Good Karma.
Living in DC for close to 20 years has allowed me to see a complete transformation of the Chinatown and now Penn Quarter neighborhoods. There was a time when the only good Indian food was found at Rasika in Penn Quarter and now that has changed. Karma Modern Indian opened its doors in late 2017 and has garnered much deserved buzz around its food. I visited recently to try the restaurants new family-style tasting menu. The new menu was designed “for curious diners who want to try a variety of offerings”.
I was truly impressed. Even for the exploratory eater like me, the menu threw in a few shock waves. The Paneer Pesto, for example, had me fooled into thinking this was a new way of creating Palak Paneer. The grilled cottage and cilantro pesto reminded me of the elements I love about Palak Paneer i.e. cubed cheese and flavorful sauce. Paneer Pesto is not common around these parts, but it is a welcome addition. Dessert was perhaps my favorite, however, and the irony of this is that I am not a dessert person! The Warm Carrot Halwa should be packaged up and sold to anyone who loves a good sweet treat at the end of the meal. The warm carrot puree paired with rose ice cream left me speechless.
I like this spot. When it opened, I went for drinks and light appetizers, which are not to be missed. The cocktails are pretty kick-a$$. Another reason I like what is happening here allows me to bring along the picky-eater/self-proclaimed foodie (who really is not that adventurous but claims to be) to try something new at very little expense. At a pre-fixed price of $41.00, for nine-courses, no one around these parts should complain about getting a bang for your buck. I must say 2020 has ushered in some good Karma.
611 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
202) 898-0393
Category: restaurant reviews, Reviews, Washington D.C.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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