Another Taste of India

BUSINESS

By Michelle Cassell

Chimney, a trendy Indian restaurant, has just opened at 306 West Franklin Street in the former location of the long-time standby Vespa.

Freshly remodeled with an artistic flair, the space is illuminated with silvery-white drop-down chandeliers. Brightly colored modern artworks enhance the sleek decor. High-back upholstered booths on the left wall are perfect for a private dining experience. Four-top tables offer seating for larger groups. Soft jazz music provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere and exotic Indian spices flavor the air.

Manager Mangesh Thaware of Chimney Indian Kitchen + Bar is proud to be part of opening this location in the heart of Chapel Hill, where students will find it affordable and other patrons will appreciate the ambiance and the authentic cuisine.

Manager Mangesh Thaware of Chimney Indian Kitchen + Bar

“We are hoping to have the bar open soon,” said Thaware. The bar area suggests a casual, cozy experience by offering lounge seating with oversized pillows, and a library shelf of books. Their liquor license is pending, but should be coming soon.

The opening of the restaurant expands the growing number of choices for Indian food in downtown. Chimney is just steps away from Cholanad, a couple of blocks from Mint and across the street from Vimala’s Curryblossom Café.

Chimney was created by passionate chefs from northern and southern India who shared a goal of wanting to spread the true flavors of Indian cuisine to the United States. The menu is the result of their experimentation with incorporating quality Indian spices in traditional dishes like curry and kebabs while responding to special requests for amounts of spices of ingredients that cater to the diner’s individual taste.

The chefs and co-owners, Jasbir Singh and Srikanth Reddy Gaddam, bring great culinary skills combined with an understanding of our area’s local produce as they try to change the perception of Indian cuisine in North Carolina and beyond.

Chimney offers a buffet for $11 Monday through Friday and $13 on weekends. A variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees range from $13 to $24. Catering services also are available.

For more information, visit chimneyindiankitchen.com, call 984-234-3671 or email chimneyindiankitchen@gmail.com