Check It Out

I was planning to eat out for lunch for Friday when a team meeting ran over. There were still several outstanding major issues despite the Monday deadline. My boss pushed it back to Wednesday amid some frustration, though he was too diplomatic to vent. Not my place to point out that my colleagues tended to off on tangents, failed to prioritize, and didn't have good working habits. Also, the new team lead was a dud in the sense that they were hired for managing and technical skills yet neither sets have been in evidence.

After a quick meal at home and working at top speed through the afternoon, I wrapped things up for the evening. Bloor St was alive with people. When I have gone out, it was in the late afternoon for a meal or later for a show. So I have missed the dinner rush. Also, the subway was suspended, so the replacement buses were packed and those who didn't care for that added to the pedestrian traffic. The Paradise had a Candlelight show highlighting legendary Jazz singers. I normally avoid this sort of pablum but I saw that Joanna Majoko was the vocalist. But $50-80 was too pricey for me.

Despite my fondness for Banjara, it has declined in quality. Mumbaikar didn't pass as a replacement though they were more about street food. I have wandered by Chakna, an Indian and Hakka Bar, numerous times. Previous incarnations at this location (Nashville hot chicken, bistro food) were forgettable. It also seemed to be always empty though the space did have a large room in the back.

Stepping inside, the front room had a few banquettes (with playing cards on the table) and an artificial cherry blossom tree in bloom. Though Chakna also offered an extensive list of street food, on the recommendation of the waitstaff, I opted for a Baingan Bharta ($14.99) and 2 rotis ($3.99). The curry had a smoky flavour from the roasted eggplant. It was an excellent dish that went well with the ghee-soaked chapati. There was so much food that I had to order 2 more rotis. Since I already paid, the extra rotis' price of $3.99 on the 2nd bill was exempted from sales tax because it was under $5. 

This was a tasty meal and I want to eat here again. The $30 total was high for a regular haunt but they have thali for about $14-15. I was going to stroll along Bloor St. for more of the evening vibe but I had a gut feeling (ha!) that with a meal this rich I should be heading straight back home. Looking online, Chakna also hosted occasional comedy night courtesy of the stage left behind by the short-lived Royal Comedy Theatre.