Foodies, it’s basically Christmas for us! The James Beard Awards list of semifinalists just came out, which means we’re adding new names to our have-to-check-out list. And while Vegas has no less than 14 mentions (!!!) in this impressive top, one stands out even more, as it just entered Sin City’s scene. We’re talking about Tamba, a contemporary Indian dining spot that’s now a ‘Best New Restaurant’ semifinalist.
Tamba – a globally inspired, fire-centric show
While Tamba is an Indian restaurant per-se, don’t expect your usual menu here. The team relies on the art of live-fire cooking, through the Tandoor, charcoal Manghal, Josper oven, and Chinese wok. You’ll find traditional plates, as well as choices that you probably didn’t expect. The menu features everything, including a classic butter chicken, lemongrass fish tikka, saffron paneer, a New Zealand lamb chop, seafood noodles stir-fry, and so much more.
When it comes to starters, you’ll spot unusual choices for “an Indian restaurant”, such as oysters, sophisticated sashimi, and even caviar.
A menu = a chef’s story
If you’re wondering how caviar, curries, and noodles come together, let’s take a quick look at the man of the hour: chef Anand Singh. His legacy started in his hometown of Mumbai, but his journey took him through Maldives, UAE and Mexico, before landing in Vegas. Thus, the menu’s inspired by all these chapters.
However, before diving into this incredible menu, don’t sleep on the cocktail menu. You’ll find these ‘elixirs’, representing strength, rejuvenation, fire, lightness, indulgence, serenity, and mystery.
What’s the vibe?
Tamba currently rocks a pretty local audience, so it’s still very much a ‘hidden gem’. You’ll find the sophisticated foodies of Sin City here – many of them, actually – as the restaurant is sold out most nights.
The decor is modern, featuring tones of warm wood and green, with the occasional marble table. The main area has an 80 seat dining room, but if you’re looking for something super special, Tamba also has a private dining room – 14 seats only.
Overall, it’s intimate, it’s luxurious, and simply special. While by no means a budget choice, you don’t need to empty your bank account for dining here either. With raw starters starting at $24, curries from $22, and Josper-oven cooked dishes from $28, it’s the perfect spot for that special, magical night out.
About the James Beard Award
The James Beard Awards are basically the Oscars of the food world. They celebrate chefs, restaurants, bakers, writers, and food peeps who are shaping how and what we eat. Started by the James Beard Foundation, the awards shine a light not just on great cooking, but also on creativity, culture, and community. Winning (or even being nominated) is a huge deal in the industry. Here’s what other Vegas names are on this year’s semifinalists list.
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Elizabeth Blau, Blau + Associates (Buddy V’s and Honeysalt), Las Vegas, NV
Emerging Chef
- Ellie Parker, Main Street Provisions, Las Vegas, NV
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Kimberly Mcintosh, MILKFISH Bakeshop, Las Vegas, NV
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages
- Ada’s, Las Vegas, NV
Best New Bar
- Nocturno, Las Vegas, NV
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
- Bank Atcharawan, Jipata, Las Vegas, NV
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Mariena Mercer Boarini, Aft Cocktail Deck, Las Vegas, NV
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
- Oulay Ceesay Fisher, Calabash African Kitchen, Las Vegas, NV
- Brian Howard, Sparrow + Wolf, Las Vegas, NV
- Yuri Szarzewski, Partage, Las Vegas, NV
- Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa, Las Vegas, NV
- Jamie Tran, Black Sheep, Las Vegas, NV
- James Trees, Bar Bohème, Las Vegas, NV