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Natraj Opens in Rancho Santa Margarita 

10/1/2014

1 Comment

 
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BY AMELIA MATTHEWS
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA - Natraj Indian Bistro had its grand opening on Sept 24 among a large gathering of over a hundred guests and family. The restaurant opened in May. Prominent  among those who attended were  Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Pro Tem Brad McGirr; Steven LaMotte, 

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Senior Dist. Representative of the California Legislature and Suzanne Singh, CEO and Board Member of the RSM Chamber of Commerce . Founder of the Natraj restaurants Vijay Khosla along with wife Lisa Khosla and son Ajay who is  managing the newly opened restaurant, were given certificates of recognition and congratulatory messages on behalf of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and the state of California, for helping boost business in the area and bringing ethnic diversity to the city.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner and were entertained by the jazz band Rossi Music. 
Vijay Khosla   who has been in the restaurant   business for several years,speaking to India Journal said he  found the  first restaurant location by chance in 1990 in Mission Viejo.  His wife and he started out in partnership with a good friend Inderjit Singh Gill.  When Gill later returned to India Khosla sold three of their restaurants in Laguna Beach, Long Beach and Fountain Valley. “ We kept the Laguna Hills one and continued to grow the business venturing into quick casual dining,” he explained.
Asked why customers should be attracted to Natraj  when there were a slew of alternative  Indian restaurant choices,  Khosla pointed out that Natraj has two different concepts for guests -‘quick casual’ at the three Natraj’s Tandoori locations and Nina’s Indian Grocery and ‘fine dining’ at Laguna Hills and the new Rancho Santa Margarita location. “ We pride ourselves on providing our patrons with a modern atmosphere with high quality furnishings, appetizing presentations and attentive and professional service.  Our experienced chefs are always working to improve our dishes and create new ones,” he added.
In regards to catering, Khosla opined that the  service they offer in combination with  the quality of food ranked them number one.
On the cuisine offered, he described it as  “traditional Northern Indian  served in a modern setting.” 
Some of the hot favorites with guests Khosla said by far, was Chicken Tikka Masala, at all locations, with a close tie for second with Saag Paneer and Baigan Bharta. A majority of  guests loved to pair their meals with the delicious Garlic Naan as well. 
Being  seasoned in the restaurant industry Khosla was asked  what valuable tips he could offer those who want to get into the business? He was quick to say that the restaurant business was not as easy as it looked. “ We’ve seen many come and go. Opening a new business at anytime is always a risk,” he added.
Honing in  on the reasons for his success as a serial restaunteer having opened so many ventures, he gave credit to  the exceptional staff, along with the encouragement and support of families, friends and wonderful guests who have been responsible for their success.  The Khoslas  have big future plans for Natraj, as Vijay explains “We are continuously focusing on innovating our menus and creating new items.”They currently have six locations. Quick casual: Natraj’s Tandoori Jamboree Road Irvine; Natraj’s Tandoori Quail Hill Irvine; Natraj’s Tandoori Foothill Ranch;
Nina’s Indian and British Grocery & Restaurant. Fine Dining: Natraj Cuisine of India Laguna Hills; Natraj’s Indian Bistro Rancho Santa Margarita. Natraj Indian Bistro is located at 22205 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. Phone: 949-858-0581
Or visit: NatrajUSA.com or NatrajRSM.com
1 Comment
Ramesh C Joshi
3/14/2017 10:45:58 am

Dear Mr. Khosla:
Indian community as well as the local business community are very proud of your achievements and entrepreneur activities.
I had a very unpleasant experience at Neena's grocery store where I have been a customer since I moved form Canada over 2 years ago.
In Canada senior citizens are offered 5 to 10 percent discounts and that too with a smile. I had asked employees at the check out several times to please check with the owner if such discounts is available here also. But I could never get a response form them.
On March 9th at about 3 PM I was at Neena's to purchase spices etc . I generally buy about $40 to $80 worth spices and other related groceries for my tea Masala.
I noticed a gentleman giving instructions to the person stocking various items and realized he could be the boss or person in charge whom I could ask for the discount.
I requested him if this old man of 85 can get discount on groceries and spices I purchase.
His response was in a very angry and unpleasant way " you should give me money. I am 53 years old. Why I should give you discount"? I was taken back and asked as to why you would need any more money than I pay? Only beggers ask for money . Customers are allowed discount if the merchnat wants to give. Senior 's discount is not uncommon in this country either.
The unpleasantness reached such a state that another customer with family requested to please cease the tone conversation since his two kids were watching how the two Indians are fighting.
Mr. Khosla I generally say " Thank you so kindly " even to the check out clerks and all others.
It is the first time in my life that a merchant or any other person called me " CRANKY OLD MAN" .
I am sure neither you nor any of your employees would like to behave like this with any old man.
I am sure I can find the spices which I buy every month to make my tea Masala in Mission Market or some other place. But I prefer to patronize stores owned and/or operated by Indian Americans.
Even the other customer who intervened apologized to me for all the fuss your employee or part owner / manager(if he is one ) had made. Hope you do some thing about it. I am sure I will never have to go to Neena's to avoid facing humiliation by the manager or employee.
With kind Regards,
Dr. Ramesh C Joshi, Ph.D., P. Eng.( Life Memeber)

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