Indian Eats

My penchant for good Indian cuisine stemmed from my visit to New York City in early March of this year when my friend took me to a restaurant in his Midtown Manhattan neighbourhood of Murray Hill.

Commonly referred to as "Curry Hill"—and for good reason—Murray Hill boasts a high concentration of Indian eateries, among which lies a hidden gem called Copper Chimney. Although the menu is limited to a selection of signature dishes representative of both the northern and the southern regions of India, the quality of the ingredients, coupled with the friendly service, makes this "fine casual dining" experience a real pleasure in a trendy yet unpretentious atmosphere—second only to my favourite Indian restaurant in my downtown Toronto neighbourhood, right in the heart of the Entertainment District.

Tucked away at 259 Wellington Street West, 259 Host is one of the best-kept secrets in town and one of the more under-rated eateries in the city, not receiving the volume of traffic it deserves, due in large part to its location just a block south from its competitors along the much busier, more vibrant King Street West—home to Roy Thomson Hall, as well as the Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales theatres.

Since stumbling upon 259 Host a few months ago, I've frequented this place on a handful of occasions—a few times for take-out but oftentimes for dine-in—and, each time I enter through the doors of this elegantly designed establishment, I am greeted with the same level of warmth and hospitality as previous visits, the kind of VIP treatment one would expect to receive when flying first-class and while staying at the presidential suite in a five-star hotel. At 259 Host, you are family, an old-time friend, and, above all else, the guest of honour. Staff here are quick to replenish your basket of naan or roti, to fill your glass of wine or water, and to sweep away any crumbs that happen to land on your table. However, all this only speaks to the impeccable service ...

The dishes are just as delightfully inviting, so much so that to draw your attention to just the Tilapia and lobster tail (cooked in a tandoor and coated in red pepper, coconut, and spinach) or to its famous butter chicken and Saag Panir would be a disservice to the other items on its menu. There is a reason that first-time patrons become loyal frequent diners at this fine Indian restaurant. You won't be disappointed.

Copper Chimney (NYC) is located at: 126 East 28th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
259 Host (Toronto) is located at: 259 Wellington Street West (between Blue Jays Way and John Street)