Design Critic

Tanzore Restaurant

Design Divo Reveals an Extreme Makeover

Remember Gaylords, the only ‘fine dining’ Indian restaurant in Los Angeles for years on La Cienega? Same owners, but Tanzore is an ultimate frog-turned-prince makeover worthy of any reality show fodder. Ignoring the uninviting dark window exterior, I enter and am enveloped by an oceanic turquoise lounge, complete with transitional striped furniture, inviting pink throw pillows and blooming orchids. I have a strange urge to break out into Indian dance as I am mesmerized by larger-than-life screens showing couture cat walk fashion shows and Bollywood movies. Check out 333 Fridays, where the lounge gets some action as Indian and non-Indian DJ’s spin tunes and the bar sells $3 dollar Indian themed cocktails like Bombay Fever or Delhi Heat. If you are lucky enough, you may catch the general manager Paul (a white east coaster guy) showing off his expert Indian dance moves.

As I pull myself away from the blue lagoon lounge, a towering glass wine case transitions the lounge from the main dining room. The colors dramatically shift from cool to warm, reminding me of the spices found in Indian dishes like cinnamon and saffron. It’s a gay-sian delight: golden cubed lighting, an undulating wooden wall, flowery-striped wallpaper, burgundy ceilings and a central stone fountain. Even the private party room is fit for a king with textured, pearly walls, candle light and a massive antique haveli wooden door.

Very similar to the plate presentation of the tandoori sea bass, the dining room is over-decorated with its Cost Plus looking knick knacks placed in any available space. I don’t like to be challenged by the décor when I dine and these relic vases and pots are ‘things that make you go, huh?’ Between the fake floral arrangements and over knick-knackiness, it makes me reminisce of my Aunt Dora’s living room.

Overall, Tanzore redefines Indian fine dining sure to please the foodie or the fashionista in LA style and surely worth your time to explore, even if you are forced to watch TV as you visit the men’s urinal.

Tanzore
50 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310.652.3894 • www.tanzore.com

Delights: Homemade Chai, Extensive Wine List,
Creative Fusion Menu,
Helpful Manager, Paul

Doozies: Fussy decor,
Needs more guests (too quiet)