Contributor
IF YOU'RE no connoisseur, the exotic names on the menu might well be all Greek--er--Hindi to you. But even if you are not gastronomically adventurous, trust us on this one--go ahead and book your Passage to India.
The look of the clean, classy restaurant silently speaks of consummate attention to detail.
There are authentic Indian paintings on the staircase, touches of Indian architecture in the woodwork of the interior, and a very informative menu that gives the option of having each tasty dish made either mild, medium, or hot. A little elephant next to an item on the menu means it's a Passage to India signature dish, and a Jalapeno pepper...well, you know what that means!
Finger bowls are provided with dishes requiring "hands-on" attention, and then there's the way the charming proprietor, Indian native Rajni Sud, greets her guests individually and then hovers to make sure each table is well taken care of.
If you're lucky to visit on a not-so-busy evening when Mrs. Sud has a little extra time on her hands, you might be fortunate to either overhear or receive a little lecture on Indian cuisine and culture. You'll feel like you've stepped into some "Chefs around the world" kind of programme on the Discovery Channel. It's not a bad feeling at all to have your brain and your taste buds stimulated at the same time!
Oh...if you're like me, you always thought the word "Masala" had something to do with good-looking women of Indian descent, you're not that far off...it actually means hot and spicy!
But speaking of sweet heat, let me get to the food.
To create and maintain its authentic Indian taste, the restaurant imports its ethnic spices directly from India, along with the three chefs responsible for the mouth-watering Northern Indian and Indo/Chinese fusion specialities. Some patrons justifiably swear by the tender filet mignon (yes, some Indians do eat beef), while others go for the lamb, mutton, or seafood treats.
The airy rooftop restaurant that crowns the Soni Plaza in Ocho Rios is flocked by a diverse clientele, from Indians in search of home cooking to Rastafarians smitten by items like the Mattar Paneer or the Dhal Makhni from the wide vegetarian selection.
While working up an appetite before the meal, or basking in the post-meal afterglow, one can relax in the comfortable lounge and bar which overflows with a wide selection of premium liquor.
Even if you've never smoked in your life, you'll also appreciate the extra effort involved in providing additional touches like an optional cigar bar that Fidel Castro (or Monica Lewinsky) would just die for.
WRITERS PICKS:
Must-haves are almost too many to mention, but the Garlic Nan deserves special attention. You'll also go crazy for the spicy Chicken Jalfrazie; ga-ga over the Lobster or Curried Chicken Masala; and happily don a sari to soak up the shrimp Jhinga Karahi.
Average cost of a four-course meal with "accompaniments" and drinks for two people is J$2,135. Add about $600 to the total if you have a lobster or shrimp main course, and subtract $200 if you go for a vegetarian entree. Subtract $200 more for skipping the salad.
Passage to India, located in Ocho Rios, was voted "Best Indian Restaurant" in The Gleaner's "Best of Jamaica 2000"
DENNIS COKE/ Staff Photographer
To maintain its authentic Indian taste, the Passage to India restaurant imports its ethnic spices directly from India. Here, patrons enjoy this authenticity in taste and decor.
