MAPLE RIDGE & PITT MEADOWS TIMES
Indian Flavour
Thursday, March 17, 2016 A13
22356 LOUGHEED HIGHWAY, MAPLE RIDGE | 604-466-3236
AJ Bhogal learned a love for cooking in his mother’s kitchen. Then, as a teen, AJ found himself working in a commercial kitchen where the passion grew. Now at Indian Flavour, AJ delivers authentic tastes of India with Punjabi-style cooking. “I spent most of my money in the kitchen on that,” AJ says of the tandoor clay oven that makes naan bread, kebabs and tandoori chicken. “I want people to see what we do here, to see we make authentic food in an authentic kitchen.”
we make food as good as it can be and offer incredible value.” The creamy, spicy aroma of the buffet is mouthwatering, but it doesn’t even begin to compare to the amazing taste of buffet items like butter chicken, paneer in cream sauce and aloo gobi. Take AJ up on his offer – try his food and tell him what you think.
Jolly Coachman An iconic destination in Pitt Meadows,
the Jolly Coachman has long been known for great food and a fun atmosphere. Chef, Rebecca Hope has been with the pub for close to two decades, bringing her own dimension to Jolly Coachman fare. “These days, people are looking for classics,” Rebecca says. “That means something they recognize, but it also needs to take that familiar taste somewhere exceptional.” One of those exceptional dishes is the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese.
Not just the oven is authentic; AJ also imports raw spices from India and makes his own spice blends. The spices and freshness of the ingredients are obvious in the flavor of the food served on the daily lunch buffet (11am to 3pm) and dine-in, pick-up or delivery dinner items.
She considered what other kinds of meat work with the classic grilled sandwich besides bacon or ham. Red wine and sherry braised short ribs, join melted cheese on thick cut sourdough bread with pickled, caramelized onions and arugula.
“I want you to try my food and tell me what you think,” says AJ. “Ask for a sample, see how good it is. We won’t ever scrimp on quality,
19167 FORD RD, PITT MEADOWS | 604-465-9911 JOLLYCOACHMAN.COM different approach,” she notes. Another dish that takes a fresh approach is the fish tacos with mango salsa, Asian slaw and a sriracha mayo to deliver a sweet and sour fusion taste. Of course a pub needs burgers, but it’s the Jolly Coachman’s multi-layers of flavours in burgers like the Big Blue and the Double Trouble that are worthy of being known as signature burgers. Then, a classic that has been part of the Jolly Coachman for years is the Sunday brunch buffet complete with a fresh baked goods section, extensive dessert table, custom omelet station and waffles made to order along with a wide range of expected, and unexpected tastes.
“This is how you elevate a grilled cheese. As a chef, you’re always looking for something else, a
chameleon sea • grill • cocktails
Chameleon The owners of Chameleon
in downtown Maple Ridge imagined a restaurant where everyone could afford to enjoy relaxed casual fine dining yet find something to love on the menu. Dr. Edward and Nancy Auersperg along with Mario Bitoiu have managed exactly that, a welcome, contemporary environment in the heart of the community that has been serving delicious food for four years. With a menu refreshed twice a year by kitchen leaders Eiichi Echo and Trina Partridge to bring out spring and fall dishes, there is something to delight the
11965 224TH STREET, MAPLE RIDGE | 604.467.5664 WWW.CHAMELEONCAFE.CA
taste buds whether it’s flat breads, burgers, steaks, seafood, or a new creation. Plus, Chameleon always offers special feature entrees and appetizers. “We are unique in providing that kind of variety,” Mario says. “Anyone can dine here without breaking their budget, yet enjoy a fine dining experience.” Crab gyozas are a popular appetizer that put a twist on the familiar. Like a standard vegetable or pork gyoza, these are filled with a tasty mixture, but here we find the meat of snow crab claws, carrots and celery mixed together in a gyoza bundle. The crab parcels are accompanied by Dijon
mustard and red cabbage sesame slaw. “We get our seafood locally as much as possible,” says Mario. “We go to Bruce’s Market. We also get our fruits and vegetables from the local market and a local farm.” The lobster mac and cheese is another twist on a familiar favourite. This decadent and definitely grown-up version makes use of a full tail of lobster, aged cheddar and caramelized onions. “People tell us our lobster mac and cheese is the best,” Mario notes. “It’s a wonderful compliment.”
For another taste from the sea, the pan seared scallops and prawns are served with a bacon corn hash to deliver a subtle smoky flavor alongside a creamy polenta with creole butter. Chameleon also offers an extensive wine list with about 100 wines chosen for their distinctive fit with the food options. There is even live, light jazz music on Wednesday evenings to bring a special touch to the evening for guests. Ideal for groups or intimate dinner for two, Chameleon is the best place for downtown dining close to home.