Junoon is a Michelin Star, highly critically acclaimed Indian restaurant featuring celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.  Chef Khanna was also voted top ten ‘hottest’ Chefs in New York.  Hottest as in good-looking, not as in talented, although the Michelin Star he earned  proves he’s not just a pretty face.  He’s a bit younger in the second shot, but ladies, you get the picture.

The decor of this restaurant is dramatic modern Indian with soaring ceilings and sculptural elements including a 50′ long reflecting pool with several 8’tree of life panels.

The kitchen is fully open and the seats in the dining area are actually arranged to face the kitchen. We enjoyed watching the preparations in the kitchen, however, I’d rather have been facing the tree of life sculptures and the traditionally decorated room for large parties behind it.

We coincidentally went the week of Diwali, Indian New Year, and hoped to have a special menu. Apparently, as I find out afterwards, there was a special prix fixe, but we were unfortunately not offered the menu.

OUR MENU:
Appetizers:

Seasonal Pakoras – Traditional South Asian Fritters of Seasonal Vegetables $11
Corn with Coconut & Green Chiles & Squash Blossoms with Ajwain
Served with Cilantro Yoghurt Chutney

Duck Gushtaba – Freshly Ground Duck Meatballs with Green Chiles & Mint $12
Simmered is Saffron Almond Cashew Sauce

Kakorikabab – Finely Minced Lamb Kebab $14
Clove smoked with Pippali Pepper, Dried Rose Petals & Green Cardamom
Served with Cilantro Mint Chutney & Seasoned Red Onions

Entrees:

Monkfish Tikka– Sigri    $28
Tender Pieces of Monkfish Marinated in Hung Yoghurt, Chili, Lemon & Mustard Oil
Grilled on Skewers and Served with Mango & Mustard Chutney

Tandoori Poussin – Tandoor  $26
Junoon’s Version of Tandoori Chicken using a Young Chicken with White Pepper, Fenugreek leaves, Green Cardamom & Cilantro

Dahi Wale Lamb Chops – Tandoor  $36
Local Lamb Chop Marinated in Yoghurt, Junoon Garam Masala & Black Pepper
With a Yam Cake & yellow Bell Pepper Ajwain Chutney

Naan (x2) $5

Desserts – $12 each
Coconut Rice Pudding
Red Wine Glazed Roasted Figs, Candied Almonds & Ginger Ice Cream
Trio of Kulfi – Fig, Cardamom, Green Apple
Spiced Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Crunch, Cocoa Nibs, Chai Ice Cream (Note: Chile Foam Garnish)

My general comment about the meal is that in its attempt to be ‘gourmet’ Indian food, it lost its ethnicity in the translation.  Although every detail described above sounds unbelievably delicious, we all felt our meals did not have enough of the sauces and flavors described.  And the portions of chutney were not even enough to dip into.  We had all hoped to be able to share our meals , thus selections of fish, lamb and chicken.  But unfortunately, the dishes did not lend themselves to sharing.

Our wines were excellent, however, the pours not so generous for $17-$20 per glass.

This was a special occasion dinner, as my Dad was in town.  We wanted to treat him to something unique and  over the top.  While I think Junoon did succeed in doing that, I do not feel any great necessity to return.  There are far too many places we can go have a $300 meal that may be more satisfying.

The bar looks pretty cool and the next time we find ourselves in Chelsea it will be a consideration.  I am sure the cocktails are high end and creative.  The room itself is amazing, complete with authentic Indian swings.

http://www.junoonnyc.com/
27 West 24th Street – Chelsea