Badmaash
I adore traditional Indian food – the familiar flavors and the enticing scents seem to nearly always guarantee that I’m going to enjoy a superb, exotic meal. But what makes the Downtown LA Indian gastro pub Badmaash so special to me is its wonderfully modern take on this traditional cuisine. I can't believe I waited two years since its opening to eat here, as it's already officially become one of my favorite new restaurants (and I've been back twice in the span of one month!). Hailing from Bombay -- where he trained at the city’s Culinary College -- by way of Toronto, Chef Parwan Mahendro and his Canadian-born sons, Badmaash owners Nakul and Arjun, execute an inventive, contemporary approach to Indian fare. The surrounding air on 2nd Street is heavy with spice as you enter the restaurant, the interior of which is brilliantly colorful and has Bollywood movies streaming on one bare, white wall. In my humble opinion, no choice on the menu is a bad one. The deep fried Butter Chicken samosas are served swiftly and piping hot, the “OG” Masala Onions and Chilies are refreshingly fresh and spicy, and creative specials like Punjabi pulled pork confit are hard to resist. The Chicken Tikka Poutine does the Parwans’ Canadian roots proud, and the Spiced Lamb Burger and Ghost Chili Lamb Vindaloo are items I now find myself craving almost daily! Paired with an extensive beer menu, the restaurant’s selections all work exceptionally well with Indian food -- be it a bright and fruity Mana Wheat Pineapple Beer from Maui Brewing, or a darker and hearty Rare Vos Amber Ale from Ommengang. The Hindi word “Badmaash” translates roughly to “rascal” or “badass,” and that’s just what the Parwans are – badass culinary visionaries imparting their genius take on contemporary Indian cuisine to the streets of Downtown Los Angeles.
Top: Mantrap 1989 Sex Kitten Tank
Skirt: Hell Bunny Mariam Skirt in Black and White Polka Dot Full Circle
Belt: (borrowed from) Laura Byrnes Lana Cocktail Dress in Red Canvas
Bag: Kate Spade New York (old)
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW® Pomade in Soft Brown
Glasses: Bonlook Keiko frames in Tessa Tort
Butter Chicken Samosas with Indian Curry.
Mixed Mushroom Tandoori in classic tandoori masala, slightly charred and juicy.
Chicken Tikka Poutine - masala fries topped with cheese curds, doused in piping hot beef gravy, all topped with tandoori chicken tikka and cilantro.
"OG" Masala Onions and Chilies.
Punjabi pulled pork confit.
Chili Cheese Naan stuffed with American cheddar, serrano chillies and cilantro, cooked in the tandoor.
Eggplant Dish No. 3 - eggplant steaks with a tangy tomato & mustard seed sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds.
Chai Chocolate Pot de Creme.
