Saffron's Modern Take On Indian Cuisine Opening In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — A new restaurant that promises to transport diners to India - at least in a culinary sense - is having a grand opening this week in Red Bank.

Saffron is a "uniquely modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine," its creative team says.

And it is inviting the public to its grand opening on Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at its location, 31 W. Front St. If the address sounds familiar, it should. It was the site of the Front Street Trattoria for many years until it closed in late 2020.

But now a new experience will be awaiting guests at Saffron - and it sounds like a concept that will pique even the most experienced foodie's curiosity.

Saffron will offer an elevated dining experience using "new-age culinary techniques, artful presentation, and contemporary design," its owners say.

But first, they ask diners to consider the name itself - "Saffron." Saffron is a deep yellow aromatic material obtained from fresh blossoms, a spice that adds a golden hue and flavor to any cuisine, they say.

And Indian spices are the inspiration that brings the dining experience at Saffron to a new level.

Through several years of research and planning, Monmouth County-based residents and owners Amrita Jogi and Manish Kumar, along with Executive Chef Abhishek Patil, worked together to find not only an "exquisite space," but to develop a menu that "pushes the boundaries of Indian cuisine," they say.

The menu "incorporates Western techniques and flavors we experience outside our homes and blends them with the traditional spices and aromas," they say.

And Red Bank was their enthusiastic choice, they add. Saffron is owned and operated by Sage & Salt LLC. The first Saffron restaurant, owned by other family members Fatima Kumar and Hanish Kumar, is located in the historic Third Ward of Downtown Milwaukee, says Jogi.

“We’ve been looking for the perfect spot to open Saffron in New Jersey and are incredibly grateful to be part of such a warm and welcoming community,” said Jogi. “Seeing the whole process take shape and visitors from near and far stopping in and gushing over how excited they are for us to open makes my heart full.”

Jogi said she has been visiting Red bank for over 20 years, and Red Bank's warmth and feeling of community made it her first choice, she said. The individuality of a downtown site was preferable to a strip mall location, she said. "And I already frequented the area so much."

The newly renovated 1,700-square-foot space with over 70 seats will showcase the luxury of old-world Indian royalty, the owners say. The interior design will feature accents of gold, hand-painted murals, and marble tables, which were hand-selected to give the space a modern feel. There is also convenient off-street parking, Jogi said.

And Saffron's cuisine reflects the richness - yet modernity - of the surroundings.

Saffron "exemplifies the celebration of combining a contemporary interpretation of Indian food without compromising the authentic regional flavors of age-old Indian dishes," the owners say.

Chef Patil and his team pay homage to the authentic flavors India offers from all its regions and present them to audiences who may have never tried Indian food before.

“From the beginning, our vision was clear. We wanted guests to transport to a new experience
that will make them feel they traveled to India,” said Patil, who has over a decade of experience.

His menu, he said, uses non-traditional ingredients while incorporating "futuristic technology
and plating methods that invite guests to interact with the food.”

And Saffron plans to expand diners' perceptions of what Indian cuisine can be by creating elevated dishes from all regions of the country - "like a road trip for their palate," owners say.

Along with this, the menu caters to a variety of dietary needs by offering organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, halal, and kosher options.

The website can be accessed here, although it is not yet fully active. But it will be as final touches are put on Red bank's newest dining venue.