Jaya’s Indian Cuisine, a take-out restaurant, is planning a soft opening this week in the former space of Ashten’s A’Field, at 1020 N. May St. Customizable combos of chicken curry, vegetable pulao, sambar, basmati rice, samosa and palak paneer will be on the menu — many of which are labeled gluten free and vegan.
The restaurant is named after Jayarani Elamaran, who has been cooking in borrowed commercial kitchens across the county for two years. Her friends and catering customers convinced her that she should try her hand at selling meals from her own storefront, and when the space became available she snatched it up. “It has been my dream, to open a little restaurant,” she said. “This is the perfect place to do that.”
Pictured: vada with sambar and masala chutney; chicken curry with naan
Jaya and her husband, Ekambaram Elamaran (Maran, for short) have worked for months to renovate the space. You may know the couple from Nature’s Own, where Maran has worked for 12 years — or, you may have just been lucky enough to try Jaya’s cooking before.
Pictured: South Indian crispy masala dosa with tomato chutney and potato masala; gluten free/vegan dosa with tomato chutney and coconut chutney
A soft opening is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, when samples and sweets will be available for those who want to drop by and be the first to order lunch. Until you can get there, follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.