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| - It's overdue that I re-do my review of the Raj Palaces here in the city. At last count, there are three, one down south in Midlake Plaza in Midnapore district, two up north in Harvest Hills near Beddington Trail and the other near 112 Ave. NW in Royal Oak.
We followed the best chef around from 112th to Harvest Hills, but now he has apparently returned to India and has given up his post to a new cook.
Where does that leave us?
Where he worked no longer is 5 stars.
The two Raj Palaces in the north are good but very much not the same as when he worked at them (we have been to both in the past month). That little Tamil chef had what we call 'the touch.' Not only did his Indian food taste wonderful, he injected into the flavours of his meats, breads and sauces his special touch: we returned so many times to enjoy his exemplary tandoori chicken tikka, pomfret fish, and Chettinad curries: all exemplary! So good were the latter that I researched chicken chettinad curries online and now make my own multi-spiced chicken curry at home. Very good too was his garlic naan and dosas. Now all changed, just not at the same level at all.
The Raj Palace in the south was also good, but so inundated with MSG that, oddly, my wife and I got up in the evening and night several times to drink copious amounts of water to slake an unusual thirst.
What is a best solution to the vacuum left by this little chef?
Go to Mehtab in Cochrane and ask for the full flavours in their vindaloos, curries and other tandoori dishes. Experiment by staying away from all Canadian versions of 'butter chicken,' and 'test eat' everything else. Ask Jab Thind the head server who is possibly family to the owner to 'turn you on' with their best, and experience what happens to your taste buds. It is right up there with what Raj used to be under the care of our great Tamil chef.
We are so sorry he has left, but ratings are subject to what go to expensive restaurants for, great food.
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