There were camels in Coconut Grove last night. I pulled up to the valet circle at The Ritz-Carlton with my friend Monica, and there they were. Flanked by two men dressed in rags who reminded me of Bedouins in the Negev Desert, the camels stood with big sad eyes, short, soft peanut-colored fur, and a funny look on their faces. I like the handsome profile the one behind me flashed for this picture.
The occasion was a media preview of the pop up restaurant Passage to India–the first pop-up at any Ritz property. Helmed by Executive Chef Ramesh Kaduru, the restaurant will highlight the recipes and flavors of his native India now through November 3. Inside the grand lobby, with vaulted ceilings and columns glittering in aquamarine, pink, and purple mosaic tiles, we were given a pink and silver scarf, and waited for a dancing girl dressed in a traditional sari bearing the same scarf to seat us.
The restaurant was decorated with colorful tents and flying parasols, and a man played the sitar all night as a muted projection of Bollywood movie medleys danced behind him. We feasted, in good company, on Dal Ke Shorba soup with crispy papadum, Mughali tandoori chicken with butter masala, Malai Kofta curry with potato and cheese dumplings and cashew fondue, and Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani with rice and crispy fried onions (and so much more!).
For dessert, we were presented with a trio of sweets, including my favorite, the Gulab Jamun warm dumplings (aka Indian doughnuts), accompanied by a comforting and creamy spiced chai tea. It was a delicious and mystical night, and if you’re looking for something different on your next dinner out, I recommend this ephemeral destination restaurant. Just make sure you make a reservation before it’s gone November 3.
3300 SW 27th Ave., Miami, FL 305-644-4680
