ISHQ – Meaning LOVE in Hindi

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NEW YORK, NY
ISHQ, a new casual fine-dining Indian restaurant is set to open in the East Village on October 1st. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef-Owner Vamshi Adi, the menu will showcase the rich tapestry of regional Indian cuisine infused with a modern flair. Expect stunning plating and innovative presentations that reimagine classic dishes, all while preserving their authentic flavors and ingredients.

Executive Chef-Owner Vamshi Adi attended the Culinary Academy of India in his hometown of Hyderabad, India (2013-2016). After immigrating to the United States, he completed his culinary internship at the newly awarded Michelin Key Hotel, The Dewberry in Charleston, S.C. He then moved to New York and began working at Baar Baar restaurant under Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar. Following that, he secured a position as Chef de partie at Michelin-starred Junoon. Upon relocating to California, he honed his skills at Rooh in Palo Alto. At just 25 years old, he returned to New York to open his first restaurant, Gazab in 2021, which was met with enthusiastic acclaim, making him the youngest Indian chef to own and operate a restaurant in NYC.

Chef Vamshi will lead a team of skilled chefs who have trained extensively in India and New York to showcase a plethora of regional Indian options all meant for sharing. Small Plates include: Dudhiya Kabab, traditionally a street food from the Awadh region, is made with house-made, marinated paneer, stuffed with a mixture of potato, beetroot, carrots and garnished with caramelized figs; Venison Varuval, traditionally made with goat or lamb in Southern Indian, is reimagined by Chef Vamshi and prepared with tender pulled venison artfully topped with pickled shallots and dried coconut, and served with a side of Malabar parotta (flaky, layered, unleavened flatbread); and Soya Malai Chaap, a vegetarian dish from Northern Indian, an alternative to chicken, is made with malai jhol (creamy curry), house-made Amul cheese, nutmeg and elegantly garnished with crispy fenugreek tulie.

Entrées are generous in portions and meant for sharing. Highlights include: Dum Ka Ghost, a historical Hyderabad dish from Chef Vamshi’s hometown, a slow-cooked bone-in baby goat prepared using a pressure-cooking method, dum ka gravy, and fried onions; Lobster Malaikari, from the Bengali region, a lobster tail served in creamy mustard, onion, and coconut gravy; Paneer Laung Latta, a nut stuffed paneer lasagna with cloves and Lababdar gravy; and Himachali Gucchi, a dish stemming from the Western Himalayas, where morel mushrooms are grown, this is a rich dish where spicy onion and tomato based gravy compliments the rare mushroom.

For larger parties, there is a pre-order Shikandari Raan, a slow-cooked whole baby goat leg served with rumali roti (a soft, foldable flatbread), dal makhani (yellow lentil), mint chutney, and laccha pyaaz (onion salad). This shared entrée serves four people and requires 24-hour advance notice.

Sides feature a selection of classic Indian breads, including: Naan, classic, butter, garlic, sesame, and chili cheese; Rumali Roti (a soft, thin, and foldable flatbread); and Parotta (flaky, layered, unleavened flatbread).

Beverages are a tribute to the vibrancy of India’s diverse cities. The cocktail list features craft cocktails; including Jubilee Affair, rum, Rockeys Liqueur, Irani Chai (local to Chef’s city of Hyderabad), salted butter, creamy clarification, topped with Little Hearts cookies from Chef Vamshi’s childhood and Pink City, bourbon infused with rose water, gulkand bitters, royal ISHQ rose nectar, coconut fat washed and garnished with a rose petal. Other beverages include mocktails, beer, and a well-curated wine list featuring reds, whites, and sparkling.

Curry Fwd. Collaborations beautifully designed ISHQ’s interior to showcase a 30-seat pink quartz bar, illuminated by soft off-white floral lighting. The dining room features custom floral wallpaper and soothing peach tones, accented by pops of vibrant red and rattan-covered recessed lighting, creating a relaxing, elegant environment.