AMERICAN GYMKHANA BRINGS MODERN INDIAN CUISINE TO ORLANDO’S INTERNATIONAL DINING SCENE
*** UPDATE: THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED ***
Orlando, Fla. – (October 2014) – American Gymkhana, a restaurant and lounge specializing in modern Indian cuisine, announces today their official opening on Saturday, November 8. Conceptualized by Rajesh Bhardwaj, the restaurateur behind New York’s Michelin-starred Indian concept Junoon, American Gymkhana (pronounced “jim-kah-nuh”) is inspired by a traditional gymkhana – a place of assembly for the elite during the British Raj in India. The kitchen is helmed by Mumbai native and New York transplant, Chef Aarthi Sampath, who uses imported spices sourced from Indian markets juxtaposed by Florida’s locally-sourced ingredients to create a balance of traditional and modern cuisine. American Gymkhana is located on Orlando’s Restaurant Row, at 7559 West Sand Lake Road.
“Starters” are approachable and include dishes such as Gymkhana Chaat (iconic street food snacks), which includes a sampler of samosa, matar tikki and dahi vada while more modern takes on Indian dishes include Galoti Lamb Sliders with spiced yogurt, stuffed lamb and saffron bread. Also available to start are a selection of seven “Skewers” with options ranging from Dahi Kebab, a yogurt and cheese croquette with mango-apricot chutney and Kela Corn Seekh, plantain, corn kaffir lime and sweet pepper coulis to Kadak Seekh, minced lamb, cheddar and tempura batter.
“Mains” are broken up by Fish/Shellfish, Meat/Game, Poultry and Vegetarian selections. A standout signature is the Angrezi Chicken, roasted tomato, homemade butter and garam masala. The term angrezi, which is Hindi for the word British, offers a proper representation of the blending of British and Indian cultures from 1858 to 1947. Other Mains include Meen Moilee, crisped seasonal fish, coconut milk, fresh turmeric, lemongrass and curry leaves, and Lamb Vindaloo, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, goan chilies and twice fried potato. Nodding to India’s robust vegetarian diet, a healthy selection of six options range from Kofta Hariyali, cheese fritters, methi, spinach and green peas to Market Vegetable Korma, coconut, cashew and ginger.
An oversized Hunter’s Bar is inspired by those found in traditional gymkhanas where hunters would commune after a day in the woods. Located adjacent to the main dining room this 40-seat watering hole serves up award-winning beverage concoctions curated by celebrated Mixologist Hemant Pathak, who has been featured in GQ Magazine and ELLE Magazine. While infused Indian liquors, spices and homemade syrups will honor the season by continuously changing, the bar will open with robust fall-flavored libations of 12 signature and classic cocktails, which include AG 7559, blended scotch, rye whiskey, stirred with saffron infused maraschino, liqueur and ginger liqueur; Jalisco Sour, baron tequila, jalapeño infused maple syrup shaken with lime and curry leaves and a Fall Fashion, bourbon whiskey, apple liqueur with homemade vanilla syrup and lemon, touch of egg white. Additionally a selection of Mocktails will be made with juices that are extracted fresh daily.
Occupying nearly 8,000-square-feet, American Gymkhana seats approximately 190 guests in various spaces that include the main dining room, Mahajara Room (private dining room), Hunter’s Bar and the Veranda, that latter which pays homage to a similar lounge found in a traditional gymkhana where royalty would sit and watch outdoor sporting matches.
ABOUT AMERICAN GYMKHANA
American Gymkhana is a restaurant and lounge that specializes in modern Indian cuisine. Through the use of imported ingredients and modern techniques, Chef Aarthi Sampath coveys her Mumbai roots and diverse culinary training in an approachable way. The restaurant is also dedicated to its beverage program helmed by celebrated Mixologist, Hemant Pathak. American Gymkhana is located at 7559 West Sand Lake Road on Orlando’s Restaurant Row, and is set to open in November 2014. The restaurant will be open Sunday through Thursday 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m. The cocktail lounge will stay open until 2 a.m., Thursday through Saturday. For more information, please visit www.AmericanGymkhana.com or for reservations please call 407.985.2900.
