Adrak

The sweet serenade of spices is the finest part of India's intrigue. It inspires an appetite—a barrage of culinary desires that evokes a limitless range. Like notable and dynamic flavours, it's a complex and delicious endeavour that expands the globe and centers wherever the palate lands.

Indian cuisine plays with force and fury. An awakening of the senses romps affectionately within creative creations. From the delicate tickle to the intricate turbulence, India's flavours are punctuated by love.

Toronto’s dynamic Restaurant scene boasts many establishments dedicated to Indian cuisine. Most offering a plethora of culinary delights starring spices. Adrak, a spot whose concept celebrates both past and present while serving up elevated Indian cuisine, caught my attention.

Starving for spices, it's where I found myself for yet another Culinary Adventure.

Salivating for Summer, I found myself in a gluttonous mood. Craving everything from the sun to an exquisite meal. The day seemed slow, moving like molasses and leisurely dragging its way to my 5pm reservation. I turned to one of my favourite distractions to pass the time, reading a good book. My choice? "Half Wild and Other Stories of Encounter" by Emily Paskevics. A coworker invited me to her book launch many months ago, and I was waiting for just the right moment to delve into what could be a Canadian Classic. Fueled by encounters, I longed for an eating rendezvous, one where it's just me, a good meal and the ambiance of a great restaurant.

The day’s dose of rain couldn’t end soon enough, but it didn’t. Spring was here to stick around. As the day dragged on, my excitement escalated. By the time 4 o’clock rolled around, I could sense an end to what was a day of distraction. Despite the traffic, the 14-minute drive from Midtown to Adrak’s front door was seamless. A masterclass in street navigation or sheer wizardry from my ride-share driver. I wasn’t quite on time for my reservation. I arrived in Yorkville unscathed and checked in at 5:05pm. I was greeted warmly and enthusiastically and shown to my table. I had requested a well-lit spot and was accommodated at a lovely corner table suitable for documenting a culinary adventure. After a few moments with the Menu, I ordered my customary glass of Sparkling, settled in, and took a moment to take in the room.

Adrak’s interior is a celebration of custom and curves. These modern companions convey a chic aura that permeates the entire room. It’s an inviting and functional space with warm lighting that gives off an Amber glow. Colourful accent pillows serve as a spark for the eyes and comfort.

Upon entering the space, you're greeted by an ambient Bar before 2 banquette-lined walls flow from end to end. The entirety of the room oozes character and Indian charm. Fabrics are lush, and the materials are sturdy.

Sweet and heat! Falling for a fritter is easy, and these, although not quite what I would consider a fritter, had me at the first bite. Even though they were honestly a fancy onion ring, a balance was struck between batter and onion. The star of the dish was the mint chutney, what a revelation! Hotness with an ever-present freshness, it paired well with the crispy finish of the fritters. Despite a slight sweat, it was a nice start to the meal.

When a good curry call, I answer. It's not hard for me to say, this might just be my everything. Tender morsels of Lamb, seasoned and simmered to perfection. A hint of sweet harmonized with a selection of spices, creating delicious depth. Full flavoured and scrumptious!

The earthy undertones and spicy nuances of this selection were a nice pairing with the curry. The lingering notes and acidity cut through the richness of the dish, and the finish complemented the aromatics. So good!

This Naan made me jealous of the way the taste of garlic and butter lingers, long after the first bite. Moist with a hint of herbs, it was the perfect partner for the Lamb curry.

Punctuated by passion fruit and fueled by flavour, this was a superb ending to my meal. If dessert is not an option, which it usually isn't (I just don't enjoy them), a cocktail is usually the answer. This had heat and depth combined with a tropical, vibrant fruitiness that brought back island memories. Devine!

Quality service presents itself in many different ways. My favourite is when there is clear communication between a Server and their guest. At Adrak, communication is everything. The service was a team effort, something I don’t mind. Each member of the team was competent, warm and knowledgeable. When I had questions that one couldn’t answer(I had many), another member of the team was able to answer when consulted. The meal was well-paced and from greet to goodbye, all my needs were met.

In my experience, if you’re looking for a quality Indian meal, be prepared to spend a little more than normal. In this case, there was no exception. Considering the location, menu construction, and the quality of the overall experience, be prepared to spend about $100 to $150 per person (drinks included). Since Indian cuisine is one of my favourites, I don’t mind spending a little more. There are more places in the city offering elevated Indian eats, but if you’re in Yorkville, Adrak is a must.

Adrak is located at 138 Avenue Road.

Enjoy!