We had dinner at Rasika, the best Indian restaurant in Washington D.C., to celebrate J's parents' birthdays. This was our second visit to the restaurant. Since our first visit, almost a year ago, we had been looking for another chance to dine there because we had a great time with awesome food at that time.
First we started with two appetizers: their very popular spinach dish,
Palak Chaat, and
Sav Batata Puri.
These appetizers called "Chaat," are actually street food in India, which amuse you with amazing mixes of flavors, textures and aromas. For example,
Palak Chaat is airy crispy fried baby spinach seasoned with roasted cumin powder, black salt, red chili powder and tamarind-date chutney, topped with yogurt, a cooling condiment. It's delicious and addictive.
My Entree was one of the restaurant's siguniture dishes, Black Cod. It was sweetly marinated in spices and very tender, juicy fish fillets. We wondered how they cook fish so perfectly.
J and his mother chose Honey Ginger Duck. J and I shared our entree each other, so I was able to taste half duck. This dish was also sweet but savory with tangy ginger. Sliced duck was medium rare.
J's father chose Tandoori Lamb Chops. I didn't taste it, but he seemed to enjoy it very much.
We ordered two sides, Paneer Mirch Ka Salan and Butternut Squash Bharta. Both were tasty and spicy! Also we shared Garlic Naan with Herbs and Goat Cheese Kulcha. J liked the goat cheese filled bread.
Finally desserts with coffee. J and I shared Cranberry Ginger Kulfi and Date & Toffee Pudding. The former was rich creamy; the later was lovely spongy. The restaurant surprised J's parents at bringing a plate of Gulab Jamun (
Soft fried milk cheese balls soaking with aromatic and lightly spiced syrup, traditional Indian dessert) with ice cream, which was holding a candle for each. How sweet!
This restaurant has given us a completely new experience of Indian cuisine. We were very pleased to share the wonderful Indian delights with J's parents, especially for their birthday celebrations!
Happy Birthdays!!
Rasika
633 D Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202)637-1222
