OTTAWA — The owner of Coconut Lagoon is opening a new Indian restaurant called Thali. Together with his long-time chef du cuisine, Rajesh Gopi, Joe Thottungal says they’ve secured a space at the corner the corner of Laurier Avenue West and O’Connor Street, which is currently undergoing $350,000 in renovations.
Opening in mid-November, the restaurant will feature meals served on a round plate, or thali — the Indian word for this platter. There will be a different selection daily in terms of soups, breads, dal, meat and vegetables, along with pickles and dessert of the day.
“The chef-inspired thalis will draw on what is being sustainably produced locally,” says Thottungal, adding he plans to have six or seven dishes for each thali. Vegan and gluten-free options will also be available.
Catering to its audience with locally sourced and seasonal food, the dishes will be all-Indian with “no boundaries.” The 70-seat restaurant will include a large communal table and will host special events.
Thottungal — a three-time Gold Medal Plates award-winner — says that he will continue to operate the Coconut Lagoon, which has been in business for 15 years.
