Why a Nightclub?

The owners of Mysore Masala in Redmond have opened Navya Lounge on the second floor of Rainier Square, in the old Crepe de Paris space. The month-old restaurant already looks like it's trying too hard.

I went in to check the place out Wednesday afternoon, and not only was I greeted with a flashing "open" sign, but the hostess immediately gave me a coupon for my next meal.

I snuck inside to see a solo diner in the expansive dining room (not to mention what looks like a ginormous kick-ass patio out back).

The hostess told me they have a live d.j. on sporadic nights; right now, someone's spinnin' the hits on Mondays and Wednesdays and some weekends.

The lunch menu is comprised of 11 prix fixed menu items: half Indian, half Thai. The Indian portion contains two vegetarian choices (different spins on vegetable curry) and two meat choices (vegetable curry with chicken or lamb). The Thai side features seven traditional dishes (bathing rama, drunken noodle, pad thai, etc.) with your choice of meat, tofu or veggies served with steamed rice. Prices range from $10 to $14.

I'm excited to try this restaurant, if for nothing else to hear what songs the d.j. plays for a half-empty dining room.

Navya Lounge
1333 5th Ave
623-4111