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Chutney Joe's
YOU CAN CALL ME JOE If your first thought upon entering the new fast-casual Indian spot Chutney Joe’s is that it reminds you of Chipotle, that’s not an accident. Owner Vijay Puniani—the self-described “old man” behind the restaurant his son Aatish Puniani and son-in-law Scott Schwarz will operate¬—calls his new Loop option “a cross between Chipotle and Panda Express, but Indian.” He spent two years developing the concept so that everything from the cooking procedures to the spice blends are ready to replicate, with serious plans for expansion. But before this conjures up images of a hair-netted staff microwaving “tandoori” chicken or cracking open giant cans of “rogan josh gravy,” Puniani says that he puts as much time into the toasting and blending of spices and slow-roasting meats for his menu of eight signature dishes as “an Indian housewife would”—he just makes them in mega batches. Eight bucks gives diners two picks from options like a Goan-inspired pork vindaloo, creamless chicken thigh tikka masala and braised, shredded beef flavored with turmeric and Puniani’s own garam masala. And as for the name? “I’m introducing authentic Indian food to the average Joe, Joe the plumber,” Puniani says. “And besides, Chutney Kevin’s just didn’t have the same ring.” 511 S State St (312-341-9755).
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