Atul Bhola, who honed his hospitality skills managing hotels in his native India and, more recently, at Heritage India, will be opening his own restaurant, Masala Art, in Tenleytown next week (4441-B Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-362-4441). The Buzz caught up with Bhola to talk about his new venture.

Zagat Buzz: Why did you name your place Masala Art?

Atul Bhola: In India, cooking is considered an art form to be savored along with music and paintings. We believe that there is a “perfect moment” for eating particular dishes, such as fritters with onions and potatoes – they’re warming – on chilly, rainy days. The first part of the name – Masala – is a combination of spices and flavorings that gives our food its distinctive, pungent tastes.

ZB: What kinds of dishes will be on the menu?

AB: We will serve a wide variety of choices from all over India including many lesser known dishes. A special feature will be tawa selections cooked on a heavy griddle. My chef friends in India have shared some of their secret recipes – for example, for gaulati kebab, an exotic lamb dish that uses the tawa and features a special spice mix that was prepared for the sultans. Another unusual dish is dahi bhalle – lentil dumplings dipped in a yogurt sauce. There is an extensive vegetarian selection.

ZB: You took over storefront space that housed the Japanese Kuma – how have you made it your own place?

AB: We painted the walls a delicate pastel green. I have hung my own artwork collection – paintings and modern photo collages of temple art. There are some intricately carved and embossed accent pieces that are characteristic of my homeland.

– Olga Boikess