East India Co Grill & Bar

East India Co Grill & Bar Restaurant Review:

A long hallway lined with a comfortable bar opens into a dining room framed with dark wood and a soaring ceiling. Sink into plush upholstered banquettes and savor the earthy spice trade hues. While lunch is limited to three set menus, dinner features a lengthy list of Indian classics. Favorites include butter chicken and tikka masala, vindaloo (spicy Goan curries), and spicy-sweet biryanis. The flavors of the sauces are sophisticated and nuanced. Many dishes may be ordered with a choice of chicken, fish or paneer (Indian cheese), or as vegetarian. Breads are baked fresh in the tandoor. Pair your meal with a well-conceived cocktail, or something from the carefully chosen wine list. Indian and local beers are also available. Dessert is not a focal point, but if you have a sweet tooth, order the gulab jamun, chewy donuts bathed in an exotic sugar syrup and served warm with vanilla ice cream. The bar is an appealing destination on its own, where a crush of downtown workers enjoy sweet and herbal masala mojitos and madrasi margaritas, plus Indian snacks such as chaat bhel puri, tandoori grilled chicken wings and flaky vegetable fritters. Service is gracious and professional.