Chutney Masala, Irvington

Just a quickie post devoted to my first visit to Chutney Masala, which is along the waterfront in Irvington.

Overall first impression: Great location. Nice building. Great environ. Close to the water, but not RIGHT on the water (as my previously blogged about Xaviar's X2O is). But close enough to get that vibe. Down by the water, warehouses are being repurposed into retail spots and restaurants. I wish I could find a condo nearby to settle into. It's an ideal location for a walker (or in my case, a walker who wishes to walk more).

Note: We had difficulty finding the restaurant. So those intending on enjoying Chutney Masala who are not familiar with Irvington should make note that when you follow Main Street down to the crossroad of Astor, make a right on Astor (this apparently is West Main Street). Go up over an overpass, and follow down. The restaurant will be on your right after about 50 yards or so.

Where we ate: Main dining room downstairs. Very clean, very nicely decorated. Plenty of visual eye candy, pictures, good color on the walls, and comfortable seating; yet nothing was over the "over-the-top-typical-Hindustani-kitsch." Sure there were old timey photos dating back nearly a hundred years, of men in turbans in front of buildings or driving sporty coupes of the day. But lacking were the over-done paintings and prints of women in saris or representations of Hindu deities or religious sagas. The place was nearly sequin and spangle-free.

Service: Attentive without being obtrusive.

Cost: Roughly $17 per person for brunch. Affordable enough to become a regular haunt.

Eaten: The buffet featured the expected butter chicken and channa masala, and a lamb curry. But what we went there for was to experience the Chettinad style fish curry. We were happy that there was a red cabbage dish on the menu, a thuial, or some-such; a simple subzhi (veggie stir fry) with toasted split channa, coconut, and cabbage being the main features. I was very happy with this and the bread. The lamb curry was pleasant.

Note: For dishes which could have been a bit more "garam" or spicy-hot (the channa masala; and especially the Chettinad style fish curry) things fell a bit flat. Rather than opting for something closer to an authentic taste, the cook dumbed down the flavor for the American palate. This is unfortunate, but did not completely mar our experience. The naans were fluffy and pleasant, and the behl puri (an Indian chaat containing chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, chile, tamarind chutney and puffed rice crisps and sev crispies, was very fresh, very authentic, and very enjoyable.

We shared dessert of gujar halwah (carrot halwa) and gulab jamum (little fried dough balls made of milk powder, served in a sweet rosewater and cardamom syrup). Both were delicious.

Result: I would like to go back and try to order off the menu next time, and be able to request the spicing to be "authentic." I look forward to my next trip there!