Mantra On the Hill~ Restaurant Review

Nestled in a cozy corner of the Mt.Adams dining and entertainment district in Cincinnati, Ohio sits a sophisticated and understated Contemporary Indian cuisine experience.

I happened upon this location in a search on the Open Table Android App. I followed with a quick scan of Groupon and the evening started off on a great note with a discount that allowed for deep exploration of the menu.

 

The first course was a sweet corn and chicken soup. The flavor was very brothy and clean with a spicy end note.

Tandoori Chicken

MurghDaniwal

The main entrees consisted of both the Indian cuisine classic Tandoori Chicken and Murgh Daniwal. The Tandoori Chicken and was not red as it’s customary in local Indian restaurants and was accompanied with a yogurt based sauce. The flavor was robust and the chicken was moist and tender. The Murgh Daniwal reminded me of any other stewed chicken dish, however the sauce was impeccable.

 

There was Garlic Basil Naan to accompany the entrees that also contained a hint of fennel. I’m a fan of the execution of fusion techniques in all areas excluding this. Naan carries such expectations that when they are not met I’m not sure the bread qualifies as Naan. Of all the traditions broken, this is one that should have been kept whole.

 

The meal in whole was paired with a Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling perfectly. I am a Riesling fan, and this bottle is awesome. I could drink this with a box of saltine crackers honestly.

 

Dessert was an experience worthy of its own trip. I enjoyed the Dark Chocolate crème brule while my dining companion had the ginger bread pudding. I was fortunate to taste both. The portion size was on par with what’s to be expected in that dining atmosphere and ended the meal on a tasty guilt-free note.

Ginger Bread Pudding

 

Dark Chocolate Crème Brule

 

In all there’s something special that Mantra brings to Indian cuisine. The fusion of traditional fine dining and Indian spices and techniques make for a memorable dining experience. This is not recommended for the Indian food virgin however. This is like Indian Food 302, you have to have a solid foundation in both the techniques and flavor to be able to fully appreciate what’s taking place. Otherwise you walk away with a skewed interpretation and unable to match favorites at other restaurants. I hope you get a chance to try it and when you do, come back and let me know what you thought.

All good things!

Got a restaurant or product you’d like me to review, send me an email marellewrites@gmail.com 

I can always use a glass of wine with my meal-

Yeezus Review (Marri Picks)

Favorite Tracks-
I Am a God
New Slaves
I’m In It
Blood On The Leaves
Send it Up

http://www.stereogum.com/1378842/yeezus-to-feature-daft-punk-justin-vernon-chief-keef/news/

 

Why? At this point in Hip-Hop History,  many of us look to Yeezy to bring that refined weird element, that is the individualism that makes the culture so beautiful. I’ve selected the songs above based on how well they’ll translate between locations. These can be added to the party list without everyone looking around seeing if anyone else is drinking the punch.

 

Mr.West has a knack for the dark. This album shows the blossoming evolution from College Drop Out backpack feel good “Happy Rap” ,as the late great Bernie Mack would put it, to this international sound that’s sure to make its way on more than a few intense movie soundtracks I predict.

 

This album is not for the fan with expectations. However, the open minded art lover will have an enjoyable ride. However, I did find myself asking for the Lord to forgive me for nodding my head to I Am a God, but that beat went hard, and Jesus knows my heart.  Check it out!