Open since December of 2007, Chef Gary Sikka serves authentic, regionally inspired Indian fare at Mint featuring an eclectic selection of classic dishes that have been updated with a refined, modern twist. Chef Gary showcases a variety of seafood and vegetarian options, which allows Mint to easily accommodate the dietary needs of any diner. Enjoy Chicken Seekh Kebabs and a plate of Jhinga Balchao, a Goan specialty made with shrimp and a spicy pickled sauce, in the stylish and sophisticated dining room. The dining room’s ambiance is enhanced by Mint’s chic furniture and design. Mint-colored leather and fabric upholstered banquettes and chairs accentuate the dark hardwood floors and furniture all of which are illuminated in romantic dim lighting produced by the custom made silk hanging red, fuchsia, and orange silk drum lamps.

Mint’s bar and lounge section is equally enchanting with candlelit tables, exotic ottomans, and a green-lit waterfall adorning the wall. Happy Hour is offered daily between 4–7 p.m. Mint has a variety of Indian beers and a global wine list curated by wine director and restaurant manager, Nawid Sahebzada. Mint also offers an extensive list of custom cocktails that include the Bollywoodtini, the Indian Sunset, and the Elderberry Fizz, a champagne cocktail made with St. Germain.

Dishes at Mint are light considering how many ingredients and spices are needed to create the complex, signature flare of Indian cuisine. Joonbug suggests trying the Chicken Malai Kebab appetizer made of cubed chicken, marinated with Indian herbs and spices. For the main course we loved everyone’s favorite Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Marsala (tendoori chicken in fenugreek flavored tomato sauce), the Lamb Pasanda (lamb cooked in mild cashew sauce—a Kashmiri specialty), Saag Paneer (healthy spinach base sautéed with homemade cottage cheese), and the Navratan Korma (nine vegetables cooked in mild cashew sauce) all served with basmati rice and house made plain or garlic naan bread. For dessert, try the Gulab Jamun, an Indian style donut ball treat that you won’t believe is made of warm cottage cheese and milk served in sweet syrup and pistachio shavings.

Having a corporate or private event? Mint also caters and recently provided the food at the Indian Embassy for their Indian Independence Day celebrations where Mayor Bloomberg was a distinguished guest. Though located within the San Carlos Hotel, Mint, independently owned by Chef Gary, has a working partnership with the hotel. Mint has access to two of the hotel’s banquet rooms for private events in addition to their own private 10-seat dining room. Guests staying at the hotel can forget the continental room service menu found at most hotels, order from Mint for classic Indian cuisine delivered right to your room.