Takeout, Take 1: Eataria Unlimited

Takeout, Take 1: Eataria Unlimited - theHumm May 2020

By Sebastian Weetabix

BC (Before Covid), Weetabix’ main topic was restaurants, many of which have been severely impacted by the necessary restrictions of social distancing. This is a gentle way of saying that forced changes to an established business model can be catastrophic. Our last article (and first in the time of social distancing) advocated ordering takeout but was short on specific recommendations. We will now start to address these and other related matters in the upper part of our food chain.

If one is concerned with simple nutritional sufficiency, a standard diet in controlled portions can be formulated and the whole matter of eating may be summarily dealt with. It works for lab animals and it could be argued that there might be health benefits in several areas. On the other hand, mental health considerations are important and we aspire to improve the quality of our lives through culture.

Cuisine and cooking are part of culture, as is the sharing of food whether casually or formally. In all interviews for this column, Weetabix noted that restaurateurs/cooks express a desire and need to “feed people”, and despite it being very demanding, for many of them being a chef is a calling — not just a job.

And this brings me to Roopesh Kakkat (Roop), owner and proprietor of Eataria Unlimited in Carleton Place (257–1500). Roop is a highly credentialed and skilled chef who has worked in diverse settings; translation — he can cook anything. Weetabix first met him a couple of years ago in Almonte where he and a partner had started a pizzeria with a unique Indian twist (Bollywood and butter chicken pizza!). Excellent Indian dishes available for take-out made this a frequent stop of ours, but the location seriously limited the business potential. Read that column here: thehumm.com/online/article.cfm?articleid=2343 .

Roop and his partner separated amicably. After an extensive search he found a suitable location in Carleton Place; it was an existing operation with 52 seats. Readers should be aware that setting up a restaurant requires a surprisingly large amount of capital as well as time to develop clientele. An established base is a significant asset, and the ability to cook across a wide range of styles is, itself, a real business asset. Fortunately his newly restyled Eataria Unlimited is also well positioned for takeout and that was a significant part of his ongoing business BC.

With a significant investment that could no longer be productive (empty seats do not generate revenue!), and lots of production capacity, Roop is making the switch to a takeout-based business model. So far it is “difficult but we are surviving”. Takeout is starting to trend up with the help of Valley Eats and his own staff driver. All delivery drivers are trained in safe (contactless) handling, and as a qualified chef, Roop operates with food safety concerns as a matter of normal practice.

Takeout food is as safe as groceries when properly handled; attention to transfers is important.

So, what about the food? Eataria Unlimited offers a wide range of items and an excellent value proposition that makes it a practical as well as a pleasant alternative to DIY. Roop’s professional skills are available at your place with the additional convenience that you can order small quantities as desired. Those of you who cook can readily appreciate the advantages and possibilities of serving multiple distinct items at a single sitting, and those who don’t have high-level skills in food preparation (most of us) get the benefits of variety, taste and convenience!

Eataria Unlimited is about feeding people what they want to eat. Roop offers a large and varied menu including some specialty items like his excellent curries. Weetabix was pleased to learn that you can still get Bollywood or butter chicken pizzas. However, social distancing restrictions make it impractical for Roop to offer specials that depend on preparing large volumes. Perhaps an order-in-advance system will work in the future, but right now adjusting to the new mix is all-consuming and the essential task at hand.

Eataria Meal Box for those in Need

Even so, Roop remains dedicated to feeding people, and if a hungry person is unable to pay, they can get the “Eataria meal box” — a nourishing and tasty portion of spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread — at no charge. “If anyone is hungry and broke… it is totally free. I do what I can and people do not abuse it; if they are in need I must feed them,” Roop explains. Other offerings are planned. Weetabix is impressed.

You can enjoy the luxury and convenience of professional food preparation. Take a look at his menu, which is available on his Facebook page facebook.com/Eataria-Unlimited-495345314534157/ and order the food of your choice at the time of your choice!

These are early days, and bottom-line performance will be the ultimate test. Roop delivers in all respects, and Weetabix highly recommends checking him out.

The Return of the Victory Garden: an Interview with Ed Lawrence - theHumm May 2020

theHumm is reaching out to members of our Ottawa Valley community to ask how they are finding ways to use their gifts in these challenging times. Today’s subject is Ed Lawrence, CBC Radio’s gardening guru. We emailed Ed to find out what he’s been up to, and what advice he has for novice gardeners who may want to try their hand at growing their own veggies this year.

theHumm: I imagine you have had fewer speaking engagements than usual this spring — what ha......

Takeout, Take 1: Eataria Unlimited - theHumm May 2020