Gaylord to celebrate Indian Independence Day

Variety of authentic dishes will be served

Gaylord India Restaurant will be celebrating Indian Independence Day from Saturday through Aug. 20 by serving special entrees and desserts.

The president of the restaurant located in the Rio, Satpal Kohli, noted that many vegetarian dishes will be featured and a 10 percent discount will be offered on food during the celebration.

"A lot of political leaders and others are vegetarians," Kohli said. "So we offer a wide variety. And we have vegan dishes also."

One traditional dessert that is well known and will be offered on the special menu is bufi, Kohli said. "It is decorated with the colors of the Indian flag, which are orange, white and green."

India was under British colonial rule until Aug. 15, 1947, when it was granted complete sovereignty.

Gaylord has been open for a little more than two years. The restaurant is intricately decorated with gold accents, etched glass and crystal decorations and doused in velvety rich colors.

"Indian cuisine can accommodate anyone really," Kohli said. He also noted the restaurant will be serving the traditional Indian drink of summer, Mango Lassi. "Mango Lassi is a traditional yogurt drink," Kohli said. "It is good for the summer because it keeps the body cool."

Kohli explained the majority of the dishes he serves are traditional Indian fare, many cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven capable of reaching very high temperatures generally heated by using charcoal or wood, ideal for fast cooking. One of the most popular clay oven-cooked meal is tandoori chicken.

As for Gaylord's clients, there is a mix of locals, tourists and dignitaries, according to Kohli. "This is the only Indian restaurant in a casino and we have a lot of repeat tourists coming in," he said.

Gaylord India Restaurants can be found throughout the world, and many people have patronized one in a different city before they visit the one in the Rio, Kohli said. The restaurants can be found in Chicago; San Francisco; Beverly Hills, Calif.; Kolkat, India; and Hong Kong to name a few. The first Gaylord opened in India in 1948, Kohli said. "They also make ice cream, so this name is like Dairy Queen there."

"We do everything in house here, we even grind our own spices," Kohli said. "That's one thing that sets us apart from the others. And we only use the best and freshest ingredients."

Kohli also mentioned how proud he is that Gaylord has an agreement with the Sands Expo and Convention Center and the Las Vegas Convention Center. "We have a contract that gives us multiple location booths during the big conventions," he said. Kohli said it works out very well because a large percentage of those who frequent the major conventions are of Indian descent.

"I was told about 70 percent of those who attend the CES show are of Indian descent," Kohli said. "They are very happy with us. And the name (Gaylord) is instantly recognized."

Gaylord also offers catering services, often for weddings, birthdays and graduations Kohli said.

Gaylord also is currently offering a 15 percent discount to local residents who show their Nevada driver's license or ID cards to their servers when they are seated. The discount will be offered through Sept. 30, and is not applicable to alcohol, gratuity or tax.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.