The news that Chef Prasad Chirnomula was moving across Main Street to the building that formerly housed Boulevard 18 in New Canaan spread like wildfire throughout the culinary underground in Fairfield County. Locals who enjoyed his cuisine at Thali would once again enjoy the chef’s traditional and inventive Indian creations. What concept would the new restaurant entail? Would it duplicate the feel and cuisine of Thali.
In an exclusive interview with CTbites, the celebrity chef gave his insight into his vision of the new restaurant, INDIA, from the new concept for the cuisine and the vibe to the exciting collaboration on the cocktails with mixologist Jessica Spector. With an anticipated opening date in mid-April, the chef is already developing a different feel for INDIA.
When Chirnomula announced the closing of Thali, his landmark Connecticut restaurant, he was quick to mention that he was not leaving New Canaan, but was looking for a smaller, more intimate location. The neighboring space at 62 Main was a perfect location and he spoke with the owners of Boulevard 18, who wanted to concentrate on their sister restaurant, Strada 18 in South Norwalk…the timing was perfect. This free-standing building dates back almost 150 years and has housed several outstanding restaurants including L’Abbée and Aloi, prior to Boulevard 18.
Tikkaway has opened a second location at 2 Howe Street in New Haven, in addition to their original location at 135 Orange Street, serving the same fast casual and healthy Indian menu. This article was originally posted on September 1, 2013. Enjoy!
There is a movement underway in New Haven that may change the way Americans view Indian food. Often the domain of full-service restaurants, Indian cuisine has yet to enter the category of ‘fast casual.’ This scarcity is what some would call an opportunity.
Tikkaway Grill is the brainchild of businessman Gopinath (Gopi) Nair, a chef with the rare combination of a culinary degree and an MBA. Gopi may be a familiar face to Indian food lovers in Fairfield County as a former managing partner of Coromandel, spending much of his time in its South Norwalk location. His passion for Indian cuisine, combined with an unfailing dedication to customer service, has inspired Tikkaway’s central tenants--a fresh, healthy, and informal take on Indian food. A pared down menu, casual setting and approachable price point, seeks to demystify while at the same time celebrating, the south asian spice-loving cuisine for the masses.
Equal parts businessman and chef, Gopi Nair is the man behind New Haven's 'fast casual' Tikkaway Grill. The former managing partner of South Norwalk's Coromandel, he is a familiar face to Indian food lovers in Fairfield County and has thankfully extended his reach east to New Haven. His passion for Indian cuisine and dedication to customer service has inspired Tikkaway’s central tenants: a fresh, healthy, and informal take on Indian food.
"I have been thinking that to me the world has two sets of people," said Nair. "Those who love Indian food but can't get enough and more frequently, and those who don't know Indian cuisine and have stayed away from it till now! Tikkaway grill is for both of them."
1. If you had unexpected guests arriving at your home for dinner in one hour, what would you whip up?
[Update: November 4, 2014] Tikkaway has opened a second location at 2 Howe Street in New Haven, in addition to their original location at 135 Orange Street in New Haven.
There is a movement underway in New Haven that may change the way Americans view Indian food. Often the domain of full-service restaurants, Indian cuisine has yet to enter the category of ‘fast casual.’ This scarcity is what some would call an opportunity.
Tikkaway Grill is the brainchild of businessman Gopinath (Gopi) Nair, a chef with the rare combination of a culinary degree and an MBA. Gopi may be a familiar face to Indian food lovers in Fairfield County as a former managing partner of Coromandel, spending much of his time in its South Norwalk location. His passion for Indian cuisine, combined with an unfailing dedication to customer service, has inspired Tikkaway’s central tenants--a fresh, healthy, and informal take on Indian food. A pared down menu, casual setting and approachable price point, seeks to demystify while at the same time celebrating, the south asian spice-loving cuisine for the masses.
To quote a great Donovan song from the '60's, "I'm just mad about Saffron." Now the true meaning behind those lyrics is intended for another type of blog all together -I'll just stick with the restaurant that shares its name with the spice. Saffron, the year old Indian restaurant located at 333 Westport Ave in Norwalk, is the labor of love for "Pinky" Kaur, a native of Northern India. The establishment is modest and seats about 35 guests, but just like the spice, a little SAFFRON goes a very long way. We ordered, (as is our tradition), an extensive selection of the menu, but each dish that arrived seemed more well executed than the one before. This is not fancy Indian; this is authentic North-Indian at its finest. Here's the play by play.
