Sapphire

I’ve eaten at Sapphire a number of times before shows at Lincoln Center. It offers mainly the standard Indian dishes, but in a more elegant setting than one usually encounters for this type of cuisine. The embroidered tapestries hanging from the ceiling are especially striking.

My friend and I were there on Friday night. The Michelin Guide had suggested the Chutney Idli appetizer ($5), which is described as “Steamed rice and lentil flour cakes topped with coconut chutney.” This is a clever dish, but better for sharing than as an individual portion. You get five small cakes, but after about three of them the novelty wears off.

The Salmon Tandoori ($19) was more successful. It’s marinated in yogurt and spices before being skewered and grilled in the tandoor. The salmon has just a slight spicy kick to it, but it’s not a hot dish by any means. I enjoyed it, but thought that it was a touch too dry. My friend enjoyed lamb vindaloo, but said it wasn’t as hot as she’s had elsewhere.

Sapphire (1845 Broadway between 60th & 61st Streets, Upper West Side)

Food: *
Service: **
Ambiance: *½
Overall: *