Sure, seasons constantly change and as I recently discovered, so do our palates.  For a while, I have generally “played it safe” with my palate… until recently.  I got to thinking and realized I have been on a spice kick for the past few months and I can’t seem to get enough of it!

The majority of the food and cuisine I’ve been greatly enjoying lately – Mayan Chipotle Mac (chicken diablo, chihuahua cheese, green onions) from macbar; Bobby Flay’s Philadelphia Burger at Bobby’s Burger Palace (provolone cheese, griddled onions, hot peppers); Orecchiette with spicy lamb sausage and broccoli rabe at Zylo in Hoboken, and Juhu Ki Pani Puri (pictured above; street Indian chaat, flour shells, spiced potato, chili mint water) from Vermilion – all has some form of kick to it.

Speaking of Vermilion and my newfound adoration for heat, I must confess my piqued interest and curiosity of Indian cuisine.  Never before have I experienced the bold and in-your-face flavors that dance so freely throughout food!  Last month, I had the pleasure of exploring the juxtaposition between NYC’s celebrated Indian restaurants – Vermilion and Jackson Diner. 

Vermilion, the Indian-Latin fusion hotspot in midtown, is a beautiful, eclectic restaurant I have been fawning over as of late.  The space is bold, sophisticated and attention-grabbing, as is the food itself.  There are signature dishes that I can’t get enough of – Indian-Latin tapas such as Artichoke Pakoras (Spain’s thistle in Indian fritters and eggplant chili coconut sauce) and Duck Vindaloo Arepa (brushed pomegranate molasses and curry leaf mango); signature dishes such as Tandoori Skirt Steak (seared churrasco in a classic Indian marinade served with plantain chips and garlic spinach), which has been on the menu since its opening.  The new “Herb & Spice” menu offers a plethora of cocktails (Thandai), entrées (Patrani Machali), and desserts (Coriander Pumpkin Bread Pudding) that are welcomed accompaniments to the season. 

On the contrary, I have heard a slew of praise for Jackson Diner in Jackson Heights, Queens, and finally had the pleasure of experiencing an exotic journey through India there one night.  Jackson Diner, located in the heart of “Little India,” serves traditional Indian fare in a no-frills atmosphere.  Although I am a novice, I believe we ordered well: Paneer Pakora, Samosa, Shrimp Sagwala (shrimp cooked with fresh spinach, spices and ginger) and Garlic Nan hit the spot.  Although, we will be sure to order a dosa on our next trip – the one the table next to us ordered looked scrumptious! 

I’m greatly enjoying my palate’s recent revelation and am sure it will keep me warm during the quickly approaching frigid winter days and nights!