Photo courtesy of restaurant
Chef Ajay Kumar
Karma Modern Indian, a Michelin-recognized destination for fine Indian cuisine in downtown Washington, D.C., is opening a sister restaurant in Alexandria.
Dubbed Kismet Modern Indian, the restaurant will be at 111 N. Pitt St. and is set for a fall opening.
The location was formerly home, for a short time, to BurgerFi and before that, Ireland's Own. The late Pat Troy presided over the legendary spot for more than three decades.
Karma founding partner Sachin Mahajan plans to open the new restaurant as a casual, family-friendly eatery and showcase the award-winning fare of Karma Executive Chef Ajay Kumar.
Although many of us are familiar with the term "karma," which refers to the effects our actions have on our lives and the lives of others, "Kismet" may not be as familiar. It means "your destiny," and Mahajan and Kumar say they plan on fulfilling their destiny with this next venture.
“We’re delighted to be in a position to build on the success of our first endeavor and bring to Kismet Modern Indian the same commitment to excellence that our customers have come to know and love at Karma,” Mahajan said.
Kismet will be the second restaurant for Mahajan, a longtime financial executive who opened Karma in December 2017, offering D.C.-area diners with an authentic taste of Indian cuisine. He and Kumar, a New Delhi native, along with their talented team of dedicated staff, both back and front of the house, are passionate about serving food that is "unforgettably delicious in a relaxed setting with skilled service and fine beverages."
Like Karma, the new location aims to make Indian food more approachable, a long-time goal of both Kumar and Mahajan.
“We want to leave guests with a new understanding of what Indian cuisine can be,” said Kumar, “Whether that’s Lobster Masala with Beetroot Poriyal, Pan-Seared Scallops with Sesame Seeds and Red Pepper Sauce, Lamb Chops and Cumin Potatoes, or one of our unexpected daily creations, the food is intended to elevate your dining experience and tickle your curiosity.”
Executive Chef Kumar has trained for his position leading a kitchen since he was a child cooking alongside his mother. Chef Ajay brings years of training and an artist's eye to his job leading the kitchen at Karma Modern Indian in Washington, D.C. Having trained under well-known chefs from India and Japan, Chef Ajay appreciates fresh and flavor-packed ingredients. Firmly believing that people “eat with their eyes first,” Chef Ajay meticulously prepares his dishes down to the final exquisite detail.
Having first studied under his mother in her Indian kitchen, Chef Ajay honors traditional cooking methods and brings skills he learned in his home as a young boy into the kitchen at Karma every day. Chef Ajay worked as a chef in New Delhi for over 15 years before emigrating in 2003. He honed his craft at Indian restaurants in Northern Virginia and developed a reputation representing one of the best Indian caterers in the metropolitan area.
Having settled into his career and longing for a new project, Chef Ajay partnered with Sachin Mahajan and Ricky Singh, and together they envisioned a dining experience where Indian food is not only more approachable but modern and an exceptional dining experience. Combining his Japanese and Indian training and his eye for perfection with his love of unique ingredients, Chef Ajay aims to create a modern twist on what people perceive as Indian cuisine.
A talented artist not only in the kitchen, Chef Ajay also creates impressive works of art using oil and acrylic paints on canvas. A true artist at heart, Chef Ajay seeks to replicate one of his paintings and create a dining experience that appeals to all of the senses and leaves diners with a new impression of Indian cuisine.
When not grinding spices or creating art, Chef Ajay enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Chef Ajay seeks to tear down the cultural barriers that prevent people from stepping out of their comfort zones and enjoying the many tastes that Indian food has to offer.
Karma Modern Indian, located at 611 I St. NW, is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For reservations call 202-898-0393 or visit karmamodernindian.com.
Kismet Modern Indian will be located at 111 N. Pitt St. in Old Town Alexandria.
