If you’ve ever talked to anyone from Winnipeg, you may have heard of a strange and ritualistic event that elicits great emotion – “socials”.

If you happen to be from Winnipeg, that’s awesome…keep reading anyway.

Regardless of whether you’ve heard of or been to a social, you’ll probably know exactly what I mean when I reference these typical traits:

• simplistic - just enough decoration and dressing up to get things done
• un-assuming – in looking at the venue, nothing jumps out as being over-the-top (e.g., roller rinks, church basements, and legion halls are  popular venues)
• realistic – prices and portions are appropriate (a beer costs what it should; food is served in appropriate quantities – especially at the midnight cold cuts table)
• purposeful – the intent is clearly known to all who attend and with that in mind, the demographic is quite varied with participation levels usually quite high

So, this may have you asking…what in the world do Winnipeg, socials, Indian food, and Vancouver have in common?!

Lots.

Especially if you happen to find yourself walking along West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, particularly in the 2000 block (2006 to be exact).

Once there, you’ll find a relatively small sign/sandwich board near a staircase that leads up to an Indian restaurant that is:

• simplistic;
• un-assuming; and
• realistic.

And after the surprise birthday party which a large group of us attended last weekend at The Indian Oven in Kitsilano (2006 West 4th Avenue if you hadn’t yet figured that part out), it most certainly was ‘purposeful’ as well.

Widely recognized for its kick-a$$ butter chicken and location right next to [the former and famous] Bimini’s Pub in Kitsilano, The Indian Oven has certainly carved a name out for itself in the Vancouver restaurant ether.

The service we received was excellent…right portions, right amount of contact, and right type of recommendations and warnings (i.e., there is a category of hot that exists ‘above’ 911 – who knew?).

One thing I will say, though (and I quickly anticipated this after I drank in the Huey Lewis-esque decor upon entering), is that the bills are hand-written.  So, be patient if you’re in a large group, the ability to ’split the cheque’ mid-way through your meal is…well…going to be tough, and that’s putting it nicely.

ps – wear stretchy pants and bring a pillow for after your meal, you’re going to need it

darren