BWW Reviews: JUNOON in New York City - A Dining Experience to Savor

Junoon in the Flatiron district is one of the most extraordinary dining experiences that New York City has to offer. This Michelin starred Indian restaurant delights guests with contemporary and traditional gourmet cuisine prepared to perfection. By using the finest elements of India's culinary arts, the restaurant presents menu items that showcase the country's very diverse regions. Junoon is celebrated for inspired, innovative dishes and time-honored favorites.

The chic ambiance of Junoon invites you to relax and wind down. With generous seating options, the rich décor embraces old world Indian artistry with modern elegance. The use of soft lighting, natural woods and creative elements lends elegance and comfort to the inviting spaces throughout.

Junoon's service is gracious and helpful. Don't hesitate to discuss the menu with your servers. We enjoyed talking to Deepak Shah, Operations Manager. He helped us to best understand the careful preparation of each dish, their special qualities, and also selected perfect wine pairings for our meal.

The culinary team is led by Corporate Chef Vikas Khanna, who is recognized world-wide as one of India's culinary leaders and a very popular cookbook author. And, at the center of Junoon's menu is their temperature-controlled spice room where spices and special blends are ground and prepared each day assuring the food is seasoned with the most pleasing bright and bold flavors.

Junoon's menu offerrings include delightful seasonal choices. With selections that range from seafood and meat dishes to vegetarian specialties, there are choices to suit many personal tastes. With their enticing lunch and dinner selections, you will plan to return again and again.

We suggest you embark on your culinary journey with one of Junoon's refreshing specialty cocktails like their Sparkling Saffron ($15), Adraki Punch ($14), or their Caraway Cooler ($13).

Junoon has an impressive tasting menu which allows you to sample a wide variety of their dishes. Highlights of the Tasting Menu ($85 per person) include Scallop Chaat and their Lamb Pasanda. There is also a Vegetarian Tasting Menu ($75 per person) that includes Shiso Pakoras and Punjabi Kadi. The tasting menu and optional wine pairing must be ordered by your entire table.

For a la carte dining, Junoon's appetizers are wonderful starters. Their Eggplant Chaat ($12) or their Khumani Salad ($12) are light, tasty choices. Kabobs include Chipotle Chicken Tikka ($19) or their salmon kabob, Saloni Macchi ($20). Main dishes like Lobster Curry ($40), Tandoori Poussin ($30) or vegetarian Gajar Matar ($20) are savory delights. There is a tempting selection of breads and accompaniments all prepared with Junoon's signature excellence.

We highly suggest you top off your meal with a unique, scrumptious dessert creation by Pastry Chef Jenny Lee like the Coconut Rice Pudding or Junoon Cheesecake.

Junoon's wine program has received an "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator every year since its opening in 2010. Their wine menu features the finest classic vintages along with much sought after new world selections. Their staff is pleased to assist you to discover wine pairings that complement and enhance your meal choices.

Relish the opportunity to enjoy Junoon's taste sensations. It is an ideal place for couples, professional dinners, friendly get-togethers and family groups. When we dined on a Wednesday night, we met a young couple on holiday from England. Junoon was first on their list of spots they wanted to visit in New York City; they enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairing and were absolutely pleased with their experience.

Junoon will be opening a location in the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai in October of 2014. Guests around the globe will soon be able to treasure their distinctive culinary experience.

Junoon is located at 27 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10010. They are open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. You can call them at (212) 490-2100 or visit their web site at www.junoonnyc.com.

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