THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tantra

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tantra Restaurant Review:

Pulling off a split personality---hip nightspot and reputable restaurant---is not an easy task in any city, but locals in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles definitely know cool, and with its stellar Indian cuisine, Tantra fits the bill. High ceilings, low lighting and deep, soothing colors create an ambience tinged with mystery. Indian-style décor mixes with high-tech video displays and cozy furniture in a lounge area off to the right. To the left is a smallish dining room with tables and tucked-away booths. Green chicken tikka may look unappealing (who considers green a good quality in meat?), but the flavors are outstanding, as are those in gilafi dum biryani---lamb under a flaky crust, cooked with aromatic spices and basmati rice. The spices don't compete for attention the way the diners' chic outfits do; maybe this is why Tantra seems to have found the perfect blend of everything at this Eastside location.