Tandoori Kingdom Presents Springtime in India

March 10, 2021March 9, 2021 by Jane

Oh how we relish these longer days with sunshine and warmth – now imagine Springtime in India! Tandoori Kingdom would like to help your imagination!

Here In Canada -

Here we watch the icicles melting and cheer on the sunshine. In Canada we’re still in the dreaming stage…dreaming of gardens filled with color, weather warm enough to be unencumbered by layers of clothing, and visions of children playing in the parks.

In India this is both harvest and planting season. There are so many festivals to celebrate. Festivals celebrating spring itself, religious festivals, harvest festivals and planting festivals.

Only 3 Main Seasons!

Spring in India is based on the Hindu calendar rather than a change in weather. Known to have only three seasons – winter, summer and monsoon, springtime is a wonderful time to travel and take part in the many layers of culture found there.

Starting in Mid-February to Mid-April, the season begins earlier than here. One of the first celebrations is Vasant Panchami – the beginning of spring.

Mughal Gardens

Then for an entire month the residential gardens of the President of India are open for public viewing. A 15 acre estate knows as the Mughal Gardens surrounding the residence are a riot of springtime color. With roses, tulips and bougainvillea as the mainstay plants the beauty is spectacular. Even found are very specially planted themed gardens of bonsai, peace and tranquility etc.

As mentioned here in Canada we’re still in the dreaming stage! If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse you may actually be in the planting stage and planning where everything is going to go.

During the springtime months India is already feeling temperatures of 27-35 degrees Celsius.

Bamboo harvest (Chapchor kut) is celebrated shortly before the planting of spring wheat.

There are celebrations of New Years for the Baha’is and Zoroastrians’ as well as Palm Sunday and Easter.

and...HOLI

However, one of the most colorful festivals actually known as Festival of Color or Holi is a two day celebration known nearly throughout the world now.

The festival stems from pranks that Lord Krishna was known for.

It is said that he enjoyed throwing colored powder on the village girls and wetting them, making the village a riot of bright colors during the 2 day event.

Nowadays the colored powder is still thrown but water guns are used to aim well and wet!!

Whatever your heritage – springtime in Canada is certainly worth celebrating!

Celebrate Spring with Tandoori Kingdom

Nirmal and the staff would like to give everyone a huge Thank You for the tremendous love and support this first year in business. Imagine that! Survived 2020 with all that was!!!

Join everyone at Tandoori Kingdom on Blake Street for a wide variety of wonderful flavors and very special treats.

Tandoori Kingdom offers springtime meal choices on the menu along with all the favorites of Indian Cuisine!!!

Written By: Jane Laker

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For the Love of Indian! – Tandoori Kingdom

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by Jane

After being through yet another Shutdown, I think that we’re all experiencing a bit of cabin fever.

Days are becoming longer and the feeling that winter will soon be over increases our need to “take on life again!”

Thoughts of spring arriving also bring a change in the way we eat, and for the love of Indian food you should check out Tandoori Kingdom.

For the Love of Indian - Tandoori Kingdom!

This is the perfect time to check out Tandoori Kingdom, the best place for Indian food in Barrie. Tandoori Kingdom doesn’t use shortcuts or sub-par ingredients. Their spices are exquisitely fresh and their clay oven is hot.

Although spring is in the air, there are many choices of ‘heat’ to thoroughly warm you from the inside out.

Nirmal and his staff have been busy introducing different dishes to their spring menu. Some are favorites returned, others – new and exciting. I’ve chosen my favorites here.

Check out the New Menu Options!

I must say that Indian cuisine is an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans as there is a wide variety of veggies, cheese and lentil-based dishes on the menu at Tandoori Kingdom.

Curries, as well, are a very popular choice; easily ordered with the ‘heat’ you most enjoy.

The Bhindi Masala is one of our most enjoyable! Made with okra, onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs, I love it served with a side of rice – Yummy!

Paneer Bhurji is a very healthy menu option. Paneer (Indian cheese) is delightfully combined with tomatoes, onions, capsicum and peas, served with rice and Naan. It’s so filling yet doesn’t make me want to curl up and take a nap like a turkey dinner does!

And of course...

Of course, lamb chops conjure up spring-like feelings, and lamb is my absolute favorite dish to order at Tandoori Kingdom. Exquisite! Marinated chops are grilled hot and fast – coming to us tender and delicious.

For the Love of Indian – Tandoori Kingdom leads you into spring with their tantalizing yet healthy menu choices.

Take the drive out Blake Street; it’s time to order – I think!

Written By: Jane Laker

Photo Credit: Stephen Elliott

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Grillicious Gourmet Tap & Grill – “We’re here for You!”

February 9, 2021February 5, 2021 by Jane

For the past three years many of us have enjoyed the wonderful ‘made from scratch’ menu and openly inviting atmosphere of Grillicious Gourmet Tap & Grill at 3 Mulcaster Street. We’re sure missing that now!

Josie Fabreo, owner, wants you to know that she struggles daily not being able to share space with her ‘regulars’.

Josie and her staff are hard at work behind the scenes. Grillicious is still offering their full, upscale menu for curbside pickup and…they deliver!

Menu Options for your Health!

Happily using locally sourced products, Grillicious offers a wide array of Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and regular menu options. Is very important to Josie to let patrons know; “Eating healthy helps boost our immune system.” It’s for that reason she’s so particular with every dish.

