What’s on the menu at Ji, a Southeast Asian pub from the owners of Pukka
Name: Ji
Neighbourhood: Humewood
Contact: 760 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-792-5550, helloji.ca
Previously: Concession Road
Owners: Harsh Chawla and Derek Valleau (Pukka, Concession Road)
Chef: Kirti Singh (Pukka)
The food
Comfort food favourites get Indian makeovers at Pukka’s casual spin-off. The poutine, for example, swaps out gravy and curds for pulled beef curry and paneer. While some of the menu is straight-up Indian-spiced pub grub, such as butter chicken mac and cheese, there are a few more traditional dishes on offer, including lamb shank rogan josh. There are also a few vegetarian-friendly options like a vegan caesar salad dressed with smoky coconut “bacon” bits and a cashew dressing.
The drinks
Ji’s meagre draught offerings (two) are augmented by a slew of Ontario craft tall cans, and the bottle selection includes some lesser-known international beers, including Italy’s Bruton Bianca. Themed cocktails include a chai flip and a tamarind margarita.
The space
The two-room space is divided into a bar with flat screens and four-tops on one side, while the other half is done up in bright gem hues with blue banquettes and vintage travel posters. The TVs will screen muted classic Bollywood flicks.
Chef: Kirti Singh (Pukka)
The food
Comfort food favourites get Indian makeovers at Pukka's casual spin-off. The poutine, for example, swaps out gravy and curds for pulled beef curry and paneer. While some of the menu is straight-up Indian-spiced pub grub, such as butter chicken mac and cheese, there are a few more traditional dishes on offer, including lamb shank rogan josh. There are also a few vegetarian-friendly options like a vegan caesar salad dressed with smoky coconut "bacon" bits and a cashew dressing.
[caption id="attachment_403050" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Paneer and roasted beet salad with goji berries and grapefruit supremes in a honey-lemon vinaigrette. $14.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_403057" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Naanchos, as the punny name suggests, are nachos that trade tortillas for crispy mini naan. They're topped with minced lamb keema, cheddar cheese, salsa-like kachumber and raita (instead of sour cream). $13.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_403051" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] The Macaroni Makhani is cavatappi pasta baked in a cheesy butter chicken sauce. $12.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_403058" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Veggie sliders made with carrot-celery-spinach patties bound with lotus root are topped with onions and apricot chutney. $15.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_403059" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] The lamb seekh kebab is a play on a chili dog, with the frank swapped out for a lamb kebab. It's topped with pickled onions, cheddar and lamb keema. $16.[/caption]
The drinks
Ji's meagre draught offerings (two) are augmented by a slew of Ontario craft tall cans, and the bottle selection includes some lesser-known international beers, including Italy's Bruton Bianca. Themed cocktails include a chai flip and a tamarind margarita.
[caption id="attachment_403052" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Chai Flip: vodka, chai tea, egg white. $11.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_403053" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Cucumber Cooler: gin, cilantro, cucumber, ginger ale. $9.[/caption]
The space
The two-room space is divided into a bar with flat screens and four-tops on one side, while the other half is done up in bright gem hues with blue banquettes and vintage travel posters. The TVs will screen muted classic Bollywood flicks.
[caption id="attachment_403049" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Note the tiffin light fixtures above the bar.[/caption]
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