Tanzore, Beverly Hills

Tanzore's owners, artist Nikki Sood and her art-enthusiast father Sudesh Sood, employ the eclectic talents of Indian-born executive chef J.K. Paul to craft a modern, experimental menu of Indian fare that suits a bold, streamlined design aesthetic. Curving steel and ceramic plates provide a minimalist backdrop to local, seasonal ingredients blended with traditional indian spices and placed in artful arrangements, posing with more grace than a ballerina performing atop a kayak. A glass box surrounds 2,000 bottles of international wines arranged on steel racks, looming between bare wood floors and ceiling. A modern, round-edged bar lined with inset lights offsets tables surrounded by yellow-cushioned chairs and subtle pieces of Indian art. Staffers keep the private party room's blue-cushioned benches peppered with multicolored throw pillows, and project films onto the walls. Tanzore holds public events for Indian festivals and holidays, such as the Festival of Lights and Diwali.