Having to do some things differently during COVID, Josie and her staff have come up with new offerings for everyone.

Check out the Specials!

Each Tuesday Grillicious posts weekly specials on both their Face Book and Instagram. The prices are very affordable for the upscale selections offered. Josie adds that it’s wise to check daily for the “special of the day” as well.

Meal Packages can be purchased to provide affordable, healthy meals for the entire family. Make sure to preorder and they’ll deliver!

Grillicious is also providing basic grocery store needs for those of us that try to stay out of the large box stores. Call ahead with your list and curbside pickup will be made available.

Don't forget the Drinks!

Along with those great ideas we are reminded that also available for pickup or delivery is an extensive choice from the Grillicious Wine and Beer menu. Check out their website for a complete list.

We’ll all be so relieved when ‘shutdown’ comes to an end and we can once again enjoy the music and shows that Grillicious is so known for!

Written by: Jane Laker

Photo Credit: Stephen Elliott

Are you a Barrie Based business lookingto expand your digital footprint? Let us know! We can help get you Uncovered!

What’s Open For Great Food

January 26, 2021January 25, 2021 by Jane

Once again the staff at Barrie Uncovered are working behind the scenes to help keep everyone updated on Restaurant and Food Services in town. We hope everyone is staying in and staying safe!

Just a note: There’s a new delivery service coming to town called “What’s for Dinner?” Keep an eye out as many of our restaurants will be using this app as well!!

Here’s the list for this week!

DUNLOP STREE T DINER

20 Dunlop Street E.

705 252 6757

Open 7 Day a Week 7:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/Curbside Pickup

NORTH COUNTRY

10 Dunlop Street E.

705 252 1225

Open 7 Days a Week: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/Curbside Pickup

DONALEIGHS

28 Dunlop Street E.

705 252 7733

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/ Curbside Pickup

YO TACO

3 Clapperton Street

705 503 5626

Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/Door Dash

705 503 5626

Daily Specials

Monday – 5 Tacos $15.00

Tuesday – Buy 2 Taco Get 1 Free

Wednesday – $8.00 Burritos with Free Guac

Thursday – $8.00 Large Loaded Nacho

Friday Family Deal 2 Large + 2 small Quesadillas or Burritos 29.99

Saturday – 5 Tacos $15.00

Sunday – Kids Under 12 Eat Free

CALS BAKERY & CAFE

331 Bayfield St. Unit 5

705 792 1769

Closed Sunday/Monday/Wednesday

Delivery Days – Wednesday/Friday

Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 10: a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

P_ZZA

50 Dunlop Street E.

705 503 6516

Monday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/Curbside Pickup

Are you a Barrie based business looking to expand your digital footprint? Let us know! We can help get you Uncovered!!

Sharing Comfort Food With Alliance Billiards

January 26, 2021January 21, 2021 by Jane

SHARING COMFORT FOOD WITH ALLIANCE BILLIARDS

Georgia Makrygiannis of Alliance Billiards took time out to share a recipe with us. Knowing that this time of year is all about comfort food, Georgia has given us Shepherd’s Pie. Not only is this comfort food, but it’s inexpensive and great for using up leftovers.

Georgia has been feeding people for many years, leaving very happy tummies along the way. So if she says it’s good – then it’s good!

Being of Greek heritage, Georgia tells us that “Comfort food should be a way of life, a taste of home and fill your soul with memories.”

In Greek culture that might be Moussaka (Eggplant with ground beef casserole), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) or Fasolada (Bean soup).

As Canadians our choices of comfort food vary as much as our heritage does. What do you think of as comfort food? I think of hearty soups, a filling stew or lasagna – all served with fresh, hot crusty bread!

The best part of Georgia’s kitchen at Alliance Billiards is that alongside the usual “Pub Grub”, she offers family sized trays of incredibly good comfort food!

On that menu we find trays of Cabbage Rolls, Stuffed Peppers, Greek Meatballs, Lemon Chicken with potatoes and more.

It’s the perfect time right now to order a tray or two! Call and order one for dinner and one for the freezer. What could be easier? I’ll tell you what could be easier – the prices at Alliance Billiards are extremely good – and…they offer free delivery!

GEORGIA’S SHEPHERD’S PIE

Mashed Potato Topping

2 lbs. potatoes cubed

4 tbsp. butter

¼ cup sour cream

¼ to ½ c. milk

Salt and pepper

Peel and dice the potatoes. Cook until for tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain well then return to the hot pot to rest one minute allowing any remaining liquid to evaporate.
Add butter, sour cream, milk, salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes and then stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Meat Filling

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 small onion diced

2 cloves garlic minced

2 cups frozen peas, carrots and corn medley

2 tbsp. flour

½ cup beef broth

1 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. rosemary

½ tsp. thyme

1 bay leaf

Sauté chopped onion in large frying pan with oil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add herbs and seasonings. Stir well. Cook 6-8 minutes until meat is browned stirring occasionally.
Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Stir to combine. Cook one minute.
Add the flour and tomato paste, stir until well incorporated. Add broth and stir gently to combine.
Add frozen vegetables. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Remove Bay leaf.
Set mixture aside.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the meat mixture into a 9” x 9” baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potato mixture on top of the meat filling. Carefully spread evenly.
If the baking dish looks very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent oven clean up. Bake uncovered 25 – 30 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

ENJOY!

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