Prakash Iyer and his wife Sangita are a long way from home.
The couple moved to Canada eight months ago from their native India. After spending their first two months in Toronto, they moved to Meaford six months ago and took over the management responsibilities for the Meaford Motel and Restaurant on Sykes Street.
Prakash who also goes by the name Gus, is a textile engineer by trade, and Sangita was an architect in India. The two are now working together to help grow the business at the motel.
As part of their new approach, they have partnered with a consultant from the Centre For Business in Collingwood who is helping the couple develop strategies to promote and raise the profile of the establishment.
One component of their new strategy is to share with the community of Meaford some of the tastes of their homeland.
On Wednesday morning they invited media and members of the community for a special taste testing of a variety of home made, authentic Indian dishes.
A steady stream of Indian delicacies was offered to those who attended including such famous Indian fare as Sambar- a vegetable stew chowder, Idili- steamed rice cakes, and several versions of Dosa which is a crispy crepe that can be stuffed with a variety of items including egg or mashed potato.
Combined with some spicy dipping sauces, the dishes made for a tasty mid morning treat.
The new managers of the motel are planning to begin offering Indian options at their restaurant, and were seeking feedback about not only the food, but how best to introduce the items on their menu.
It is likely that initially they will have a specified day of the week when restaurant patrons will be able to order Indian options, and as more people discover the tastes of India they would expand the offerings.
If you are a fan of Indian food, why not stop in to The Meaford Motel and Restaurant and let Prakash and Sangita know that you are looking forward to being able to order home made, authentic Indian food right here in Meaford?
