Revolution Evolution

Restaurant Review: earthNYC
Chelsea Hotspot, earthNYC, transforms into boutique restaurant/lounge.

Quite like the first sin, one bite is all it takes. However, in earthNYC’s case, it’s not nearly about sin as it is about indulgence.

earthNYC, the dreamchild of Bombay-ites, Hemant and Bhavana Phul, opened its doors in 2004, and has risen to dizzying heights of popularity amongst devotees of New York City’s signature exotic nightlife. Over the years, the chic Chelsea hotspot has clearly established itself as one of the trendiest lounges in town, with its ethnic décor, dreamy interiors and celebrity-studded events. And from the summer of 2006, earthNYC takes a whole new avatar, as a boutique restaurant serving up some of the best and most authentic South East Asian/Indian cuisine.

“I’m a die-hard foodie”, admits owner and culinary director, Hemant Phul, “and I’m very adamantly particular when it comes to food. Bhavana and I love experimenting with the look and feel of various cuisines, and you’ll notice that the food is treated with a balance of artistry and flavor. I think it was that personal fascination that led to this transition”.

And the transition has been smooth and effortless, according to most EarthNYC regulars. Elements have been delicately infused into the décor, and the Phuls have been ‘auditioning’ chefs and dishes since January 2006. “Every dish on the menu has been sampled time and time again, and is a result of months of meticulous re-perfection. In my personal opinion, every element on the menu is a work of art”, adds Bhavana.

The menu reads like roll call at the United Nations, with items demarcated by country of origin. Some highlights in the appetizers include Goi Ga from Vietnam, a torn chicken and cabbage salad with garlic and lime dressing, Som Tum from Laos, a shredded green papaya and daikon blend with peanuts and garlic lime dressing and Bhindi Fry from India, featuring tangy, crispy fried okra. Some dishes such as Water Spinach, which the menu rather proudly claims to contain both dried and rotten spinach, may seem downright eccentric at first sight, give your palate a pleasant surprise, at first bite.

The variety in the entrees is balanced by relative affordability, compared to other boutique restaurants in its league. In the kitchen, a team of multi-ethnic chefs strive to create unprecedented blends between diverse styles of cooking, while retaining the characteristic identity of each cuisine. The food at earthNYC inspires a true culinary journey, with dishes like Hyderabadi Murgh or Konkani Machi, bringing out the zeal of vigor of Goa.

EarthNYC has already tantalized the taste-buds of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood alike, including Susan Sarandon, Nicole Richie, Manish Malhotra and Rani Mukherjee, who personally swears by the appetizers. With their exclusive delivery and catering gaining popularity, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Merrill Lynch and Atlantic Records are amongst the many corporates who have sunk their teeth into Earth’s delectable cuisine for their private dos.

For those who are overwhelmed by the menu’s diversity, Hemant adds, “There’s a lot more coming up, as we are constantly upgrading our menu based on the appreciation and comments of our customers”. With a revolutionary new and ever-changing menu, and developing into an NYC-favorite, there are now several more reasons to “come down to Earth”.

EarthNYC, located at 116A Tenth Avenue, between 17^th and 18^th Streets serves dinner from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Monday through Saturday) and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Sundays).

For more info, visit www.earth-nyc.com or call 212.337.0016.

Reviewed by Vishal Oberoi