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Every Asian nation seems to take its place at being the popular trend du jour in the United States and for now, it’s India’s turn. With intoxicating aromas of rich curries and earthy cumin wafting through the air, Indian Palate is taking Miami’s culinary scene through a tantalizing storm of flavors. While there have been sporadic openings of Indian restaurants in this Latin hotspot, few if any, have managed to offer a truly authentic dining experience that boasts a traditional yet eclectic menu spanning the entire country of India. Owner/Chef Jay, who himself hails from Southern India and has had stints as chef in five diamond hotels in the United States, can be found in front of the tandoori brick oven (strategically placed in the main dining hall so you can almost believe you’re in India) making rotis and naans from scratch. Piping hot, fresh naan complements dishes such as creamy Fish curry and Aloo Gobi, all done to perfection, leading one to wonder if Chef Jay didn’t just transport ingredients off the street markets in Mumbai. While Indian Palate’s food speaks volumes on its own, the sophisticated and soothing interiors of the restaurant leave guests fascinated with intricate pieces of Indian art, carvings and antiques. A glassed armoire showcases gorgeous wooden scrolls and ornate trinkets. Even the daily lunch buffet is presented with charmingly quaint bricks encasing the flames and serving wares one might pick up on a side street in Delhi. Once the excitement over the little treasures and fantastic cuisine has settled in, what truly stands out at Indian Palate is the kind of genuinely superlative service that India is infamous for. A well trained staff attends very well, but it is Chef Jay and his partner who make guests leave thinking one word, ‘wow.’ The spirit of giving of one’s culture, belongings and knowledge is very much alive and burning here, leaving no doubt that the rest of the world has a long way to go in catching up with India’s brand of hospitality. Miami has long claimed to be one of the world’s top foodie destinations with little substance behind that claim. With the new arrival of Indian Palate though, Miami can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.
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