Meet the Chef/Owner: Laxmi's Indian Grille

Manu Dutt was on the fast-track to becoming a doctor but made the decision to leave medical school, a decision that was heart-breaking for his parents. Thoroughly disappointed in their bright and enterprising son, Dutt's parents originally disapproved of his career and life choices post-medical school but have recently come around. His mother was the first one to appreciate her son's culinary endeavors while his father was slower to show his approval. Dutt's restaurant in Manayunk, Laxmi's Indian Grille, is named after his mother. Read below to find out more. 

Name: Manu Dutt

Age: 28

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Home now: Manayunk

Favorite thing about the Community: I love the energetic crowd and open-mindedness of the place.

Do you do any community work? Yes we do, we contribute to the Manayunk Academy School and I recently did a tour for some elementary school children. They were doing a unit on India so they came into the restaurant and I gave them a presentation on India complete with maps and lessons on culture and cuisine. They also got a tour of the kitchen and saw how we make bread in the tandoor oven. They tried some of the food as well and loved it so much they brought their parents back. We also donated some food to Cosacosa for an event benefitting the arts in Philadelphia. 

Years in the Industry: 1 1/2.

Earliest Cooking Memory: My mom and sister were always cooking but I never cooked with them, but I did watch them and learn. Before I opened my restaurant, I spent eight months working in friend's kitchens for free. It was kind of like a kitchen internship. I also attended Serv-Safe classes at Drexel to learn about proper food handling.

First Kitchen Job: Owner of Laxmi's Indian Grille

What brought you to the industry? My friend and I were talking about starting a new business. I've always leaned towards business and owning my own business. My friend suggested a restaurant and once we found the right location it all just went from there. 

Advice for Home Cooks: Use good ingredients. Keep choices healthy. Keep it simple.

Favorite Thing to Cook: Tandoori salmon

Favorite Menu Item: Tandoori salmon

Healthiest Menu Item: Daal tadaka (it's a lentil curry that is low fat and vegan).

Favorite Local Restaurant: I eat a lot at Hibachi, my wife loves it. 

Favorite Restaurant in the World: Knife and Fork Inn in Atlantic City

Guilty Pleasure (food or drink): Indian sweets, they're too sweet but I still like them...

Last Meal on Earth: Aloo gobi (made by my mom, I love the way she makes it and bhindi masala.

Favorite Food Shows: Iron Chef