RASÖI

Once in a while I get out. On this occasion it was with MAD, so we closed down the place and still ran out of time! We are getting smarter, so we booked the next meeting before the end of this one.

We had decided on Rasöi, an Indian fusion restaurant recommended to my friend. They had a original pricy list of cocktails. They did not go lightly on the alcohol. It was interesting that the waitress recommended differenty drinks based on our gender. In the end I chose a mango mojito which was simple (rum, lime, mint, mango nectar) but satisfying. My friends tried the Brownskin Jabro (Amrut Single Malt Indian Whisky, Campari, Averna, saffron rosewater syrup) and the Broken Rickshaw (El Tinieblo Mezcal, Raynal VSOP Brandy, Cynar, Khalua, orange bitters) and seemed to enjoy them both, but I think they were jealous of my drink and my gender!

The food was not amazing for the cost. I am quite spoiled for great Indian food nearby with Sahib and Pushap making me very happy. The one standout dish I would recommend is the Chicken Biryani, which was not fusion but a great traditional dish. We tried the Aloo Ghobi, butter chicken and Palak kale paneer. They all fell short of the traditional fare.  I had the coconut shrimps and scallops which were quite good. They did have a nice fresh naan also.

So go for drinks, expect to pay a lot, and order the biryani. But for the same money, I would recommend enjoying 2 buffet lunches at Sahib, and a thali plate with a box of takeaway sweets from Pushap.

Street Cart Spring Rolls, Onion Bhajuis, and Venison Samosas

Light and crispy spring rolls stuffed with cabbage, peppers, eggs and cilantro, served with a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. Nice presentation and perfect for three.

Flaky pastries stuffed with lightly spiced ground Venison served with an okra infused mustard, mango chutney and  "Kachumber" salad. Unfortunately devoid of gamey flavor and the texture of ground beef.

Lightly spiced onion fritters served with a tamarind and date chutney and cilantro chutney. I liked the serving dish, but they were not special in any way.

BYRIANI show stopper - Curry chicken fried rice served with masala dusted tiger prawns, crispy fried onions and a medium boiled egg with a side of cucumber garlic raita.