HAANDI CHANGES NAME TO KADHAI IN BETHESDA, ADDS NEW MENU ITEMS (PHOTO)

Popular Bethesda Indian restaurant Haandi has changed its name to Kadhai. Menus now describe the kitchen's offerings as "Boutique Indian Cuisine." Now, before you panic, don't worry: all of your favorite dishes are still on the menu. But many new ones have also been added.

What does Kadhai mean?

It refers to an Indian and Pakistani wok. A kadhai is an iron or steel wok that is deeper, thicker and more bowl-like than a Chinese wok. If I recall correctly, Haandi actually had a Chicken Kadhai dish already on the menu.

But many new items have been added, and I thank a very helpful reader for compiling a complete list of the new dishes (and for sending a great side-by-side photo of the Haandi/Kadhai menu covers) that I would not have been able to myself!

So, here is the list:

Palak Chaat -appetizer with baby spinach, tomato, onion in yogurt & tamarind sauce

Goat Biryani -bone-in goat meat in spices, then layered with rice flavored with saffron and nuts

Daal Tadka -Yellow lentils in mild spices

Channa Masala -Chickpeas in north Indian spices

Bhindi Masala -Okra, onion, tomatoes, spices

Goat Kadhai -bone-in goat with tomatoes, green peppers, onions

Hariyali Tikka Tandoori -Chicken marinated in cilantro, and baby spinach sauce

Lasooni Kabab -Chicken marinated in garlic & onion sauce

Goan Shrimp Curry -Jumbo shrimp in chef's medium coconut -milk-based sauce

Goan Fish Curry -Salmon fillet in coconut-milk-based sauce

Goat Curry -Bone-in goat meat with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, Indian spices

As you can tell, it will take many visits to try them all. So begin new dining adventures at Kadhai, 7905 Norfolk Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. Reservations: 301-718-0121.

HIMALAYAN HERITAGE RESTAURANT TO REPLACE QUEEN BEE CAFE ON BETHESDA AVENUE (PHOTOS)

ADAMS MORGAN

FAVORITE TO OPEN

BETHESDA SPINOFF

NEXT WEEK

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Greek cuisine at 4925 Bethesda Avenue is being replaced by recipes from much farther east next week.

Himalayan Heritage will bring its Nepalese and Indian menu to the space next week, right next to the Nest Cafe.  If the name sounds familiar, it's because it is:  Himalayan Heritage already has one restaurant in Adams Morgan.

A spokesperson for the DC restaurant told me by phone that the Bethesda location is scheduled to open November 2.  The sign is already up, and the dining room is decorated.

PASSION FIN MENU - BETHESDA'S NEWEST SUSHI RESTAURANT!

PASSION FIN IS OPEN!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Passion Fin Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is finally celebrating its Grand Opening!  Located in the Shops at Sumner Place on Sangamore Road, Passion Fin is - along with Boloco - the most anticipated Bethesda restaurant of 2012.  I have received so many inquiries about when Passion Fin would be opening, and I'm pleased to report the day is finally here.

The restaurant offers a solid Japanese/sushi menu, but true to its "Asian Bistro" subtitle, adds a decidedly Thai twist, and inspiration by way of India.

There are also the Chef's Signature selections, which provide adventurous entrees for those diners not adventurous enough for sushi.

I've always predicted Passion Fin would become a lunch destination for employees of the intelligence campus across the street, and nearby Sibley Hospital.  The restaurant has acknowledged that potential with a large selection of lunch specials.

Passion Fin's fabulous location provides both plenty of free surface parking (and also Ride On Bus access), and some stiff competition from French secret gem Praline, and popular China Pavilion.  Both competitors are steps away in the same shopping center.

Dishes that stand out on the menu include Roti Canai (Indian pancake), Lump Crab Asparagus Soup, Yum Chicken Salad, Lobster and Filet Mignon hibachi dinner (pricey at $26.95), Passion Chicken, and Fire Work Ice Cream.

And, of course, there's the sushi!

Some of the more unique rolls include the Funky Monkey Roll with Shrimp Tempura, spicy lobster salad, cucumber, mango and tempura banana(!!) wrapped with soybean paper and a blast of the chef's special sauce; and the Godzilla Roll, which is just a great name.

