Karma Modern Indian

Karma claims to be the "Best Indian Restaurant" in DC.  Quite a statement given the talent evident at nearby Rasika.  Not an empty boast though.  My recent visit left me wondering if this newer restaurant could, in fact, take the crown.  It's a challenging comparison as the two restaurants are both very very good, but also very different.  Karma's space is large, airy and bright.  An open kitchen and engaging white and blue design make the space feel sleek and cutting edge.  The food is similarly bold and full bodied.  In comparison Rasika, which has excellent dishes, was a darker, more subtle experience.  Vegetarian offerings are plentiful with fewer vegan choices and an interesting spice guide on the back of the menu.  There was a large selection and much to my stomach's dismay, I tried many of them (had to take home leftovers, which I gleefully ate the next morning).  Began with the Pan Fried Idli, two small, spongy patties served with two sauces.  The mint based one was unique and cloying, the tomato one yummy but almost overwhelming in its spicy heat.  A companion had the scallops, which also came with the spicy sauce, and he loved it, stating that the scallops were "perfectly" cooked.  A third companion had the shrimp and noted that the accompanying mango was an excellent choice and the mango was at the quintessential ripeness.  I followed with the Tandoor Cauliflower.  From the Griddle & Tandoor section of the menu, it was described as an "appetizer for two" but was, in my humble opinion, large enough for an entree.  It was an entire head of cauliflower in addition to a fantastic salad (pictured).  In this case the sweetness of the Tomato Jus made for great balance to the earthy tandoor flavorings.  Unfortunately, by the time my Palak Paneer arrived I was quite full.  I had a little of the dish -- it was creamy and had the slightest bit of spice as an under-note, and I enjoyed the well-done saffron rice.  The bread, however, was the star here.  I can honestly say this is the best bread I have ever had at an Indian restaurant.  The Garlic Naan was rich with garlic, and the Lachha Paratha was more buttery than a croissant.  My companions had the Vegetable Korma and Tandoori Lamb Chops.  Both lamb chops were polished off (despite a promise to take one home) and the Korma was "zingy" and quite good.  The waiter convinced me to try a custard dish for dessert which echoed a Creme Brulee but with unique spices.  It was light and fluffy and not too sweet, just the way I like it.  A companion said his Cappuccino was the best he had ever had, a praise he has never given to any restaurant in DC, ever.  We were given complimentary pink champagne after the meal in celebration of the one-year anniversary (or because we were new customers?)  I do have to say that the wait-staff was also the best.  I have been graced with great waiters in upscale restaurants.  The service here was superior.  I dropped my napkin and wasn't able to get it off the floor before the waiter swooped in to replace it.  Multiple busboys came by very unobtrusively to clean and clear the table and all managed to "hover" as needed without intruding.  So, yes, I would say that this fledgling restaurant deserves their bragging rights as the best.  It was fairly empty the night we attended -- may they have bigger crowds for the New Year. 

Very upscale, chef-inspired nouveau Indian
611 Eye St, NW
http://www.karmamodernindian.com/