Main photo: The Patel family (from left) Chef RJ, Urshil, Diana, Payal, Ronit, Gurpreet, and (in front) Shanvi at Marigold Unique Flavour (Sydney Allan)
“Diwali is the festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil,” says Diana Patel, owner of Marigold Unique Flavour on Main Street East.
The restaurant’s one-day celebration of Diwali is this Saturday, November 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., during which they’ll offer diners some special treats and a unique experience.
Patel is from India; she and her family have lived in Muskoka for nearly 20 years and opened Marigold Unique Flavour in 2018.
“Having owned numerous hotels in Huntsville over the years, customers would always ask us where to get good Indian food. We realized that the demand was there and that we would be able to provide a taste of Indian culture to both locals and visitors,” says Patel.
She and her family always get together to celebrate Diwali with friends but this year looks a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions so they want to share the joy with the community.
“We light up clay lamps, wear special clothes, eat sweets and other delicious food, and pray to the Gods Gunesha and Laxmi for heath, wealth, and prosperity,” says Patel.
In addition to the regular menu, Marigold will be offering specialty items at a low cost including Dosa (a crispy crepe), Juleti (a funnel cake), and Rose Lassi (a sweet yogurt drink).
“These three treats aren’t on the menu but we wanted to offer something different and special for the community to try. They’re very popular street foods in India,” adds Patel.
Everyone who celebrates Diwali at Marigold will receive free Indian sweets and a $5 voucher as a gift.
“We want it to feel like India when you step inside,” says Patel. “We have decorated the restaurant and there will be Diwali music playing.”
Marigold Unique Flavour is at 17 Main Street East. They also offer takeout and delivery. Learn more at marigoldflavours.com.
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I am going to be out of town but happy Diwali Marigold!