One day while shopping we stumbled upon Elettaria. No joke. On an unlikely street, in the middle of the shoes stores on 8th, is this wonderful spot. Highly anticipated for months by foodies (we were waiting too, we just didn't know this was the address) from Chef Akhtar Nawab (The E.U., Craftbar) and Noel Cruz (Craft, Craftbar), this is the one spot that not only lives up to its buzz but exceeds it. Nawab, from India, and Cruz, from the Philippines, named their spot the Latin word for green cardamom and it is their exquisite use of spices for the lucky diners in the mere 57 dining room seats that has them raving about the dayboat sea scallops with celery root puree and oxtail with Meyer lemon and cilantro leaves. One time we were there, during what was probably the best meal we've had all year, we also liked a white asparagus special of the day (which though a bit pricey) was scrumptiously tender so the daily items are worth the gamble. Unlike other spots, the house does not seem to play favourites so this is good news for you (every one has a fair shot getting in here), bad news for us as after this is published, we'll probably never get a table again. But we're willing to take that chance as Akhtar Nawab's cooking is just too good to keep a secret.

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