Foodie Find: Specialties from the Clay Oven at MASKA
Maska has moved into the Miami dining scene, bringing with it a Michelin Star chef. Hemant Mathur, the Executive Chef, is the first Indian chef in the U.S. to be awarded the most esteemed of restaurant ratings.
His midtown Miami venue – it’s an upscale iteration of his New York City venues – is serving up plates small and large, as well as specialties from a traditional Indian clay oven. The chicken korma hot pot is cooked with farm raised chicken and gram masala, and the maska paneer has butter farmer’s cheese and naan, while the smoked lal maas is made with Rajasthani goat curry, cucumber salad and paratha. One of the many vegetarian dishes is Kaddu ke kofte made with summer squash dumplings, onion and cumin rice.
Mathur has earned esteemed recognition over his 30-year career. Under his lead, Devi, near Union Square in New York, became the country’s first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Tulsi, on Manhattan’s East side, earned him another Michelin-star rating. Maska Miami is a more upscale iteration of Chef Mathur’s restaurants in New York City.
The chic restaurant features crystal chandeliers and a Maska Model Mural overlooking the bustling dining area. There is a comfy lounge area and a full service bar, serving up well-crafted cocktails such as the Maska Mule, cooling Mint Mojitos, and classic Martinis.
Maska 3252 NE 1st Ave., Ste. 109, Miami, 786-971-9100.
