By Katie Kohler

When taking over the longstanding grand location of the Chateau Granieri, Jalsa’s owners took the responsibility not only to match its grandeur, but also to elevate all aspects of hospitality.

The changes are evident from heavily traveled West Main Street, where passersby would have to be heavily distracted not to notice the major facelift to the exterior. But it’s inside the doors that Jalsa shows how serious it is about creating a superior dining experience and hosting events of all sizes.

“We wanted to take the Chateau and bring it to the next grand level. To do that we renovated everything,” noted co-owner Amit Doshi.

Jalsa started renovations last June and opened in early April. On the ground level, it houses an Indian fusion restaurant. Jalsa Events is located up the grand staircase, where guests are greeted by the familiar chandelier before entering the ballroom.

Jalsa means, “kick back relax and enjoy,” and it’s a key factor in its mission of elevating the dining experience.

 “Jalsa is for everyone to come relax,” all the owners reiterated throughout the visit. The ownership group possesses a diverse professional background. Doshi has a degree in physics and experience in management and distribution with edible arrangements. Dr. Natu Patel has been a general practitioner since 1977 in Audubon. Dev Singh has 18 years of food service experience in Indian restaurants, including Philadelphia Chutney.

Chateau Granieri’s previous owners, brothers Pat and Bob, were longtime patients of Dr. Patel. Two years ago, Patel began to think about retirement but knew he wasn’t going to be able to sit idle at home.

 “When I retire I have a place a go,” said Patel, who currently works part time in the mornings at the practice. “Food, drink, and socialization – that’s the best retirement plan!”

But most of all, Patel, Singh, and Doshi wanted to create an outstanding dining experience and event space for the community.

 “We want to bring life back to Norristown. We want to elevate Norristown to the next level,” said Doshi.

The upscale Indian fusion restaurant menu features a blend of Mexican, Indian and Italian flavors made by a team of culinary professionals with backgrounds in their respective cuisines.

In the modern, open dining area of Jalsa, diners will find attentive service and something on the menu for every taste, including a full bar.

Popular dishes on the menu are Chicken Tikka Masala, chicken korma, samosas, ravioli, seafood medley, and tango spinach chaat.

Jalsa takes freshness seriously as it grinds its own masalas and makes its own flour and oil.

The owners noticed that the growing American-Indian population did not have a grand banquet hall in the area and had to go into the city for accommodations. They wanted to create accommodations in the suburbs instead, not just for Indian events but for all the communities.

 Jalsa is scheduled to host upcoming Chinese weddings, Nigerian weddings, and quinceañeras.

Patel also sees Jalsa as being an idea place for healthcare or physician conferences. Jalsa recently hosted an event on the opioid crisis, which Gov. Tom Wolf attended.

Jalsa is located at 2522 W. Main St., West Norriton. The phone number is 484-681-4885.

[uam_ad id=”54875″]