Calling all foodies! 

You’ve probably heard about the assortment of delicious Indian food in London. But a 10-hour plane ride to eat those delicacies may be a bit difficult with your schedule, right? What if I said some of the Indian food everyone raves about in London is coming a bit closer to our neighborhood? Interested?

Tamarind of London will be opening a branch at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach November 14, and is sure to provide a different kind of dining experience than the traditional Indian restaurant. Tamarind of London has been the winner of the acclaimed Michelin Star every year since 2001, which is an honor bestowed to restaurants with first-rate cuisine. One representative assisting with the restaurant’s opening said that Tamarind is more user-friendly, including some classic Indian cuisine, and the new one will mix in California ingredients, including fresh produce from local areas. The crossover and Western food inspiration will be a crucial part of the dining experience. Tamarind will have an upscale casual, laid back atmosphere. While most Indian restaurants do not have a large bar area, the London-cum-Newport Beach restaurant will provide that kind of lounge experience.

The aesthetics are just as much of a draw, with three red demonstration tandoor ovens in the center of the restaurant. Tandoor ovens are used to make the always popular naan bread and cook meats, seafood, and vegetables. Also, aesthetically-speaking, look no further than the fire pits, herb garden, and fountain; the entire restaurant cost $3 million to build! And there’s even more than just the culinary experience, especially in the first month, when 10 percent of the receipts will be donated to the James Beard Foundation, whose goal is “to celebrate, nurture, and preserve America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.”

But why Newport Beach, you may ask? After some research, they found a large population of Newport Beach residents were familiar with and had attended the original Tamarind of London. By opening in this Orange County community, the restaurant is hoping to gain some local support and spread the word about the newest international hotspot to hit the American scene. People of Newport Beach and the surrounding areas are comfortable with going out and expanding their culinary tastes, according to the representative and the research conducted by the group.

While there are no plans for future openings of Tamarind of London in other cities across the country just yet, the restaurant is sure to send a ripple of success to the food scene in this area. The grand opening, only accessible to the media and Crystal Cove residents, will take place this Saturday night, November 12. Tamarind is going all out, complete with a red carpet, Bollywood dancers, Dohl drummers, traditional Indian drummers, and henna tattoo artists. They are even encouraging guests to dress in traditional Indian attire. 

Tamarind of London will open to the public on November 14.

- Jillian Angeline, YH Staff