Here are exclusive photos of the much sought after menu!  Click to enlarge.

Appetizers

Soups and salads

Sushi bar appetizers

Sushi entrees

Seaweed maki/temaki

Rice maki/temaki

Special rolls!

More special rolls!

From the grill...

Rice and noodle dishes

The chef's signature creations

Desserts

Lunch specials

Lunch sushi platters and hibachi specials

Passion Fin offers take-out dining.  You can phone in your order at 301-229-2848.

So try out Bethesda's newest sushi restaurant, and its Thai-Indian-fusion variety in the Shops at Sumner Place, a great spot to escape the parking nightmare of downtown Bethesda for a change.

Passion Fin, 4611 Sangamore Road, Bethesda.  301-229-2848.

Hours: Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30 AM-2:45 PM

             Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-10:00 PM

             Fri. 4:30-11:00 PM, Sat. 12-11, Sun. 12-9:30 PM

BETHESDA ROW

RESTAURANT WEEK

Inside the Menus:

TANDOORI NIGHTS

Love Indian food? Tandoori Nights is the place for you at Bethesda Row. Maybe you've walked past and noticed the warm and inviting decor. But it's the food that counts, right?

How good is Tandoori Nights? Don't take my word for it; just ask "Lauren H." on Yelp:

"Best. Indian. Food. Ever. And this is after I've eaten a meal at Rasika... I dream about this food at night."

Better than Rasika? How about that, Tom Sietsema?

Invite your DC friends to Tandoori Nights during Bethesda Row Restaurant Week through April 22!

LUNCH ($15)

Course 1:

--------------

Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad (a cool and spicy combination of chicken, onions, peppers, tomato and a tangy lemon dressing)

OR

Vegetable or Chicken Biryani (a traditional Indian and Pakistani rice-based dish; a baked casserole of vegetables or chicken with basmati rice, saffron (expensive spice, as you know!), nuts and raisins)

Course 2:

--------------

Paneer Tikka Masala (a dish originating in Punjab, similar to Chicken Tikka Masala, but with chunks of Paneer cheese instead of meat)

OR

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Course 3:

--------------

Peach and Mango Sorbet

OR

Rasmalai (a.k.a. Ras Malai, cheese patties in sweetened milk with cardamom and rose water syrup; an Indian dessert delicacy)

DINNER ($30)

Course 1:

--------------

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

OR

Crunchy Shrimp Salad

OR

Kachumber Salad (a fresh tomato and onion salad)

OR

Mulligatawny Soup (a curry-flavored soup; known as "Pepper Water" in India, it is the result of the cuisinary clash of Indian and British chefs during the colonial era; split peas, vegetables in a chicken broth)

OR

Hariyali Chicken Soup (with spinach, herbs and a cilantro garnish)

OR

Aloo Chat Papdi (I think they mean Aloo Chaat Papdi or Papri; a crispy snack you might purchase from a roadside vendor in India)

OR

Chicken Tikka (boneless chicken breast cubes marinated in yogurt, getting the Big Finish in Tandoori's famous clay oven!)

OR

Masala Calamari

Course 2:

--------------

Chicken Tikka Masala (I hear a lot of people say this is their favorite; Barbecue Chicken cubes cooked with onion and bell peppers in tomato sauce)

OR

Paneer Makhani

OR

Fish Goani (a special recipe from the Portuguese Indian colony of Goa; filetted fish cooked in a "famous fiery sauce" - now there's an exotic dish)

OR

Daal Gosht (a lamb and lentil dish)

* Each entree comes with rice, raita (that's whipped yogurt with cucumbers, tomatoes and a light spice) and daal, and one of the house specialties, naan (bread in plain or garlic flavor)

Course 3:

--------------

Mango Creme Brulee

OR

Carrot Halwa (a traditional Punjabi dessert made with carrots, milk and cardamom)

We've reached the end! Stop by Tandoori Nights, where centuries of Indian tradition meet the upscale appointments you expect at Bethesda Row. And for only $15 or $30 through April 22!

Tandoori Nights, 7236 Woodmont Avenue. 301-656-4002.