Signature Indian Cuisine

I heard about Signature Indian Cuisine the other day on a message board I frequent. Reading through some positive reviews, I decided to check out a couple of their lunch specials. Selected were their Chicken Vindaloo with rice ($6.95) and Chicken Tikka with Naan ($6.95).

The Chicken Tikka was moist and had decent flavour. It didn't pack a charcoal flavoured punch like other tikkas I've tried in the past. Thankfully it didn't seem to have the bright red 'food colouring' look to it that many tikkas seem to have. Overall it was nice but not outstanding.





The naan that was served with the Chicken Tikka was very solid. It was similar to those served at my favourite Indian place in Scarborough (see my earlier review of Cheetal). It was freshly made, lightly charred and blistered, flaky yet still chewy, just how I like my Naan. It had the prefect amount of ghee added to give it a little extra flavour. Very good.





The Chicken Vindaloo and rice were acceptable but not outstanding. The curry wasn't too spicy and I picked up clove and or allspice in the sauce. The chicken pieces were chunks of Tikka that they'd added to the curry. I'd prefer chicken made specifically for the vindaloo (for added depth of flavour). I'd like them to save the Tikka for Tikka Masala not their vindaloo.





The lunch was decent, value for the money was a little lacking and the bold flavours I've experienced elsewhere just weren't here. The naan was great, the other portions of the lunch were a little 'meh'.

Hooksey's Fish & Chips - Halibut & Chips

I have been to Hooksey's Fish & Chips (3050 Garden St.) in Whitby a couple of times in the past. Hooksey's is unique in that they only serve halibut, no other fish is available. A single order halibut and chips is $9.50 which at first seems a little outrageous for a takeout order. The size of the halibut fillet is one of the larger pieces I've seen which makes the price a little more, ahem, palatable.....

For lunch I took an order to go. The fillet, while large (possibly 6 to 8 ounces) was quite dry. Strands of halibut ended up wedged between my teeth which I haven't experienced with halibut before. The batter was very nice, crisp, not too thick and only slightly oily.

The fries were also a let down. In the past they've been fresh and crisp, lightly browned and tender inside. Today they tasted leftover, were pale and limp with barely any crispiness and a dry interior texture.

If this had been my first try I probably wouldn't go back. I will give them another chance based on previous experiences. If today was an indication in the direction the restaurant is taking, I'll have to give up on their fish and chips.