You Say Chic, We Say "Rasika"

C Says...
I'm a sucker for Indian food -- I think it's the curry and the naan, and Rasika does not disappoint.

It's a cozy restaurant in the heart of downtown; you could practically stumble right by it, if you're not on the look out. The lighting and red decor makes for wonderful ambiance, and the service was spot on.

I went for an old standby of chicken biryani, and was met with a preparation and plating that I've never seen before. The chicken came with the sauce in it's own metal bowl (think mini witches' cauldron) that kept the entire dish warm, with a bread topping (think chicken pot pie). Our waitress deftly sliced open the bready topper to let out a rush of aromatic steam. I'm not usually one for gimmicks at restaurants, but this was fun, and served a purpose -- all of a sudden you're hit with wonderful Indian aromas that are unparalleled in any other cuisine. The dish was phenomenal and I again had to have the server take my plate away before I descended farther into one of the seven deadly sins.

The entrees are reasonably priced, and well worth every penny. Rasika apparently also does a great lunch and participates in Restaurant Week -- so make your plans now.
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J Says...
Going on the advice of a trusted colleague (thanks Dana!), C and I ventured into the backstreets of the popular Chinatown-Penn Quarter section of the city. You’d almost miss Rasika if you weren’t looking for it…it’s camouflaged nicely into this quiet street in the urban jungle of DC…but once inside, it’d be hard to refocus your eyes. From the bar to the dining room to the kitchen and the bright red walls, the restaurant fills the room with vibrancy and energy. And the smells are heavenly.

While I don’t quite remember what I ordered for a starter – and C quickly jumped on it as well – my chicken makhani was so delicious and tasty that I had almost wished I ordered two courses of it. Very traditional yet very authentic, I found the meals and preparation to be of genuine class and respect. Coupled with a fine wine selection and very attentive, though not over-bearing, staff, I immediately recommended Rasika to my cousin and his wife who crave REAL Indian food.

If not already, Rasika will soon be popular with the DC journalist-elites for its chic feel yet decidedly non-American cuisine. This could be cause for concern as it may ruin the intimate feel of the restaurant in the long run. However, as long as the kitchen keeps producing the rich array of smells, sights and tastes as it did that March night, then I will surely be returning.


Rasika - 633 D Street NW, 202.637.1222, www.rasikarestaurant.com