You Gotta Eat: Restaurant owner introduces customers to ‘richness’ of Indian cuisine
PEORIA (25News Now) - Irfan Mohammed’s background is software, but he also had experience with franchised restaurants. So, when he heard about the Peoria Pitch contest - he knew that would give him access to open his own place with financial incentives at the old Broadway Lounge.
This entrepreneur and contest winner was able to open his dream restaurant, Bollywood Bites and Events Center in Downtown Peoria. That’s where local comedian Edgar Sandoval and 25News photojournalist Andrew Best visited for this week’s edition of You Gotta Eat!
“I’ve always had this idea in my mind, but I could not execute because I could not find the space, could not find the location, or something to accommodate the whole concept, and when this came in, Peoria Pitch came in, I was like, oh wow, this is so perfect,” said Irfan.
“Then I woke my wife up in the middle of the night, and like, should we do this, there’s a contest? And she was like, ‘yeah, sure. Let’s just do it.’”
That’s just what they did.
Bollywood Bites celebrates the rich heritage and charm of India’s iconic film industry, with opportunities to share music, dance, culture and the food.
Everything is made from scratch, including the spices, and while some might assume it’s all hot and spicy, you’ll find a lot on the menu that’s more subtle and savory.
“Our food is more based on Mughlai, so it’s more of the Mughals who were in India for 300 years and they had really great chefs who came out with amazing recipes, so that’s what we follow,” said Irfan.
Edgar was glad to find menu selections that aren’t so hot and spicy because he’s a less adventurous eater than Andrew.
They started with garlic naan bread.
“I do like how thin it is, how light it is when you eat this,” said Edgar.
“Oh yeah, and even the little puffs, those little air pockets, it’s still crispy,” Andrew said.
Andrew had the Masakali Chicken Biryani, which is chicken cooked with fragrant rice and spices.
“It’s really hard to nail down the flavors, but it’s just so well-blended. There’s a little bit of heat, but it’s not making feel uncomfortable. But this is incredible. I just don’t know how to describe it,” Andrew said.
Edgar had Badshah Butter Chicken, simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy.
“It’s got a very unique flavor, not a lot of kick to it, which is what I expected when we started this. [I’m] Definitely feel that flavor, rolling through. I like it,” said Edgar.
Customer Katie Norbutas actually ordered and shared the same dishes that we did.
“I too am not the most adventurous eater, but I like to try new things. So, I was safe in case I didn’t like it, which I did. It was very good,” said Katie.
For Irfan and his wife, it’s been an exciting start and they’ve been thrilled to bring people to Downtown Peoria and share this cuisine.
“How I grew up in food was when you eat food, you should get the flavors. You should enjoy the richness of the food,” Irfan said.
Bollywood Bites Bistro and Events Center is located at 316 Southwest Washington Street in Downtown Peoria. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. for dinner, closing at 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
You can see Edgar on stage locally featuring Last Comic Standing finalist Rocky LaPorte Friday April 12 at The Waterhouse at 316 Southwest Washington Street in Downtown Peoria, and Saturday April 13 at Mason City Limits.
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