Chef Hemant Mathur's Tulsi Opens Today

TULSI, a new 55-seat, high-end Indian restaurant from Chef Hemant Mathur, master of the tandoor and founding co-chef of Devi, opens today, in Manhattan's Midtown East neighborhood at 211 East 46th Street, between 2nd & 3rd Avenues (Tel: 212-888-0820, tulsinyc.com).

Featuring regional Indian cuisine created by Chef Mathur and his culinary team that includes longtime friend Dhandu Ram (formerly of Yuva) and Mathur's wife, Surbhi Sahni (former pastry chef of D�vi), TULSI is open for dinner daily, 5:30 to 10:30 pm; the 15-seat bar/lounge is open nightly from 5:00 pm. Lunch service will begin on January 17. Reservations are being accepted by phone at 212-888-0820.

Highlights from the tandoor: Wild Boar Chops, Prawns and, of course, Hemant's Lamb Chops with apple chutney and potatoes sauteed with mustard seeds, turmeric, asafetida and curry leaves. Vegetable entrees include: Masala-Stuffed Baby Eggplant, Roasted Pesto Portobello Mushroom and Gobi Takatin; while Semolina-Crusted Monkfish, Bhuna Rabbit and Goat Rogan Gosh are other enticing options. Desserts include Ginger Panna Cotta with poached pears and Campari gelee, and Pistachio Cake with passion fruit buttercream and kulfi. Starting in February, seven-course Chef's Tasting Menus for vegetarians and omnivores will also be offered.

Street cart chaats like Punjabi Pani Puri are prepared tableside and in the bar/lounge from a wooden trolley. The bar menu offers bites such as Tandoori Aloo, Shrimp Kati Roll and Achari Chicken Tikka; and specialty cocktails such as Aveda Lemon Drop (Square One Organic Vodka, lemon basil, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice) and Kamasutra (Don Julio Tequila, X-Rated Fusion, tart cranberry soda, fresh sour mix, aphrodisiac popsicle). The wine list features 50 to 60 selections from smaller producers in Austria, Germany, France, as well as New York and California.

Designed as an elegant, soothing and comfortable midtown escape, the 2,000-square-foot space is modern yet with a cultural nod to traditional Indian motifs. Co-owner Vijay Rao worked with an India-based design team to capture the look and vibe of today's urban India, incorporating simple lines, textures, art and artifacts, and materials including wood, mother-of-pearl, stainless steel and porcelain tiles. A color palette of subtle cream and beige hues, with touches of basil green, as well as fabric coverings suggestive of the brilliant plumage of the peacock (India's national bird) help to create a relaxed feel. Four shamiana-like alcoves, enclosed with sheer curtains and wood-carved jaalis, offer intimate semi-private seating.

Tulsi means divine basil in Hindi and is pronounced "tool-see." For more information, please visit tulsinyc.com.