June 5th, 2012 
Photo courtesy: Tantra Atlanta Restuarant
Never did I think I could actually receive a seductive experience at a restaurant. Sexy, pleasurable, and sensual are not words I usually use to describe any dining experience, let alone the food. Tantra had me eating my words, no pun intended. Located in the South of Buckhead, Tantra Restaurant and Lounge emodies the Tantric Philosophy that embraces one’s enlightenment through a sensual journey that can only be found here. The attractive staff, sultry decor and alluring scents help to set the stage of a restaurant that lives up to its name. General Manager, Laurend Abraham claims “it’s more than just a restuarant- it is a haven for diners to be entertained and rejuvenated,” and I couldn’t agree with him more. On May 30th, Tantra held a Fiery Food Dinner, a spicy three course meal including a signature cocktail, guaranteed to get my blood boiling and heart pumping. Being the adventurous type, I agreed to partake. As soon as I arrived I was immediately greeted by the complimentary valet service and proceeded to enter the giant wooden doors. The first room was the patio area, great for mid-day drinks and catching up on the latest gossip, but my real journey began when I entered the main dining area. I instantly fell in love. The atmosphere was seductive with dim lighting and sophisticated architecture. I was immediately escorted to my table towards the back facing asian influenced artwork. The place definitely screamed adults only. This was a restaurant I would want to bring a date as the atmosphere just oozed romance. The waitress brought us each a glass of water, little did I know I would need about five more.
Photo courtesy: Katherine Kimbrell
Our first course was a trio of very spicy Hummus served with their delicious Naan bread. One was a Habanero and Black Eyed Pea, another a Red Jalapeno and Chickpea, and a Pablano and Black Bean. My favorite was the Red Jalapeno and Chickpea. During the meal I ordered the signature drink of the night: Seven Year Spice featuring Karma Tequila. If you perfer Tequila, then this drink is right up your alley. However, my favorite was a cocktail not apart of the event, but one that I couldn’t help but try. The name says it all, Ladies Aphrodisiac, a signature cocktail that I will go back for. Ladies I recommend this drink. The cocktail was made of vodka, rasberry and lime juice and garnished with a Persian cucumber and a rasberry. Tastebuds beginning to catch fire I was ready for the main course: the Fiery Entree Duo.
Photo courtesy: Katherine Kimbrell
The Duo included Salmon seasoned with a chili rub and harissa glaze as well as jalapeno raita on top. A Ghost Chili Beef Randang with indonesian-style curry completed the meal with basmati rice separating the two. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the chili rub completed the dish. The Beef Randang was also very good, spicy, but good and being my first time to sample ghost chili, I had no complaints. Overall the entree was excellent, but definitely not for the faint hearted. A yogurt like concoction was also served to help soothe the palette. Endorphins flowing I was ready for the grand finale: dessert.
The dessert consisted of four bite sized sorbets and icecreams: Ghost Chile and Caramelized Pineapple Sorbet, Anaheim and Green Apple Sorbet, Chipotle and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, and Thai Chili and Thai Tea Ice Cream. Having a weakness for chocolate, my favorite was the Chipotle and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream. The spice becomes prevalent in the aftertaste. Also, I just HAD to try their famous Creme Brulee as well as their White Chocolate Cake, and it was purely divine.
Photo courtesy: Katherine Kimbrell
Overall my dining experience was excellent. The staff was very accommodating and informative. Tantra has become my new favorite restaurant in the city, perfect for a date night or a night out on the town with friends. Let yourself be seduced by this restaurant and your senses be stimulated.
WHERE: Tantra Restaurant
2285 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Ph. 404-228-7963
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m , Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Closed Sunday
