Prerna
790 Broadview Avenue
416-463-9777
Dinner for two with all taxes, tip, and lassi: $50
For anyone planning to visit this new little restaurant situated on Broadview just north of the Danforth, the TTC really is the better way. Finding a parking spot in the area is a challenge, even with a Green P parking lot within spitting distance.
A new venture from Magic Oven's owners Abby and Tony Sabherwal, Prerna promises to be healthy and organic where possible.
Prerna also promises (as per the website) “authentic friendliness”. Our server certainly is a friendly one. And I’m willing to assume it’s authentic.
He is happy to explain the menu items in detail as some of what is presented appears to be taking a bit of the mick out of the diners. For example, khumb mattar makhane ($7.95) is described as “Agaricus bisporus, Pisum sativum and Euryale forex in a tangy yogurt sauce.” Hardy har. For those unschooled in Latin taxonomy, that’s mushrooms, peas, and water lily seed. And there’s daal tarka ($7.95) - “Lentils: Inspired by the dhabas on Indian highways.” Having (regrettably) never been to India, is this a good thing or no?
Only open for six weeks, Prerna is awaiting its liquor license. I select a rose lassi ($2.95) – something I love, but rarely order. Prerna’s rendition is frothy and pink, but could use a bit more of a floral kick. My guest’s mango version is sublime. Our server is very keen to know how we like them. We give him the thumbs up. “I followed the recipes!” he tells us.
Prerna is a nice homey little space suited for some casual dining, but the décor could use a bit more oomph. The walls are a pleasant shade of lilac, accented here and there with bits of deep pink drapery; but the black and white photos of people who look like they’re having a bit of a rough go of things seem a tad incongruous in a restaurant setting. Some seasonal accents have been added - gourds and mini-pumpkins on every table - and the tealights show an effort to counterbalance the somewhat harsh lighting.
On with the appetizers. Guest gets the combo plate of pakora and bhajiya ($4.95) – golden nuggets of fluffy deep-fried vegetable dumplings and a cluster of crisp battered onions that shatter as my guest bites into them. The pakora are lovely and light and virtually grease-free. As for the onion bhajiya, my fellow diner says it’s the best he’s ever eaten. The menu describes chaat papri chatkaredar ($5.95) as “Typical Indian flavours of sweet, savoury and hot”. Okay, but what is it? Thank goodness for our authentically friendly server who explains it well enough that I decide I must try it. Puffy little fried “pastries” arrive topped with chickpeas, tamarind sauce and mint chutney. These would be perfect with a cold glass of 2007 Ontario Riesling.
For vegetarians, Prerna has a nice selection of offerings including a vegetarian version of butter chicken ($9.95) and the usual aloo gobhi ($7.95) and palak paneer ($8.95). The achari baingan ($7.95) - “aniseed, dried mango and mustard seeds bring these eggplants to life” - piques my interest. Large chunks of soft and spicy eggplant topped with shreds of fresh ginger - it’s good, but it’s a lot of eggplant. My guest is pleased with his chicken curry ($9.95) although there are a number of bones lurking beneath the spicy sauce.
I choose the spelt roti ($2), but it isn’t available – “We have it, but I don’t know how to make it,” says our server. Ooookay. He convinces me to try the whole wheat instead ($1.50). It’s alright. But the masala naan ($2.25) is terrific - hot and chewy, and glossy with garlic butter.
As far as Indian desserts go, I’ve always been a gulab jamun fan. Unfortunately it’s not an option at Prerna, but rasmalai is ($3.95); fresh cheese cooked in sweet milk and heavily flavoured with saffron, this could become a new favourite.
At the end of the meal, there’s a problem with “the system” and we have to pay with cash. Not that that’s a big deal. The evening has been inexpensive enough that my guest and I actually have enough cash on hand and don’t have to hit the ATM down the street. In addition to offering take-out and delivery, Prerna also offers prix fixe dinners for $20 (dine in only).
We learn that Prerna is a Sanskrit word that means “inspiration”. So if one should feel inspired to enjoy some fresh prepared Indian food that is easy on the wallet as well as the palate, Prerna is definitely a cheap and cheerful option.
And while I cannot personally vouch for the authenticity of the food, the friendliness is certainly the real deal.
