Indian Charmer Pappe Fires Up Its Kitchen This Week

Area newcomer Pappe introduces Logan Circle diners to its take on Indian offerings including samosas, curry dishes, and cardamom cocktails starting Monday June 4.

The 85-seat establishment (1317 14th Street NW), packed with authentic imported details and a whimsical design inspired by bustling fabric markets in New Delhi, is scheduled to do dinner-only service for now. From June 4 to Monday, June 11, patrons will get a 15-percent discount as part of the new restaurant’s staggered rollout.

Small plate selections ($5 -$17) include: samosas with tamarind and cilantro-mint chutneys; Indian-style crab cakes; and vegetable uttapam, a dosa-like dish served with sambar, coconut, and garlic chutney. Entrees ($15-$32) include chicken tikki masala; bone-in goat with garlic tomato chutney and red curry; and Chilean seabass with coconut, curry leaves and green chilies. Vegetarian options include palak paneer featuring spinach, garlic and cheese; seasonal vegetables in Korma sauce; and slow-cooked chickpeas in roasted spices inspired by the “chana pindi” dish Mandhaiya cooked during an apprenticeship in India.

Pappe comes from hospitality vets Sanjay Mandhaiya and Shankar Puthran, both chefs at Saffron in Falls Church, Virginia, and first-time restaurateur Vipul Kapila. Kapila, who runs an IT company, has been a frequent customer at Saffron and became a fan of the chefs’ vindaloo there.

Pappe is scheduled to operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, anf rom 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Lunch and brunch service are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Status: Scheduled to open at 5 p.m. 1317 14th Street NW; website.

Scroll down to see photos of the chef and few of the featured menu items:

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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