"It 's election night 2016 and I am sitting in Anglo-Indian restaurant, The Royal Munkey, at 438 Second Avenue at the corner of East 25 Street, in Manhattan 's Kips Bay neighborhood. The Royal Munkey is a slightly larger space than its elder sibling, The Drunken Munkey at 338 E. 92 Street, higher up on the East Side. The Royal Munkey sports a loungy interior furnished in royal blue and gold trim, with seating that is firm and cushiony to ease back onto and relax. The menu selection recaptures Old Bombay, with selections like Railway Chicken Curry, Classic Punjabi Tandoori Chicken, Sindhi Fish Curry, Goan Pork Vindalu, Butter Paneer Tikka Masala, and other colonial specialties recapturing a previous era of Indian dining. I am more of a vegetarian lately, so I went for the Garden Vegetable Korma, just as I did at the sibling location, The Royal Munkey, during a visit at an earlier date. And I was not disappointed as my selection had the same consistency and buttery smooth flavor-fulness. But this time I paired it with a plate of Chili Cheese Toast, spicy but not too hot, which in itself can be a filling appetizer for those just coming in just for cocktails and looking for something to nosh on. The Crispy Okra also makes a great appetizer before the main course or something to nosh on while just seated for drinks. But beyond the great Anglo-Indian cuisine offered, the Royal Munkey (similar to The Drunken Munkey) also excels in artisanal cocktail offerings. So it is equally a great place to bring the gang in for a round of special and fun cocktails to sip on as it is to dine at, as it is a cultural dining experience. The bar is long (enough) and spacious, and of course there is adequate dining area seating for small groups that just come in for cocktails, with panoramic window views. The Royal Munkey only builds on the success of it 's elder sibling, The Drunken Munkey, and is a destination to strongly consider for cocktails or dining."
