Cocktails @ Junoon

This afternoon at Junoon, seated on a truly beautiful jhula from Rajasthan, India, Robin Lewis and I discussed his knowledge and passion for cocktails.

Priya Singh: How did you find yourself in New York?

Robin Lewis: During my days in college and in the summertime I used to work as a lifeguard around swimming pools. In the winter times I would work in restaurants. I did this for 3 years until I arrived in the Hamptons and did my rounds at various places. Then I went to South Beach and finally learnt the ropes as a professional at Smith & Wollensky. I came back to New York and just ended up staying. The energy and the life of this city keeps me here.

Priya Singh: Cocktails.....?

Robin Lewis: The craft of creating cocktails has always been highly respected in New York. It died for a few decades but in the past few years has come alive again. There is an art to it, it is about building something, creating new ideas. It is not as broad as wine or beer or has their history. I love it because it is fun and I find inspiration working with chefs. Along with the combination of ingredients and food, the application of ideas for pairing food & wine with wine and cocktails motivates me.

Priya Singh: What is your favourite drink?

Robin Lewis: My favourite drink- is the bartenders choice. Where that person can be at their most creative. Although I like bourbon in the winter and Tequila during the summer time.

Priya Singh: Your favourite food?

Robin Lewis: Really simple regional American cooking which focuses on fresh ingredients....other than that I love tacos!

Priya: Favourite cocktail places in NY?

Robin Lewis: There are so many..
1. Flat Iron Lounge
2. Employees Only
3. Macau
4. Dutch Kills in Long Island City, Queens.

Priya Singh: Favourite cocktails?

Robin Lewis: A good Negroni (traditionally made) and a Southside Fizz.

All photographs by Priya Singh
except for the last photo from the top which
was shot by Mr. Lewis

27 W 24 th Street, NY
Tel: 212 490 2100

Tamarind -Tribeca

A visually stunning restaurant that captures the spacious and large scale architecture predominant in the buildings Tribeca. My only lament -Indian cuisine represents food culture from 28 different states and has been influenced by over 5000 years of history, yet:

why do I always find that
'Indian food'
is just naan,
samosas,
masala dosa,
rogan josh,
dal makhani
vindaloo, chicken tikka masala
and Bhel Puri.
oh and samosas!

Paired with Reislings
and Cabernet?

99 Hudson Street
NY 10013
Tel: (212) 775-9000

Tamarind Tea House

Nestled between Beppe and Tamarind on 22nd Street's restaurant row lies the Tamarind Tea House. Owned and operated by Tamarind's team but designed by Surabhi Sahni (she is the much acclaimed pastry chef of Devi and Tulsi).  This tiny wonder shares a kitchen with its parent restaurant but other than that the tea house has it's own personality. If you have champagne tastes but a beer pocket (like myself) then this refined little tea house is just the place to escape the searing heat of a summer afternoon. It is also the perfect place to linger over appetiser sized snacks and a selection of wraps which are all paired with many brews from India's tea growing regions.

I walked in not only to escape the tremendous New York summer heat but also to satisfy my craving for some Indian food. In this relaxed, cool and soothing atmosphere, I ordered the Lamb Shollay wrap which comprised of strips of tender lamb marinated in yogurt and spices and served with a mint yogurt dressing. To accompany this most delicious assortment I had some chai from the Nilgiri Hills; a strong black tea from the blue hills of southern India. The presentation of my tea included a tiny plate with an assortment of sugar cubes and a little pot of honey. Sweet.


41-43 East 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
Tel: 212.674.7400

Maharaja Sweets

For tasty Indian food do not look further than this modest shop tucked into a side street near Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Maharaja Sweet House besides specialising in Indian sweets and savouries is also known for serving pure vegetarian food. The specialities range from Northern Indian favourites to some South Indian staples like masala dosa and idlis.

Every time I feel a little nostalgic about India I take the J train to the E train and get off on the 74th street station in the borough of Queens. Browsing through video stores, checking out the latest Bollywood movies and listening to current soundtracks blaring through shop windows, staring at fellow Indians - are all a much desired past time when meandering through these streets.

Maharaja Sweets

73-10 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Tel: 718 505 2680