Indian food cart Portland Masala has changed their name and are opening a brick-and-mortar location
Open Tandoor, will celebrate its Grand Opening Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ten percent of weekend sales will benefit The Portland Kitchen, a local nonprofit that uses food and cooking to change the lives of underserved youth.
Located at 4311 North Williams at the corner of North Skidmore, Open Tandoor will feature Indian cuisine inspired by the food mecca of Chef Kinder Gill’s native Punjab and her family’s traditional recipes. Open Tandoor is a fine-casual Indian kitchen using freshly blended spices and traditional Indian cooking techniques. Each dish is perfectly crafted from original recipes passed down from generation to generation.
The restaurant will feature dishes such as Channa Masala, Daal, Saag Paneer, Lamb Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Kebabs, Naan Bites with Housemade Dipping Sauce and Naan Wraps. All dishes will use hand selected, freshly ground spices and be prepared without corn, soy, food coloring or MSG. There will be vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options.
After two years as the head chef and owner of the popular Portland Masala food cart in downtown Portland, Kinder Gill and her co-owner Navi Kang found the perfect location for a brick-and-mortar location and renamed it Open Tandoor. This new name brings attention to the two clay tandoor ovens, fully visible to customers, who will be treated to hot naan bread and long skewers of kebabs cooked to order in the 500-degree open ovens. Designed by veteran restaurant designer Mark Annen of Annen Architecture and Design, the new space will seat 47 inside and feature bright colors inspired by spice routes and the exotic, aromatic profiles of Kinder’s unique blends of hand-ground whole spices. Large roll-up glass doors will open to the sidewalk with 42 outdoor seats. Warm, natural woods will be used for tables and eating counters.
Open Tandoor will offer counter service and beverages, including hand-crafted cocktails, beers (both Indian and local), wines and non-alcoholic drinks, such as Mango Lassi, smoothies made to order, sodas and a signature Indian spiced tea. Open Tandoor believes in a transparent food system, and when possible, will source ingredients locally, such as lamb from SuDan Farms in Canby, red lentils and garbanzo beans from Bob’s Red Mill as well as local spirits, beer and wine.
The restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
You can view their opening menu here.
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