India’s nightlife comes to LA with Naya Sunset’s new bar and lounge menu in Silver Lake by Black Lab Ventures Joel Black and Chef Imran Mookhi. The modern Indian street food appetizers paired with India-inspired cocktails and live entertainment like belly dancers, flamer-throwers and bongo players are a potent triage for an exotic night out.
Naya Lounge, which is left of the all-white, dream-like dining room, is a dark, mysterious den accented with Moroccan lighting and intricate Indian carved archways. The blue lighting behind the bar casts an intriguing atmospheric glow in which to try out Joel Black’s creative concoctions. Don’t miss a trip to the outdoor patio with three fireplaces ablaze under the night sky, a perfect romantic date or casual networking spot.
Liquid Yoga: Yumaste
Here are a few of my favorites from the new Naya Lounge cocktail menu created by mixologist Joel Black that offers something for everyone’s palate, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy:
Karma’s Nerve features Karma Tequila with lemon juice, ginger syrup, elderflower liqueur, Angostura orange bitters and burnt orange peel.
The Burning Rose with silver tequila, fresh lime juice, roasted rosemary, jalapeño and agave nectar is a perfect balance of heat and sweet.
Perfect to warm the soul on a chilly spring night in LA is the Rocky Patel (named after an Indian cigar) of two kinds of whisky, Chivas 12 year and Laphroig 10 year, with a floater of espresso infused Zaya 12 year rum.
Spa in Goa is a clean blend of Aviation Gin, fresh lime juice, Persian cucumbers, fresh thyme and agave nectar. Naya Lounge believes in making guests happy. Happy Hour cocktails are available.
While Joel Black and his teamed spun, shook and seared ingredients behind the bar for thirsty party-goers during the March 20th Naya Lounge launch, Chef Imran Moohki was working his culinary magic in the kitchen. Chef Imran Moohki’s lounge bites are the perfect amalgamation of American bar favorites like hot wings, onion rings, and pizza with the spices and flavors of street food found throughout Northern India.
Indian Street Food Goes Modern
The Bhaji Rings, an Indian version of onion rings, were divine with the spicy sauce. For someone that doesn’t even like chicken, The Tandoori Drum Sticks were one of my favorite menu items as they were tender, juicy and bursting with the Tandoori spices I love. Even the simple peanuts menu item, Moom Phali, of spicy roasted peanuts were perfection and a great pairing to snack on while having a drink with friends at Naya Lounge.
Some other Indian-American dishes sure to please the most finicky palate are the Masala Fries dusted with Indian spices and served with masala ketchup and the Naanza. Naanza is their gooey, delicious pizza of naan bread baked in a tandoor, and topped with masala sauce, paneer cheese, black olives, onions and peppers. Both make great pairings for the Joel Black’s new Naya Lounge cocktails.
Live Music & Dancing
After your hunger and thirst are sated, there is much for the eyes to feast on as well. Exotic live performances or DJs are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, including belly dancing, percussion, and bands. Check the NayaSunset.com website for an updated schedule.
Silverlake’s Newest: Naya
As a dream of owners Dr. Michael Everest and Chef Imram Ali Moohki, Naya Sunset & Naya Lounge are both sexy and elegant, like yin and yang, perfect for whatever your mood or company. Naya in Hindu means “New” and both owners had a vision for creating an updated version of the Indian cuisine they both knew and loved. After the intricate design by Spacecraft, Naya Sunset & Naya Lounge debuted in November 2011.
Naya Lounge is open from 6pm to 2am nightly with Happy Hour from 6pm to 7:30pm. Specific cocktails and food items are $5-$6 during Happy Hour.
Naya Sunset & Naya Lounge, 3705 West Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
