little Indian restaurant that can be found at 150 East 50th, nestled between 3rd and Lexington in Midtown. The decor is very modern that could easily transition the space into a lounge at night. If several tables full of Indian diners is any indication to the authenticity and the deliciousness of the food, then this is the spot for some amazing Indian deliciousness to storm your gullet. We started off with the Lasooni Gobi, a tasty fried cauliflower dish doing laps in a pool of tomato garlic sauce. The entrees came quickly thereafter- Jen had the Amritsari Chole, chickpeas cooked in a tomato and onion sauce, while I made quick word of the Lamb Pasanda, a close relative of Lambchop cooked in a rich curry sauce. All this was taken down with Peshawari Naan, an Indian flatbread stuffed with coconut, almonds, raisins, and cranberries.  Service was attentive, which is always a plus.  We never waited too long to order or be served our food, and our glasses were never left empty.

Lamb Pasanda, precooked

So how was it? The Lasooni Gobi was delicious. I spent a good amount of time trying to deconstruct the dish so I could make it later down the road for Jen. As far as I could tell, it was several large chunks of cauliflower, quickly deep fried in vegetable oil and then dressed with a sugary tomato garlic sauce that didn’t seem like it would be too difficult to reproduce, but I’ll have to research the sauce a good bit later. Jen loved the Amritsari Chole, but I wasn’t a big fan of the dish myself. I really enjoyed the Lamb Pasanda, with the tender chunks of meat in a rich and vibrant sauce that reminded me of my formative childhood years spent in Notrth India…

Wait. I’m Chinese.  That’s somebody else’s memory.

Anyways, it was a solid dish.  Definitely order a side of naan to make the most of the sauce, and a much better way to savor every last bit of whatever you order instead of rice.  Jen thoroughly enjoyed an Elderflower Champagne drink (the name escapes me) and it tasted just boozy to me, so it comes highly recommended from the both of us should you decide that it is necessary to get your swerve on.  We deferred on Indian desserts so we could make the local cupcake shop our next destination…Crumbs Bakery.

Jen and I went to Spring Street Natural on the recommendation and praise from the concierge at our hotel.  Conveniently located at the top of Spring Street exit on the 6 train on the corner of Spring and Lafayette, we popped in the corner restaurant for lunch.  The hostess led us along the sticky wood floors (coated in authentic organic Gotham Grime!) to a window seat that looked out onto Lafayette Street.  Jen ordered the Mushroom and Cheese Croquette (which I believe is French for Stupid Americans, haw haw haw) and I had the Southwestern Grilled Organic Chicken Salad.  We were both very happy with our choices, especially with the generous portions.  I was stoked that I could stick fairly close to Zone with my salad, subbing enough olive oil to drown a cat for the dressing.  There was a good amount of cranberries, Gorgonzola, almonds, and a subtle hint of salt to make this a fulfilling meal.  Jen seemed pretty content with her Croquette, leaving nothing but a barricade of croutons on the plate.  I resisted the inner 12 year old to flick them to the adjacent tables, but only barely.

Mushroom and Cheese Croquette

Be aware that even though the restaurant may seem sparsely attended by patrons, you’ll wait a good fifteen or twenty minutes for someone to come by to take your order by the waitresses dressed up in all black, as if they were waiting tables as their day job to pay the bills while they desperately attempted to get supporting roles in the latest vampire movie coming to a theatre near you.  Once you do get your order in though, the food comes out quick.

This is an ideal place for the hungry vegetarian/vegan, with plenty of options, even for meat eaters like me.  I’d go back again, even for just the salad.

If you’re looking to go Paleo-Zone with the salad I had, try asking for it without the corn or Gongozola in addition to the removal of the dressing.  You won’t be disappointed!

Southwestern Organic Chicken Salad