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An Indian restaurant in town that had "lost its mojo" has been taken over and revitalised by a family who reveal the “secret sauce” they rely on to face the current hospitality industry challenges.
Chutney’s Restaurant opened its doors earlier this month and promises to serve contemporary Indian cuisine at affordable prices.
It is located at the former Tamarind site on Waterloo Street and is the latest project by owners Tito and Paula Kahn.
Last year, the couple opened an Asian-inspired restaurant called Saffron at Havre Des Pas.
Restaurant Manager, Paula said: “Seeing the success of our other family-run business, we jumped at the chance to perk up this spot that used to be buzzing but was losing its mojo.”
The expansion of this family business is good news for Jersey’s culinary scene, which has been recently plagued by a number of high-profile closures such as Nude Food restaurant and Rojo's nightclub.
Pictured: Tito and Paula Kahn (centre) spoke about the inspiration behind their latest venue and attempts to revamp once-popular venues that lost their vibrancy in the face of challenges.
Chutney’s Restaurant aims to create a welcoming atmosphere that “caters to everyone” and offers private parties in a separate room upstairs.
“The menu features traditional favourites and unique dishes not usually found in Indian restaurants, such as fish and mince meat options,” explained the Kahn's.
Tito highlighted standout items from the menu, such as a Rezala, an aromatic curry similar to a Korma, and a sizzling paneer dish with Indian cheese served on a hot plate for a sizzling and smoky effect.
Paula shared how she transformed the lacklustre venue and “injected new life into the struggling restaurant”.
“We revamped the place, changing the decor and offering a variety of new dishes cooked by a new chef,” she explained.
“The Tamarind was decorated all black, which is something I wanted to change immediately as the first thing you associate with India is the colours and the vibrancy.”
Pictured: Tito Kahn and his team run Saffron Indian restaurant at Havre des Pas. (Jon Guegan)
With the help of her family, Paula transformed the dull interior into a vibrant space featuring Indian aesthetics dominated by yellow hues which are reminiscent of spices like saffron and turmeric.
Last year, they also revamped the former Caribbean Vibz premises when they opened Saffron, aiming to provide a fine-dining experience and restore its former popularity many years ago when it was Nelson’s Eye restaurant.
Paula said that the “secret sauce” to stay afloat in the challenging climate is made up of "personal touch, dedication to make it work, and everyone pitching in".
She explained: “We wouldn’t be able to do it without my family.
“My husband is the kitchen maestro he puts his experience and touch into the sauces and dishes, while our son Ronnie and I keep things running smooth.
"Our other children, Cindy, Sunny, and Olivia add to our family-driven success.”
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