Magnificent modern Indian at KARIZMA in DC (7-2-26)

 We are so glad our friend Elliot suggested Karizma in downtown DC for our outing together last night as it was a magnificent find indeed. We walked in and the chef and some staff we are the far end of a nice bar just chatting and the place was empty--well it was Thursday night on a holiday weekend when half of DC downtown streets are closed due to massive holiday nonsense! Karizma shares space with Karma next door, which is a tad more elegant with a tasting menu (we can't wait to try that), but we loved the simple and calm decor with white marble tables, banquettes, comfy chairs and several high tops near the bar in the front windows. The kitchen at the rear is open, but since we were the only table all night and a small group at the bar, the staff was not too busy. When we said we wanted to thank the chef after dinner, he was gone!

Our server Griffin told us he had been there for years, and the place opened in 2017! How did we miss it? We looked at the varied wine list and since the temperature outside was still hovering at over 100, I asked if I could taste the Gruner Veltliner which comes by the glass. he brough over a nice taste and we all tried and loved the Weingut Stadt Krems 2022 from Austria that was more than refreshing in the heat and was great with all the spice. It was so good, we finished off THREE bottles!

We ordered some dishes and got to taste many things and loved it all. Only the Garlic naan was a tad too thin and crisper than what I would normally like.

Quinoa Tikki was potato, quinoa, ginger and white pea mash in a cake that was superb and Tandoori Cauliflower was spicy with Garam masala, tomato jus and yogurt to cut the spice. We loved the starters and were even happier when the mains arrived. 

Griffin also brough out some sliced fresh onions with lemon, hot chilis and chili sauce in case we wanted more seasoning.

The order of Grilled Lamb Chops came out rare, so it was sent back as Norca likes well done, The Kerala Fish Curry was superb with sea bass and tamarind. The Malvani Chicken Curry was a stewed spring chicken with coconut milk but no skimp on spice and my Nariyal Chili Prawns with basil and blistered cherry tomatoes was also a fabulous treat. The simple cumin rice with pea shoots on top was some of the best rice around town and it was a godsend with all the fabulous sauces. Griffin had also brought out a tasty cucumber raita.

My number 1 gauge in an Indian restaurant is the Palak Paneer of spinach, burnt garlic and cheese and this dish could win a prize indeed. It was creamy, a tad spicy and the spinach was cooked to perfection.

We were full but Griifin insisted we try two desserts and both were superb. The Mango Kulfi was like semifreddo on crack and the Coconut Payasam was a rich, delicious rice pudding, yet so light it was gone in seconds.

We loved everything about this place and cannot wait to return. Indian food is all over, but not always so great as that of Karizma, loaded with charisma!