Making my anti-TripAdvisor exception for Junoon - Junoon New York - Buy Reservations
Getting a Reservation at Junoon New York for Today or Tomorrow is Easy!
Buy a verified reservation at Junoon New York from someone who doesn't need theirs anymore.
If there is nothing that fits your schedule, you can bid on your preferred time.
We only list verified Reservations!
All listed Reservations are reviewed by our team before appearing in the calendar or being allowed to answer a bid you place. That's why AppointmentTrader comes with a included Money Back Guarantee for each transaction.
New York's Best Restaurants that are most frequently booked by customers of Junoon New York
😍 5/5 - Making my anti-TripAdvisor exception for Junoon
By 👻 @hrobinson1114, 02/17/2024 3:00 am
|
Let's get this out of the way: I don’t post on TripAdvisor anymore because they’ve turned this into a pushy booking platform and ruined my trip portfolios with these changes. But got Junoon, I’m here to make an exception. This is a five star restaurant. The rating is skewed by people who can't or don't want to read. This is NOT an a la carte restaurant. It's very clear on the website and menu that you choose from either a three ($98) or six course meal ($140). You can order EXTRA in addition to your chosen courses, but it's not a pick and choose kind of place. There are also people who can't read the rule, also clearly posted, that children under 10 are not allowed in the dining room. We all came out to have an EXPERIENCE, not listen to your kid cry about wanting chicken fingers. Onto why this restaurant is five stars. It's a beautiful, elegant space. Cadet blue and gold colors, dark wooden tables. Another thing I really appreciate about this dining room is that the tables aren't shoved close together as in many New York restaurants. There is actual space to get in and out of your seat. Service is immaculate. My server, Rahul, was attentive and helpful with menu recommendations. And while Rahul was my primary server, there were several support staff who brought food or refilled water throughout the night. My sparkling water was never less than a third full. The staff bringing the food presented each dish with fanfare, explaining the ingredients, flavors, and garnishes. I chose the three course meal. At Rahul's recommendation, I had the smoked masala ribs, which came under a bell filled with smoke (I told you food was served with fanfare). The ribs, covered in a vindaloo spice rub, accompanied by refreshing chaat masala apple, were spicy, flavorful and tender, coming off the bone easily. My main dish was the murgh lababdar, a tender tandoor grilled chicken served in tomato sauce with fenugreek. Rice and sauces were served as well. This dish would be a crowd pleaser for those not as adventurous with Indian food. While I enjoyed this dish, there is a lot to explore--for next time I have my eye on the lasooni palak (fern, kale, mustard greens, rainbow carrots, garlic, and more) or the asparagus and mushroom ghost chili korma (asparagus, royal trumpet mushroom, saffron cashew ghost chili sauce). The mains section is full of inventive ingredients--lotus root, jackfruit mash, heart of palm. There are also fish, duck, goat, lamb, and lobster selections. The menu also comes with your choice of lentils/breads/accompaniments. I chose the spiced naan, made with gruyere cheese and za'atar. Before desert, the staff brought me a small, white tablet and poured hot water on it. It grew into a white cylinder. I was confused, then delighted, when I realized it was a refreshing hot towel to wipe my hands and face. For desert I had the kulfi pops, small, decorative ice cream pops with flavors of mango, ube-malai, rose petal, and saffron-cardamom. The saffron-cardamom was my favorite! And I also got a special surprise! They just recently opened up for Monday dinner service again. Since I was the first customer in the restaurant on their first Monday service, I got an extra desert. I think this was the ma's rice pudding that's also on the menu. It was a thick, rich puffed rice pudding with candied almonds and carmelized banana. It was not only tasty, but an extra show of appreciation that meant a lot to me. I also tried a couple of their cocktails: the mogra madness (jasmine infused smoke lab vodka, cointreau, pavan, lemon, mandarin and orange blossom ice) and the summer in Shimla (rum bled, cointreau, cardamom, lime, and orgeat syrup). Both were light and refreshing, however, mid-course I abandoned the cocktail menu! Someone came by my table--not sure if he was the general manager or dedicated sommelier or both (or Hemant?)--with a wine recommendation that paired well with Indian food. He gave me a sample, and it was very fragrant, clean, crisp. So after I finished my cocktail, I went with wine. I have been a wine drinker for years, but have fallen toward cocktails over the past couple of years. This made me fall in love with wine again. The romance of it, appreciating each individual aroma, flavor. Thank you for that! People complain about the price and portions. I think this is an American issue (I am American). I think the portions are perfect. Smaller, but when combined into a three course meal with drinks, just right. You're satisfied, but not overly full. And this isn't the type of food you take home and shove in the fridge to microwave later. Some tips: make a reservation. If you reserve on Resy, cancellations or change to party size less than 24 hours ahead brings a charge of 45 dollars. Also, early weekdays beat the crowds: I went at 5:30 on Monday when they first opened, and I was the first one there and the place wasn't crowded when I left. This restaurant, this experience, these people--I appreciate the evening they provided to me so much that I almost take offense to any review less than five stars. Thanks to everyone at Junoon.
0 Replys
0 Comments |
Be the first to Reply |