My favorite mentor, wonderful friend, and restaurant publicist, Lawrence Moore set this up for me. Arth has only been open for two weeks. One of its owners is a twenty-seven-year-old miracle. Owning and operating Arth, as well as working as an engineer at Boeing, he does it all. Smart, funny, witty, and very successful, Mihir Lad introduces modern Indian cuisine in a whole new way. Mihir’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to become founder and partner of Arth Bar + Kitchen. Dedicated and ambitious, he spent time researching and observing how to start a successful restaurant. Mihir is a leader, he runs a tight ship. His partner and executive Chef Sagar Ghosh’s creative flair and culinary techniques stem from being trained by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including India’s most well-known chefs and hospitality experts, paired with pure talent. He spent time in kitchens in some of the finest restaurants in Kolkata, Pune, Miami, New York, Buena Park, and Tustin. In his most recent venture, Chef Ghosh served as the executive chef at Master Indian Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s premier Indian fine dining restaurant, The Yellow Chili located in Tustin, CA. Chef Ghosh made sure that Arth Bar + Kitchen highlighted their open kitchen by featuring a chef counter and one of L.A.’s only fully visible Tandoor Ovens. Guests can watch the show as he prepares each dish, Ghosh’s premier experience combined with his optimal use of authentic spices that he makes himself. His creative masterpieces are in every dish, with sublime flavors, he covets modern Indian Cuisine at its best. The two of them are a perfect combination, Lad showed me his creative vision, and a personal passion to deliver the best possible experience to every guest that visits Arth Bar + Kitchen. But the true star of this show is their food; one bite and you will know what I am talking about!
The interior is very inviting, kind of part brasserie, part modern-day bar and grill, everything you would want from an Indian eatery in the best part of Culver City. Interior Designer Atithi Prajapati who focused on creating a light and contemporary atmosphere mixed with wood tones and warm touches of India, also features a full bar, chef counter, open kitchen, dining room, and two patios.
Here’s What I tried:
Cocktails:
Peppered Ana Rosh Beluga Transatlantic, Vanilla Liquor, Fresh Pineapple, Kal Mirch, Angostura Bitters, and Candied Chile. By far my favorite cocktail of the night. It is rich and smooth, just delectably wonderful.
East India Trading Company, with Bacardi White Rum, Vanilla Liqueur, Lychee, Pan Leaf, Eucalyptus Bitters, and Soda water. Interesting flavors, will quench any thirst for sure.
Mira Meets Pedro with Nosatras Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Tamarind, Spicy Bitters, Jal Jeera, Himalayan Salt and Indian Chile. A bit of a kick, but you can’t go wrong with the very high-end Nosatras Reposado Tequila.
Small Plates:
Fiery Prawn Koliwada, fisherman style crispy prawn morsels. These are big meaty prawns, and the mint sauce is the perfect accompaniment.
Chicken Bites, crispy South Indian style fried chicken. These little darlings are a great way to start your culinary adventure.
From The Tandoor:
Classic Tandoori Murgh, whole char-grilled roast chicken. Another outstanding menu item, with lots of beautiful seasonings.
Saloni Macchi – Wild Caught Chilean Seabass in velvety labneh marinade. This dish is just so good, you have to order this. The fish is buttery and falls apart; it will make you very happy.
Mains:
Lobster Moilee Lobster cooked in sweet coconut milk, turmeric and curry leaves, this sauce is otherworldly. It will change your life, its just that good.
Lamb Kosha Slow cooked Australian lamb leg in onion tomato Masala. A nice fragrant sauce and the lamb is very tender.
Sides:
Basmati Rice, the grains fall individually on your plate and add so much to all of the gravy in each dish.
Bread Basket Garlic Naan & butter Naan. It’s crispy, soft, fragrant, just great dipping bread.
Desserts:
Gulabo Rose Petal Compote, stuffed in fried dough balls soaked in rose syrup. The compote is soft and fluffy with such a divine floral flavor.
Mango Chambord Kulfi, Indian style Chambord liqueur and mango ice cream. The Chambord lends itself to enhancing this super-charged dessert, just fantastic.
Assorted Cannoli, Kesar Elaichishrikhand, butterscotch, and chocolate. I love the butterscotch Cannoli; all of them are very inventive and delicious.
Wines:
Joseph Drouhin St. Veran Chardonnay, Burgundy France, 2019, grassy, creamy, this wine added so much to all of the seafood dishes, especially the lobster.
Bouchaine Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2018, one of my favorites – it did not disappoint with the lobster as well.
You know this place will be fully packed as soon as everyone catches on to this new unique take on Indian Food. Arth offers delicious Modern Indian cuisine with specialty cocktails that will blow your hair back. The concept is very needed in this fun neighborhood in the heart of Culver City; it will revitalize the downtown area.
Arth – meaning: Sense, goal, purpose or essence.
Arth Bar + Kitchen open every Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm. For more information or reservations, please visit www.ArthLA.com or call Arth Bar + Kitchen directly at 424.603.4155.
Facebook @arthbarandkitchen and Instagram @arthbarandkitchen
Arth Bar + Kitchen
9531 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
424.603.4155
www.ArthLA.com
* Some content was taken from their website and press release.
