The word “Kesar” means saffron, which is a prominent ingredient in many Indian foods. This also makes it the perfect name for Essence of Kesar, an Indian restaurant in Englewood. The menu combines traditional Indian flavors along with modern culinary innovations.
In fact, Essence of Kesar wants to be more than just a restaurant. The owners want every meal to be an occasion, and every visitor to experience a journey of taste and tradition. That mission starts from the moment guests walk through the door; as owners describe the 2,000-square foot space as “vibrant and welcoming.”
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Traditional Favorites Meet Modern Flavors
Essence of Kesar can seat 55 diners inside as well as 10 more outdoors. The restaurant sources all ingredients locally, other than a few imported spices and items from India. As the owners reiterate, the menu boasts “authentic Indian cuisine with modern twist to the dishes.” They aim to offer a blend of innovative and traditional dishes.
Popular dishes include spinach kale chat, with crispy battered fried spinach, yogurt mousse, tamarind gel, and dragon-fruit dust. Other favorites are lamb chop biryani, Amritsari fish tacos, tandoori momos, and chicken tikka masala. The latter is of course a popular grilled chicken dish with creamy tomato sauce. However, management recommends the champaran mutton, which is goat cooked in a clay pot.
Besides traditional cuisine, Essence of Kesar has a number of vegetarian dishes. This includes small plates like FireCracker Pani Puri (diced potatoes) as well as entrees including Konkani Eggplant.
About the Owners
Essence of Kesar is owned by Harman Singh, Sumeet Nayyar, Nitin Nayyar, and Suraj Pawar. Pawar, who is also the chef, has experience working in various restaurants and helping create menus. He also was head chef for Carnival Cruise Group.
Future plans for the restaurant include hosting Bollywood nights and serving a brunch menu.
Visit Essence of Kesar at 34 East Palisades Ave in Englewood. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Spothooper