A strikingly modern Indian restaurant just off Old Dominion Drive in McLean, Café Taj is a contemporary oasis. A multi-tiered white marble fountain sits just inside the entryway greeting diners with a peaceful babble, some pause, toss a coin and make a wish. White columns flank both sides of the fountain and stand guard to a pristine miniature replica of the Taj Mahal. The tables are smooth black marble and the interior is filled with light that streams through the exterioir glass and plays off of the mirror-covered walls. It feels open and airy. Recessed lighting glows overhead, just dim enough to feel relaxing, but bright enough to easily peruse the menu.While reviewing the menu, sample a flavorful combination. A cold Kingfisher, a traditional Indian beer and a couple papadums ($1.50), sun-dried fried crackers, are a tasty start. The papadums are large, round and crispy, flecked with black pepper. Snap the cracker into pieces and dip it into the accompanying green mint sauce, made of a mixture of green chilies and coriander. The papadum’s fire is happily squelched by a sip of the chilled beer.
