Photo Credit: Jessica Sarge

Bengal Bay Grill Naan Stop Awesome

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Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | (From left to right.) Bengal Bay Grill Partners Franco Lofranco, Matt Rasmussen, KG Nair & Michael Maser.

A Recipe For Success

After two years of working on this concept plan the Bengal Bay Grill Partners have swung open a door that invites the average American to a very unique authentic cross culture dining experience. There is not a standardized brand in the U.S. for Indian food. This culinary venture could be the change we all may be looking for to get away from the decades of processed fast food giants. It has changed my perspective and I see that this is something that will raise the bar in casual dining and catering.

If you are looking to spice things up to cater an event, dinner or lunch check out Bengal Bay Grill‘s curated flavorful menu.

Photo Selfie at the VIP Red Carpet Launch Party: Rockwall Heritage Realtor Sherri Klutts & Adrienne Balkum

Bengal Bay Grill VIP Launch Event

Hello Allen and Dallas Foodies!!! We pulled up to a red carpet experience, bubbles and a happy vibe! Decades ago, I had experienced curry and it just wasn’t for me. So I had no idea what to expect, but I definitely felt open to try something new. We walked into an open, modern and hip space. As I reviewed the overhead digital menu I noticed the open kitchen that I felt was a great idea. It was neat to watch the Naan bread being made with the Tandoor ovens. Tandoori cooking is an ancient method of preparing food. According to my husband Jason, he said that I have to try the Naan bread as if I would be missing out.

We got to meet one of the partners Franco Lofranco a franchise specialist. He described the brand is more than just here is food; you eat. He desires for the business to make an impact and change lives. He gave a tour how things are expected to run and got us all jazzed about what we were about to enjoy.

“We are excited to unveil tonight the coolest, vibiest, sexiest, fastest, casual dining that is going to impact Texas. One day it will be a world dominant brand.” – Franco Lofranco

As he grew up around Indian culture in Toronto, Canada. One of the things that he noticed when he travelled not a lot of people tried Indian food. The beauty of it and how incredible it is. So when we met Mr. KG Nair, we were inspired by his vision of bringing Indian food and culture to people. He said, “I fell in love with the idea! We want to give people that access. So when you take Indian food then add an American amazing twist. You can create something special that is inviting for every palate can enjoy. That is what we are excited about to unveil to you with Bengal Bay Grill.”

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Digital Overhead Menu

The Inspiration Behind the Brand and Menu

KG Nair shared, “When I moved here to Texas I was excited to try an array of fast foods. One day I could try Jack in the Box, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s and on and on. I really stuffed myself for the first month that I moved here. I noticed I was tired, fed up and I was looking for real food. So I decided to cook and bring my inspiration to the table. I was very inspired by the cuisines back home in India.”

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Naan bread is made with Tandoor ovens.

He started cooking the recipes from his family, friends back home and chefs that he works with. He curated a menu that would share the tastes of India with the finest ingredients that can be served in a casual dining experience. There are so many recipe varieties of the chicken in different restaurants and instead of copying what they are doing. He created something that was not very spicy, but with his own twist.

I have been cooking for over 25 years. It is a practice that I do with my own family. Then I cooked for my neighbors and they started inviting other friends to try my food. Which led to catering large parties and meeting incredible people that enjoyed my meals. – KG Nair

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | A mural in the main dining room.

Balancing Modern and Traditional

The interior is a melange of style accentuated with ethnic motifs that points to a traditional look that stems from KG’s love for his roots in a chic contemporary space. Expect to take a seat on a highboy style table, regular square tables or a booth. One of the colors that is designed with the brand is the color orange. The use of this color ties back to the most dominate color in all of India. The orange in the Indian flag stands for courage and sacrifice. As I listened and learned the colors surely represents all the passion and hard work. The open kitchen’s concept was designed intentionally so that you can watch your meal prepared from oven to table.

Food accountability at its finest!
– KG Nair

Selfie Credit: Tim Labatzky founder of Patriot Owned Business and Adrienne Balkum

Special Guests

It was a delightful evening of partnership building and networking. The guest list included nano influencers, food bloggers, real estate agents and many important members of the community. My friend Tim Labatzky, the founder of Patriot Owned Businesses who initially informed me of the Bengal Bay Grill story that they stayed the course and pushed through 2020. They stayed opened and did what they could to keep staff employed even when others closed.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Franco Lofranco
Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | KG Nair

The Man Behind the Culinary Vision of KG Nair

Business Partner Matt Rasmussen expressed his gratefulness for all who came to celebrate their very first location and first VIP event. He shared his story when he moved to Texas and they hosted a private party at his new residence. Completely unaware of what food was being catered, but it turned out to be KG‘s creations. He shared that he had limited experience in eating Indian food. Except he did have the opportunity to eat it in a remote city in Australia. At the time, he didn’t know what he was ordering. He did return to that same restaurant 14 days straight!

The guests were wowed from the catering that he turned to KG and said this has to be a restaurant.

We have to take this food and introduce this to the world. – Matt Rasmussen

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Naanchos

Naan Chips and Dip

Tortilla sized wedges of flash fried house-made Naan bread, which is an American-Indian fusion food. It was so good to dip into a queso sauce.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Naan Bites

Stuffed Naan Bites

These warm little fried Naan rolled bites were filled with a pulao rice that you dipped into your choice of tasty sauces.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Buttery Mac and Cheese

Mac & Cheese

Buttery creamy sauce over the macaroni pasta with coconut shavings is a nice side dish.

Photo Credit: Beef Tikka Masala with Himalayan rice

Indian Classic Signature Curries Bowls

One of the new entrees is the Butter Chicken with Himalayan rice. It is a tomato base sauce that is marinated with the spices and vegetables. The Beef Tikka Masala, a very popular dish in England that is served in Indian restaurants and in the pubs. The spicy tomato base with the chunky meat is a big hit!

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Coconut Curry Shrimp

Coconut Curry Shrimp

A southern Indian dish coconut is commonly used for breakfast, lunches and desserts in India.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Double Cheeseburger

Double Cheeseburger

If you can’t decide between a signature dish or American-Indian fusion. Try an all American favorite the slider.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Fried Chicken Sandwich

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Tandoori roasted and flash fried chicken tossed in Tiger sauce with hot chilis on a sweet bun.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Berrimosa

Sweet Delights

The Berrimosa is like a delicious cross culture dessert that is a powdered sugared sweet crust sopaipilla with a fruit mix of berries.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Balkum | Stubborn Soda

Craft Soda

Domestic beer, some imported beers, wine and Stubborn Soda are available at the Allen, Texas location. The special line of Stubborn Soda blends have unique flavors such as agave vanilla cream soda, citrus hibiscus orange and lemon berry acai. Quite refreshing with no artificial sweeteners.

Bengal Bay Grill location:
975 State Highway 121, Suite 100
Allen, TX 75013
(972) 332-8595

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00am to  9:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Facebook.com/BengalBayGrillAllen

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