10 West Hubbard
Chicago, Illinois
312.527.4060
www.thevermilionrestaurant.com
Second location:
480 Lexington Ave.
New York, New York
212.871.6600
Latin-Indian cuisine may sound like some bizarre fusion food fad, but at The Vermilion Room in Chicago (and New York) the unusual combination not only works, but works well.
The fashionable restaurant in Chicago's River North blends ingredients from diverse regions to produce dishes that include artichoke pakoras with eggplant-chili-coconut sauce (top) and the spicy but luscious Indian cheese, Mexican 'truffle' crepe with Inca red quinoa and papadum (above). Dishes are hot, but ask for a little coconut milk to calm any overly fiery sensations.
The menu offers a choice of small plates and entrees. There is a separate vegetarian menu as well as a $70 vegetarian tasting menu. (There are plenty of items on the main menu for die-hard carnivore companions.)
While plenty of experimental cuisines come and go, this is one that should have staying power.