Indian Master Chefs Prasad Chirnomula and Maneet Chauhan, along with Culinary Instructor Jody Eddy have meticulously planned a gastronomic and cultural journey to India, December 1 - 13, 2012.
One way to reach India's heart is through its stomach. Centuries of applied epicurean experimentation have led to several regional centers of India such as the regal Rajasthan. Through formal and informal discussions throughout this journey, Prasad and Maneet will provide invaluable insights of their homeland and guide you through one of the greatest gourmet spice journeys you will ever experience.
From the bustling metropolis of Delhi to the serene natural quiet of the Thar Desert, you will explore India and celebrate the tastes and the sights and the sounds, while meeting the people that give India its name and its fame.
For a detailed itinerary, pricing and more information about registration, visit www.jhcbh.com.
“The goal of this evening is so you will dare to order a glass of wine next time you dine at a restaurant.” Those were the words of Coromandel’s managing partner, chef, and jack of all trades, Gopi Nair at the latest CTBites Invites event where Indian cuisine was paired with wines from around the world.
But wine with Indian food? It is possible. Apparently wine was popular among Indians thousands of years ago but as time passed the country became integrated which resulted in wine becoming all but obsolete. Nair explained to the dining room of food fanatics that he did not grow up pairing wine with food but people should not stray from marrying the two. “You can come to an Indian restaurant and order wine,” Nair said. “You don’t have to order beer or a martini.”
Join Coromandel SoNo's Gopi Nair for anexclusive dinner and wine pairing, hand crafted for CTbites Invites. Gopi will be our "gastronomic host" for a unique 3 course dinner on Thursday March 22 from 7-9:30 pm.
The evening will begin at the bar with appetizers and wine, followed by a sit down dinner with innovative and authentic Indian cuisine. Gopi will explain the preparation and history behind each dish and will select wines to enhance the meal's flavors and spices.
This CTbites Invites event is $65 per person and promises to leave you knowledgeable and appreciative of fine Indian cuisine and wine.
1. If you had unexpected guests arriving at your home for dinner in one hour, what would you whip up? If it is in season will check my garden for some veggies and greens, next check the refrigerator and pantry and then make a decision if I have to go out to the restaurant or grocery store. Tacos are always a priority and a very quick fix. Typically I would whip a salad and/or seafood appetizer and a mix-grill of marinated meats and veggies on the deck.
2. What is the last dish you cooked for yourself?
Today was particularly a very hot day. I made some green apple Gazpacho in the morning and stored it away in the refrigerator and Crab filled Japanese Eggplant with Roselle leaves and green chili paste. Apples, Chilies, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Roselle Leaves were picked fresh of my garden. I am from the rice and spice country, so made some fragrant Basmati Rice.
Chef Nicole is back with some great grilling tips to maximize your summer cooking. This dish was inspired by a trip to Patel Bros, Norwalk's new Indian grocery superstore, and is a delicious and simple dinner or appetizer just perfect for your next BBQ, picnic or beach party. These Grilled Tandoori Shrimp are super quick and can be eaten hot or cold. The Hot Pickled Lime Chutney is seriously addictive.
Local Chef Preeti Sikri has made Indian cooking accessible to the home cook with her ongoing series of classes, CurryOmCurry. Indian cuisine seems daunting to prepare due to the number of seemingly exotic ingredeints, but Preeti recommends just a few basic spices to get started. These are: Cumin seeds, ground coriander, cayenne powder, Garam Masala, Turmeric and Salt. All of these are available (and then some) at Norwalk's new Indian Grocery Superstore, Patel Bros. Enjoy this recipe for Keema Saag or Lamb Mince with Spinach in your house.
I walked into the supermarket, mouth agape - I felt like Alice in Foodland! It was a 10,000 sq feet epicurean trove of gastronomy, nostalgia, delectable aromas and MORE all rolled into one. Finally an ethnic supermarket in Fairfield County.Patel Bros is a family owned grocery store chain that has established itself as a destination for Indian Groceries in North America. With over 35 stores across the country – it is called the Walmart of Indian Groceries, where you get a phenomenal range from the subcontinent at the best price possible. Their motto is “Celebrating Our Food… Our Culture.’ And it sure does. It is like having my own kirana store, times ten, right here in Norwalk!
