The first Indian business to open on Devon was India sari palace.
"India Sari palace started April 1973 and at that time it was
a totally Jewish neighborhood. Based on our success a lot of people
followed us. Now, from whole Midwest, people come and shop on Devon
Avenue," said Ratan Sharma, India Sari Palace Manager.
Today, India Sari Palace is surrounded by dozens of Indian businesses,
but it still stands out for its hundreds of fashionable saris. These
long, elegant wraps traditionally worn by Indian women, range in
price from $10 to $700! And, there's even a little something here
for the guys!
Indian jewelry is known for its bright, gold color and detailed
craftsmanship. In Little India, Raj Jewels carries a dazzling array
of modern jewelry and classic Indian pieces. But, you won't find
anything less than pure, 22 karat gold here.
"It's more yellow yes, because it's the purest form and the more
yellow it is, the appeal and the color blend more with the stones
and the purer the metal, the higher the value, and it's supposed
to be a good investment as well as a fashion wear," said Dipen Lakha,
Raj Jewels Owner.
For a Little Indian entertainment, head to Atlantic Video where
you can check out over 30,000 Bollywood titles! Bollywood, a pun
combining Bombay and Hollywood, is the name for the wildly popular
Indian film industry. These flicks are usually musicals. As a matter
of fact, few Indian movies are made without at least one song-and-dance
number.
"Indian people, they love music, have to have songs and music
in the movie. If not song, than movie not be hit," said Amir Khan,
Atlantic Video.
If you're looking for Indian goods, stop by Patel Brothers. In
business for over 30 years, this is the first Indian grocery store
to open on Devon Avenue. And, with over 30outlets across the country,
Patel Brothers is the Indian equivalent of a major grocery store
chain.
"We offer everything. Whatever you get in India, you get here.
We getting spices, pickles, very good food, frozen food, all kind
of sweets -- fresh vegetables, you name it," said Mafat Patel, Patel
Brothers Co-Owner.
When it comes to Indian cuisine, it varies depending on the region.
Southern India is generally vegetarian. So, for a taste of southern
India on Devon Avenue, check out Udupi Palace.
"This is south Indian cuisine. This is, you know, we make specially
vegetarian meals, you know, and vegetarian meals, strictly no seafood,
no meat, no eggs, only veggie," said Jagdish Khatwani, Udupi Palace
Owner.
For northern Indian food and elegant dinning, Tiffin hits the
spot!
"North Indian food specializes more in meat items," said Sandeep
Jiandani, Tiffin Manager.
"We sell a lot of tandur items, tandur meaning clay oven. What
they do is they ignite it with the charcoal and they add meat with
skewers marinate it with Indian spices, that give it a unique flavor,"
said Sandeep Jiandani, Tiffin Manager.
For a quick sugar jolt, swing by Tahoora, a sweet shop specializing
in traditional Indian and Pakistani pastries.
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