Paul and I had 7:30 reservations, and arrived a few minutes early. We were promptly seated, even though the place was buzzing with the pre-theater crowd. However, upon being seating we noticed we were only given one menu. I guess we were expected to share. The menu was only for the traditional Indian food; we did not have the fusion menu.
After about a 10 minute wait, the server finally arrived with a drink menu. We asked about only having one menu, and she then returned with one copy of the fusion menu. Maybe there aren't enough to go around?
During our long wait for the server to arrive, we were able to take in the decor of the restaurant. Very weird. Mantra is housed in an old bank building, but is decorated in a contemporary way. It makes for a jarring combination of genres.
After another 10 minute or so wait, we were finally able to order. Paul ordered the Spiced Pomegranate Crusted Tuna from the fusion menu and I order the Maharani Vegetarian Dinner from the Indian menu. My dinner started with a cup of Mulligatawny Soup and a Veggie Samosa. The soup was nothing to write home about; luke-warm and bland. The samosa however, was very good. Nicely flavored and piping hot.
The entrees arrived and we dug in. Paul didn't have much to say about his Tuna, other than "fine." However, he did make a point to say he liked the lemon corn that accompanied the dish.
My meal consisted of basmati rice, veggie curry, malai kofta, and raita. I was also supposed to receive porri with my meal, but it never arrived. The food was, again, just alright. I did appreciate the spice, as I had ordered it with a "medium" spice. It did have a good kick to it without being overpowering. All in all, though, it was not any better that the Indian restaurant down the street from our house, and they are much less expensive.
All in all, nothing special about Mantra Restaurant. However, with the terrible service we received, I doubt we would ever return, or recommend it to others.
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