Food: ☆☆☆☆

Service: ☆☆☆

Ambiance: ☆☆☆

Cost: $$$

Must try: Kaikra Chat, Lamb Kababs

Tamarind is one of the finer Indian food establishments in New York City. Touted as one of the best, this Flatiron spot offers a splendid menu of diverse regional cuisine from India.

I thought the appetizers excelled. My favorite was the Kaikra Chat, a sautéed spiced crabmeat finished with lemon juice, mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Each dish I sampled at Tamarind had been thoughtfully created using artful combinations of spices and gravies, which bring out the essence of the meat, fish or vegetable. Even I ( an Indian food snob) was impressed though I have to say the dessert were rather lacking.

The food at Tamarind is a truer representation of authentic Indian food versus the over-curried, red colored cream filled versions of dishes presented at many Indian restaurants in the city.

Lunch is a real deal at Tamarind versus the pricier dinner option. For about $24, you can get a really satisfying 3-course meal with rice, bread and a vegetable thrown in.

For me, Tamarind does a great job at truly representing the depth and delicacy of Indian cuisine.

Here is some of what we ate: