Indian Fare with a Modern Twist

Running down Mamaroneck Avenue to the movies on another frigid night in January we noticed the warm glow of lanterns through a window. Was there a new restaurant on the block? More sushi?

We looked closer to find that no, there was not more sushi on the menu ….. happily it was an Indian restaurant promising the dishes of a Michelin starred chef.

We returned a week later and were greeted by a familiar face. Unable to place the host, he introduced himself as Ashu Wheeler and quickly explained that we knew each other from his former post at Marigold in Eastchester, another Indian restaurant we frequent.

The restaurant and adjoining bar area have been thoughtfully decorated using natural materials including bamboo lights and wood paneled walls, creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. A long banquette lines the wall and provides comfortable seating for group large and small. The full bar provides mixed drinks, wine and your choice of Indian beer and non alchohol mango, salted and sweet lassis will complement any meal.

Wheeler has joined forces with two experienced Indian chefs, Hemant Mathur and Chandramohan Krishnasamy who crafted a menu with specialties from all over India, emphasizing fresh ingredients, vegetarian options, grilled meats and fish, baked naan and a long list of delectable dishes.

On two visits, we sampled appetizers, main courses, selections from their grilled menu, tandoori and biryani – and everything was sumptuous.

For our first visit we were a bit cautious and ordered familiar Indian specialties including a plate of meat and vegetarian samosas, to please everyone at the table. The saag paneer, included fresh Indian cheese, spinach and ground spices, the chicken tikka masala was a hit along with the garlic naan and raita. As we sipped our drinks we munched on the colorful, crisp and salty. papadam.

On the second visit we ordered a shrimp biryani – which was basmati rice slow cooked in herbs and spices in a ceramic (bowl) and baked under a pastry top. This was accompanied by minted yogurt. From the grill menu, we tried the lamb skewers, which arrived sizzling in their own cast iron pan.

Despite the fact that there was a full house, the food arrived swiftly and service was gracious. We will be back soon and often to order many of the more exotic dishes on the menu.

A note about reservations. When we attempted to secure a table on RESY, the app said nothing was available. But in fact, the app was broken and we were able to get a table by calling the restaurant at 914-315-1972.

So if you’re in the mood for some new flavors, make a visit to Kutir. You’re sure to be won over by the ambiance and your meal.

Kutir
441 Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck NY
914-315-1972 (Take out is available)
KutirNY.com

Open Sunday to Thursday
11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Friday and Saturday
11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm