MASALA TIMES Opens in the Heart of NYC
New York, NY: After successful outings with Earth NYC and the rustic Horn OK Please, leading restaurateur and club owner, Hemant Phul, has announced the launch of his newest offering MASALA TIMES.
Touted as the first-of-its-kind Indian Barbeque, Hemant was on the lookout for the right venue to open a pure ‘desi kabab’ joint in the city. When everything else fell into place, Phul’s wife Bhavana came up with this unique name that embodies the concept in its totality. “Masala, in Indian cuisine is a combination of spices that gives our food the flavors that it’s known for. However, in Bollywood lingo, Masala defines the essence of what Hindi movies are all about – Bollywood potboilers with melodrama, fight sequences, song-and-dance. This is our tribute everything Bollywood”, said Phul.
Keeping with the tradition of its name, Hemant teamed up with old friend and Indian businessman Sumesh Menon for the décor that reflects the quintessential Bollywood ambience that he was looking to achieve. “Being a Bollywood buff myself, I was completely in sync with Hemant’s vision for the look of the restaurant. We’ve known each other for many years and it was great to expand our friendship into a business enterprise that we both believe in.” said Sumesh Menon.
Sunita Menon, celebrity tarot reader extraordinaire, too was intrigued by the concept and flew in from Mumbai to support her brother and Hemant at the launch. “When my brother Sumesh mentioned his involvement with Hemant, I couldn’t wait to watch this concept to fruition, since I think this is exactly what New York needs!” She also adds, “I’m so proud to be here to bless this venture today.”
Masala Times is located at 194 Bleecker Street , New York, NY 10012. www.masalatimesnyc.com.
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