When you think of India, do you immediately think of Hinduism, Bollywood and lots and lots of doctors? If you do, you hit the nail on the head.
At Shivalik Indian Restaurant, you’ll find out the owner is an Indian doctor, the walls are decorated with Indian deities and the manager, from India, had Bollywood aspirations before coming to the United States.
True to its roots, Shivalik serves one the most popular Indian drinks, the Mango Lassi.
Manager Bob Thakur was born in India, where he dreamed of being a movie star in Bollywood.
India has the world’s most prolific movie output, and probably the cheesiest one too, with movies filled with endless dance and love scenes. But hey, there’s not enough love in the world, so Indian movies are hugely popular, especially in Asia.
Bob moved from India to Michigan in 2000. About a year ago, he came to Kaua‘i to help a friend, an Indian doctor, to open Shivalik.
Server Rahul Yadav loves to dance, and judging by his stylish 1980s mullet, he’s probably a fan of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
The young Indian lad also dreamed of becoming a movie star in Bollywood, but dad didn’t let him. Rahul’s father works as a cameraman in the industry, and probably has seen enough to deny stardom to his son.
And we thought only Hollywood was rotten…
Steve Saflor is Shivalik’s local connection. Born-and-raised on Kaua‘i, Steve didn’t think much of Bollywood while growing up, but he did become a star. Every week Steve lets loose at New Hope Church, singing and beating the drums like Keith Moon.
Shivalik is a Sanskrit word which translates to “belonging to Lord Shiva.” It is also the southernmost belt of the Himalayan mountain range. Bob said Shivalik generally means the gathering place.
The restaurant is open every day for lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m., and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday a lavish buffet is available.
Mango pulp
1 cup of yogurt
Sugar
Acting
Blend all the ingredients and pour it into a glass. But don’t justpick up the glass. Pretend you’re a Bollywood movie star. Walk upto the woman you love and start dancing in circles and singing in astrange language. Cut!
