The Bite Magazine - issue 16

and a MBA (Master of Business Admin- istration) from the London School of Commerce. He worked at ITC for 18 months and has been at Mint Leaf since July 2007. Eight years ago, the restaurant opened Mint Leaf Lounge in Bank which, we were told by Vishal, is different to the one in Haymarket. It still combines authentic Indian cuisine with contem- porary cooking techniques and a stylish presentation which is created by head chef Rajinder (we don’t know how he manages to be in two places at the same time). The Lounge has a striking 16-metre cocktail bar and mezzanine level that is backed by captivating light features and river washed pebbles high- lighting the 500 spirits on offer. It also features long translucent drapes, snake- skin booths and comfy sofas that make it a sumptuous retreat in the heart of the City. Here they have weekly lunch menus as well as a seasonal à la carte menu, with a six-course menu paired with wines carefully selected by their sommelier to compliment the flavours which they say is best enjoyed at their Chef’s Table that seats four people. Similar to Hay- market, the Lounge has both a small and large private dining room and champagne mezzanine that seat up to 30 and 60 respectively with a wooden partition and a luxurious thick dark velvet curtain. It also has a full audio-visual system includ- ing a projector and connections for a laptop and iPod. If you happened to be in Dubai, you can visit Mint Leaf of London located on the 15 th floor of the Emirates Finance Towers which opened a year and a half ago.With dark slate and henna inspired carved wood interiors, the restaurant presents an impressive setting enhanced with mes- merising views of Downtown Dubai with Burj Khalifa at the forefront, as well as a unique dining experience in the heart of DIFC that will easily match the exquisite cuisine in London. Mint Leaf restaurant in Haymarket is open Monday toWednesday from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 11pm, Thursday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 11.30pm, Saturday from 5pm to 11.30pm, and Sunday from 5pm to 11pm.The bar is open Monday toWednesday from 12pm to 12am,Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 1am, Saturday from 5pm to 1am, and Sunday from 5pm to 12am. Mint Leaf Restaurant, Suffolk Place, Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HX 020 7930 9020 www.mintleaflondon.com bite cuisine Murgh Tikka Makhani (Tandoori grilled chicken supreme) Jeera and Saffron Pulao Rice