The ever-broadening range of restaurants in Red Deer has gained a South Pacific flavour.
A Taste Of Fiji opened recently in Century Centre at No. 205, 4807 50th Ave. Operated by Chandra and Kamini Prakash and their family, it brings to the city a cuisine not previously available here.
Chandra Prakash said the restaurant’s chef previously worked at the Sheraton Fiji Resort.
“He’s a very qualified chef, and he knows what he’s doing,” said Prakash.
A very broad menu was developed for A Taste Of Fiji, he added, but it will be fine-tuned in response to customer preferences. Prakash also expects chef’s specials to be available.
The licensed restaurant, which is located at the former site of the downtown Subway sandwich shop, has seating for 50. It is designed for dine-in customers, but will prepare food for take-out as well, said Prakash.
A grand opening is planned for today.
Prakash was born and raised in Fiji, but has lived in Red Deer for the past 15 years. The idea of opening a Fijian restaurant came after he noticed how popular the food is elsewhere.
“We were visiting New Zealand and Australia last year and we wanted to go and eat Fijian cuisine. We didn’t have a chance because the restaurant was full all the time.”
So far, customer response has been positive, said Prakash.
“People have said they have never tasted food like this before,” he noted, adding that the level of spiciness varies with the dish.
The Prakashes also operate an A&W restaurant in Red Deer.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com