Rasika Review

Overall Review

 Rasika (Sanskrit for "Flavor") is a true fine dining experience.  It is definitely not your typical Indian restaurant.  In our opinion it is what every Indian restaurant should be but sadly is not.  Rasika is a great place to star gaze as it is a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama.  Because there are so many delicious things on the menu, we just had to dine at the chef's mercy.  We decided to order the tasting menu.  It was supposed to be a 6 course dinner.  However, once the food started coming out it quickly morphed into 6 main dishes followed by 4 different mini desserts.  We ordered one veterinarian menu and one meat menu.  This chef has to be complimented for his genius when it comes to sauces.  Each dish that we tried was graced with the most magnificent sauces you have every tasted.  Our favorite dishes were the Palak Chaat (Crispy spinach with sweet yogurt and chutney), Chicken Makhani (served in the richest, most buttery sauce you ever had) and the Tawa Baingan (Eggplant and potato with a peanut sauce).  So let's dive into the dishes:

Palak Chaat:

Imagine baby spinach deep fried with a sweet fruity yogurt sauce.  It sounds crazy but it is light, crispy, airy and unbelievably savory.  You have to try it to understand.  

Chicken Makhani:

The sauce is what makes this dish.  Envision a rich, savory, tomato-based sauce with tons of browned butter and lots of Indian spices.   This dish is to die for or rather to live for.  Lol.

Tawa Baingan:

It was presented as a baby tower of pleasure.  There was a layer of spiced potatoes, topped with a layer of eggplant.  The peanut sauce and tamarind added the perfect amount of sweetness.  This a definite must try. 

The chef even managed to transform Okra into something that Angie could enjoy.  He shredded the okra and seasoned it with delicious and refreshing Indian spices. The dry mango powder was probably the thing that did it for Angie as it seemed to counter the usual slimy texture.

The dish that we liked the least was the Vegetable Nilgiri Korma.  Here the chef place mixed vegetables in a sour mint, cilantro coconut sauce.  Melissa does not like sour and this dish tasted like the veggies were soaked in lemons.  Not so yummy in her tummy.  While Angela did not have issues with the sour, her issues with the dish were that seasonal veggies should not be drowned in a soup and the taste was lack luster. Janet (the wonderful friend that 1st introduced me to Rasika) enjoyed the Nilgiri Korma. 

Overall the food was amazing.  We also loved the decor and the atmosphere.  Rasika is a very popular restaurant.  It can be very difficult to get a reservation there.  We had to book 2 months in advance and even then we could not get a prime dinner seating time.  We had to get there a bit early.  Rasika is a great spot for date night or for girls night out.  They do have valet parking which is great because there is little street parking available.  Overall we give Rasika ♪♪♪♪.  

633 D Street NW

Washington, DC 20004

202-637-1222

Melissa's Review

 

I have to admit that I have been to Rasika before.  I absolutely LOVE this restaurant.  The bold flavors, super rich sauces and exotic spices are unbelievably alluring.  As soon as you walk in, the smell of Indian cooking transports you.  Eating at Rasika is like being on an adventure in a distant land.  Each dish creates a landscape full of color, mystery and intrigue.  If you close your eyes while you take a bite, the food tells a deeply personal story that carries you away.  You can tell that the chef has put thought and passion into each dish.  Even the dishes that I did not like, I found myself having to respect.  It’s always nice to dine with friends who have differing taste palettes; they bring insight and cause you to look at dishes in new ways.  As for the atmosphere, Rasika’s décor is minimalist yet very elegant.  Warm reds and creams create a simple and inviting space.  The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  I cheerfully give Rasika ♪♪♪♪. 

Angela's Review

 

Ok, so Rasika was our kick-off 2SoulSisters in DC venture, and what a kickoff it was. I LOVED this place. From the décor to the service to the food…my goodness THE FOOD… this place was wonderful with very few missteps to mar the experience. The bar, to include tables and chairs low to the ground, for those who want to walk in and be seated in this little gem of a restaurant without a reservation, is situated against the wall that separates the bar from the dining room, above which dangle a red beaded curtain, is so eye catching and sexy. I have come to realize over my years eating out and my interactions with various bartenders, that most are fine, very few are terrible, and a select few are simply put, psychic. When you describe the wine you are looking for and they listen carefully and go off to bring you back EXACTLY what you asked for, I am impressed. The bartenders here have that ability. Now, while it may seem strange to mention the end of my meal at the beginning of my review, I must give an honorable mention to the coffee of which I partook. It was fascinating. Though this may sound like a turn-off, it actually wasn't, but here it is. The coffee had the taste of cigarettes. I cannot figure out how, as it was not burnt, but was actually fairly smooth and enjoyable. Cigarette flavored coffee. Definitely a new experience for me. As for the food, I believe that the best way to really get a feel for the food in a restaurant is to partake of the tasting menu, if there is one, and if there is, you can afford it. I believe this is especially true when you are eating food from a culture you are not 100% familiar with. This was the time to splurge and boy was I glad we did. Anyway, if you like Indian food or would like to give it a try, this would be a great spot to try and/or frequent. I give it ♪♪♪♪.