Mela on the Sixth

Heads up, «Mela on the Sixth» was formerly «Angon on Sixth.» Previously, I had a horrible experience, running the gamut from poor service to horrible food. I expected my experience with this restaurant to end there. However, it did not.
As I checked my bank statement last month, I noticed a charge of $ 49.55 from «Mela on the Sixth.» That’s odd. I have never heard of this restaurant, and certainly did not eat there on the date of my charge. So, I did some investigating, and found out the change in name.
I called my bank, and they suggested to call the restaurant, so I did. I spoke to someone, who said that they were having «credit card» problems, and that they were «mistakenly charging» old credit cards. I find this statement problematic and odd for a few reasons. Firstly, I ate at this restaurant over FOUR MONTHS AGO. So, you’re telling me that you had my card «on record» for all that time?!? Secondly, don’t you have a responsibility to void the fraudulent charges once it comes to their attention?
To add insult to injury, they asked for my credit card information in order to «refund me.» The refund never came. Needless to say, I am filing a report with my bank to get this fraudulent transaction voided, and to the better business bureau to report fraudulent practices. Moreover, I have to go through the hassle of canceling my credit card.
This has never happened to me. I strongly suggest that patrons of this restaurant check their statements for fraudulent charges from this restaurant. Shame on «Mela on Sixth» for their deceptive and fraudulent business practices.

AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COST!!! THEY STEAL YOUR MONEY (LITERALLY)!!
Look, I held back from writing a negative review on this place right after I ate there in August, even though I was thoroughly disappointed by my experience there. The food was mediocre at best, and their service practice was questionable (the staff told us that we could use our
coupon at the door but after we sat down said it wasn’t valid). But my fellow diner left a bad review already (see jack. p) so I let my own vent go unvented, even though we wasted $ 50 on the meal that was charged to my credit card.
Now, two months later, I randomly found a charge on my credit card for $ 110.76 credited to Mela on the Sixth. I immediately called my credit card company and am now going through a dispute claim. I am absolutely stunned that this actually happens. Of all the places in the world that I use my credit card for, the last place I would imagine to have the SHEER AUDACITY to attempt a fraudulent charge on a past customer’s credit card would be a restaurant in New York City. How in the world they manage to keep running a business is simply beyond me. I could only imagine how many other people they’ve slipped past who don’t really read their credit card statements carefully.
Honestly, I rarely leave scathing reviews on Unilocal or any other site, but this is simply just beyond deplorable. Seriously, STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AS POSSIBLE. You know, given the lack of (and bad) reviews on this place so far, I wouldn’t be surprised they get shut down soon. This was why I originally refrained from leaving them a bad review a couple of months ago. Now I have no qualms about it. The sooner they shut down, the bigger of a service they’re doing to the city.

Most of the indian places on curry row are basically junk but a few are cheap enough to be worth it when you factor in the BYO. I would never have gone to one this expensive, though, if it weren’t for a $ 25 off
gift certificate to the place that used to occupy the same spot, Angon. When we showed up we realized that it apparently changed hands, and decided that despite the risk we’d give the new guy a shot.
I was really disappointed.
I will say first that the garlic naan was fantastic (really well risen, not greasy, not too chewy) and the chutneys served pre-​meal were also unusually good.
But the actual meal: the chaat samosa was a weird barely-​lukewarm temperature and completely drowned in yogurt. The tandoori fish tikka was unbelievably dry (really; it was barely edible). The shrimp in the shrimp dopeja was also pretty damn overcooked, while the sauce in the dopeaja was fine but not good. The rice didn’t leave an impact.
I eat a pretty reasonable amount of both super cheap and upscale indian food, and I think you’re safer almost anywhere else than here. New Restaurant Owner: I hate writing bad reviews; I’m sure you’re trying, but when there are two people in the whole restaurant there’s really no excuse. Unilocal people: go somewhere else. The chili pepper light place, haveli, sonar gaow, etc.

Apparently this restaurant is relatively new, but retains most of the staff and menu from a prior Indian restaurant that used to be here, «Angon on the Sixth.» The night we went in the place was absolutely deserted (we were the only table for more than 2 hours). Which is unfortunate, because the food was amazing.
I didn’t realize it until afterwards, but they have a 15% student discount.