Peninsula chef-restaurateur Ajay Walia has launched a plan to transform his Michelin-starred Rasa in Burlingame into a second location of his San Carlos restaurant, Saffron.
Rasa closed after service on May 8. Saffron will make its debut in early June.
Walia opened his original Saffron 20 years ago with a focus on Northern Indian cuisine. The menu at the new Saffron will feature dishes such as Old Delhi-style Butter Chicken, General Tso’s Cauliflower and Daal Makhani, with black lentils simmered 24 hours, while also incorporating Southern Indian influences from Rasa. And Rasa fans of the popular Bombay Sliders, spiced potato fritters topped with tamarind and cilantro chutneys, needn’t worry because those will be back on the menu.
The full bar will remain, with craft cocktails such as Thyme Me Up, Indian Air Conditioning and the Maharani.
A new dessert menu is under development. Walia is also partnering with founder Priti Narayanan of the Bay Area-based Koolfi Creamery to develop an exclusive ice cream flavor for Saffron.
The remodeled restaurant will feature a midcentury-modern design in white and oak, with larger tables to encourage group sharing of dishes, more soundproofing and more space around tables.
Rasa opened in 2014. Two years later, chef Vijay Kumar and the team caught the eye of the Michelin judges. Rasa was awarded its first Michelin star in 2016 and has earned one every year since. Last year, Kumar relocated to New York City, where he is getting raves for his heritage South Indian cuisine at Semma in Greenwich Village.
Walia said the Rasa staff will become part of the new Saffron team; he is keeping all employed during the transition.
Details: 209 Park Road, Burlingame. www.thesaffronrestaurant.com
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