It’s funny how you remember certain things, especially that last plate of exquisite Indian fare. What I’m trying to figure out, though, is why it rains whenever I yield to the delights of the tandoor clay oven.

It rained horribly as we ran into London’s La Porte Des Indes, it rained at the last Chaine dinner hosted by Passage to India in Ocho Rios, and two weeks ago as I enjoyed the company of a dear friend at the Market Place’s Jewel of India it rained yet again.Monsoon aside, the promise of fine Indian cuisine is always fulfilled.

It is, according to those in touch with their spirituality, a result of the subtle mélange of herbs and spices, not just for flavour and aroma but for creating balance and harmony within the body. Indian food is based on the six tastes (Rasa Sanskrit): sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent, and I reckon on this last culinary journey my palate has truly embraced the mystical and spiritual lure of a cuisine that dates back centuries, spanning influences from the Moghuls, Persians, Portuguese and Mongolians.

Allow bartender Roy McKenzie to whip up a refreshing Mango Lassi, a blend of mango and yoghurt – this we’ve learnt over the years, is akin to a palate cleanser and is an excellent sweet, cool way to counter the pungency of Indian fare. Be warned, however, that the Vindaloo Margarita, a blend of Tequila, tamarind and lemon juice, delivers a kick that will send shudders down the spine and it might be an effort in futility to ignore the Kama Sutra, a mixture of Skyy Vodka and X-Rated Fusion liqueur or Holi, a subtle fusion of Absolut Citron, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Midori and Blue Curacao.

Our orders now on the table, it’s pretty ridiculous to know where to start and we’re thrilled to have the expertise of father-and-son team Pascal and Anil Sud. The Chili Mushrooms served from a silver tureen sets the pace for what will culminate in a slow, seductive dining experience of uncomplicated yet delicious fare. We munch on crispy mushrooms served straight from the flames that are lightly coated and sautéed with sweet peppers, onions and soy sauce.

The meal could easily have ended right there with the basket of freshly baked Papadoms, Tandoori Roti, Garlic Nan, Aloo Paratha (bread stuffed with minced potatoes) and Churi Nan (stuffed with coconut and raisins), but a gentle nudge and a spoon of Vegetable Biryani, layers of Basmati rice with vegetables topped with cashews and nuts and the not-quite-able-to-put-your-finger-on-it Indian cheese paneer distracts from the mushrooms.

The soothing Raita (yoghurt) is a must. Pay close attention to the symbols at the bottom of each page – the Vegetable Biryani is hot! The Masala Lamb Chops are portions of hearty protein marinated in Indian aromatic herbs, truly juicy and succulent, served with rice pilau and sautéed vegetables.

Another unexpected delight would come this time from the Bhindi Do Piaza, okra with browned onions and dried mango powder. Crunchy mouthfuls of tasty, far from slimy greens. This is perhaps the bitter that would eliminate bacterial elements, purify the blood and aid in digestion. Vegetarians and non-red meat-eaters will delight in the fare at Jewel of India. Jhinga KadaiWalla – large shrimps sautéed with onions, sweet peppers and flavoured with spices followed the tasty okra, opening our taste buds to yet another interesting mélange of spices.

Jewel of India with its ample bar, soft furnishing and lighting that provides just the right level of intimacy is a culinary haven, so be prepared to fall prey to its seductive charm. A lot of work has gone into this restaurant and that includes the restrooms too.

Take a final drink outside or pop over as we did (desserts are indeed offered at Jewel of India and the Emperor’s Morsels (Shahi Tukra)-crispy saffron bread pudding cooked with milk cardamom, coconut and almonds is uppermost on our minds for the next visit) but for now, as we watch the final drops of rain, a trip next door to Nicole’s Sweet Temptation (isn’t this why we love this culinary centre called Market Place) and forkfuls of her Velvet Mocha Rum cake and the Princess Lemon Mousse find favour with our seventh sense.

Jewel of India

Shop #37, Market Place

67 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10

Reservations recommended for large groups

Tel# 906-3984

Prices: moderate to high and do not include GCT and Gratuities.

Why the Hype?

In addition to exceptionally great food and service it’s run by Anil Sud, a man who’s truly passionate about food and service.

Who goes there?

Everybody worth mentioning.

What to order?

As many of the vegetarian offerings as possible, like the Chilli Mushrooms, the breads and the Masala Lamb Chops.

Best Table The one right at the very end.