Fine Indian dining is what Kinara restaurant in Edgewater offers to the many patrons who frequent it every week. Located on River Road, the restaurant is wonderfully decorated with authentic paintings of Indian locales and traditional silk designs on the walls.
For more than a year, Vinay Kallee has brought his vision to Edgewater and has delighted the locals with spicy meals and delicious desserts.
"We are here to please our customers providing only the best of Indian food," Kallee said, during a recent interview. "We are happy with our location and our patrons."
Kinara’s top entrees include chicken tikka masala ($13.95), which is baked cubes of chicken in a mild tomato sauce; chicken korma ($12.95), boneless chicken in a mild yogurt sauce; paneer makhani ($9.95), homemade cottage cheese cooked in a tomato sauce; fish vindaloo ($16.95), fish and potatoes in a hot and sour sauce; lamb pasanda ($14.95), lamp in a mild cashew cream sauce; roghan josh ($14.95), the classic lamb curry; and shrimp vindaloo ($17.95); shrimp and potatoes in hot and sour sauce.
The atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed, suitable for a night out with the family. The service is pleasant and knowledgeable, and reservations are recommended. Kinara has already become one of the hotspots in the area, and according to Kallee, new patrons visit the establishment every day.
My Meal
I began my meal with a kabab platter ($9.50). This appetizer was an assortment of chicken tika, lamb seekh habab, and reshmi kabab. It was not too spicy and served in large portions. Other appetizers include vegetable samosa ($4.25), seasoned potatoes and peas wrapped in a light pastry; aloo nawabi ($4.25), potato patties; haryali kabab ($6.95), minced chicken mixed with onions, herbs and spices; and chicken chat ($5.25), shredded chicken salad, spiced with cumin and coriander. After the appetizer I enjoyed a bowl of ginger cauliflower soup ($4.25). A formidable soup with mild spices and served in a medium-size bowl.
For the main course I had the chicken jalfrezi ($12.95). The chicken was sautéed with tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. A very popular entrée, the chicken was a tender cut and very well decorated with food ornaments. I also tried the malai kofta ($9.95). A dish of croquettes of fresh cheese and vegetables, the dish is served in a light creamy sauce.
Kinara is B.Y.O.B., but they do offer a large selection of non-alcoholic frozen drinks like pina colada, strawberry daiquiri, margaritas, and fruit juice fizz.
For dessert I tried the gulab jamun ($3.50). This traditional after-dinner delight consisted of reduced milk balls served in rose-flavored sugar syrup and a tour of cardomon.
Overall, the dining experience was superb. I also recommend all the breads. The lunch buffet is $7.95.
Kinara is located at 880 River Rd. in Edgewater. It is open Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Lunch is served from noon to 3 p.m. For more information call (201) 313-0555. q