As an expatriate, I am always on the lookout for good Indian Restaurants – places where I can get a proper Indian comfort food fix. Unfortunately, in this part of the world this is no easy task. Rarely do you come across a gem like Coromandel – offering inspired authentic Indian cuisine, very reasonable prices, and a restaurant experience that delivers in terms of ambience and service.
The Coromandel group has a monopoly on good "home cooked" Indian food in Fairfield County. And while there is ongoing debate over the "best" location, mine is SONO. Manager, Gopi Nair, is very proud about what sets Coromandel apart. Their dishes are based on traditional recipes sourced from master chefs and regional culinary pundits in India. Their local chefs are then trained to cook the ‘Coromandel Way.’
So many Coromandels, so little time. Gopinath Nair and the other 6 partners in this Indian dynasty have opened yet another authentic Indian restaurant, their 3rd of the same name, in Fairfield County. "Indian is a destination, not a 'drive by' and 'stop in' kind of cuisine," Nair says. That explains, perhaps, why the partners chose to open number 3 at the thus-far unsuccessful location off Southport's exit 19 where the old Kicking Horse Tavern used to be. People aren't driving down the Post Road and, on the spur of the moment, deciding to have some curry. The decision has most likely been made before prospective diners get in their cars. So 'location, location, location' may not be so important. 17 Pease Street, although perhaps not the most ideal locale, hidden behind an off-ramp as it over-looks (actually, under -looks!) southbound traffic on I-95, turns out to be a great spot for Indian for those of us in the Fairfield/Westport 'hood. The owners have redesigned the space and warmed it up. The floor is carpeted to absorb most outside noise and the walls are decorated with beautiful Ajanta Cave Drawings. The restaurant seats approx 55 people and there is a full bar with all the trimmings. And by the way, they just so happen to be serving top notch food.
Move over Jack and Diane- Here's a little ditty about Aditi. Aditi Goswami, that is. She's the diminutive heart and soul of Calcutta Kitchens, a phenomenal one woman cooking company where taste and quality are anything but small! Aditi, born in Calucutta and raised in a house full of women - aunts, cousins, etc - was an only child, surrounded by and learning from a loving family where cooking food was not just a means to feed but more a way of life. She now lives in Fairfield County and her goods have solely been available at Farmers' Markets across Ct, NY and NJ. All that is changing with the launch of Calcutta Kitchen's product lines at the new Fairway Market in Stamford. Her fabulously flavorful sauces, vegetables, and soups are a hit wherever she purveys and there's good reason for that. All Ms. Goswami's ingredients come fresh from local farmers' markets and everything she sells is always vegetarian and most often vegan. Cooking for Aditi is much more than a job -it is an art form, it is a way of life, and it is Ayurvedic. Huh?
Given the "Worth It" rating from the NY Times, it was easy to rally a group of hungry enthusiasts to join me at Navaratna for lunch last week. Navaratna is the newest Indian restaurant in the ever expanding dining scene in downtown Stamford. This packed lunch spot is unique in that it features Southern Indian cuisine that is strictly vegetarian (and certified Kosher). As a lover of Indian food, I was intrigued, and we descended upon Navaratna to explore its distinctive menu.
"Chinese Mirch"? You mean the month before Chinese April? Oh, you mean Mirch as in "merchant?" Not that either, eh? Maybe as in, "not mirch, what's new with you?" - close but no cigar, I guess. But it turns out that there's quite a bit that's new with this trendy Chinese/Indian hybrid currently in full swing on Stamford's bustling Atlantic Street. "Chinese Mirch," founded by third generation restaurateur Vik Lulla, is a labor of love for Mr Lulla and his wife Sienam. The couple opened the first "Chinese Mirch" in NYC in 2003 to great critical acclaim. Now, the couple owns two "Chinese Mirch" restaurants in Manhattan, this new Stamford location with another opening in Farmington this Summer, and one in Cambridge, MA coming soon. But what's this Mirch business all about? As someone who HATES not knowing the true meaning of things, I just HAD to find out.
The news that Chef Prasad Chirnomula was moving across Main Street to the building that formerly housed Boulevard 18 in New Canaan spread like wildfire throughout the culinary underground in Fairfield County. Locals who enjoyed his cuisine at Thali would once again enjoy the chef’s traditional and inventive Indian creations. What concept would the new restaurant entail? Would it duplicate the feel and cuisine of Thali. 
