Entrepreneur, amazing chef, TV personality from Chopped Canada, and NOW judge on CBC’s Recipe To Riches which premiered last night. Over the summertime I had the chance to meet this creative genius at one of his restaurants in Vancouver called Rangoli. We got together for a cup of chai and a chat about food, his professional journey, how far he has come to where he is now, and of course Butter Chicken Lasagna.
Vikram then invited me to check out dinner later on next door at his namesake resto, Vij’s. As the imminent personality popularizing Desi food to the greater Canadian community, I was super excited to finally try out his dishes! I arrived pretty early to find a huge line up. Guests were waiting on the patio with a drink in their hand, having a laugh, and enjoying complimentary appetizers as they waited for their name to be called. I got a chance to hang out with some diners and chat to them about Vij’s restaurant. Many mentioned it was their second, third, eighth time eating there. Overall, everyone was happy to be there and did not mind the long wait. Who could complain when you are enjoying a nice summer day on the patio in the gorgeous BC evening?
Vij came out to greet all of his waiting guests with a big smile in his awesome Kurtha top and handled the crowd with his amazing charisma. He made sure to come by to greet and welcome me to Vij’s, all the while paying as much attention to the rest of his guests. Usually when you go to a fancy and popular restaurant, the executive chef is either not there or is behind closed doors…not Vij. He was mingling with everyone, creating that amazing atmosphere that one would expect at a restaurant of this caliber.
After I was seated, Vij came over to personally take my order. He asked me what I would like to have for dinner. My response? “Whatever you would eat!” With a smirk, Vij wrote out my order and this is how my night went…
Fun fact! in a male-dominated food industry, Vij hires only female cooks in his kitchen!
The naan bread was so fresh and soft.
Jackfruit in black cardamom and cumin curry - this was such an amazing appetizer. From the texture to the spices....totally on point.I thought it was meat for a second
The best main dish I have ever had...I ate this dish twice. Wine marinated lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry on turmeric and spinach potatoes. The imagination of this dish was taken to another level.
Grilled sablefish in tomato-yogurt broth on navy beans sautéed in onion masala. Flavours were so robust
Have to finish off with dessert, as it was well worth it!
Such an amazing meal that you know I went back the next day to eat here again...#noregrets #goodeats
