The lineups are legendary at Vij's restaurant in Vancouver, where genial proprietor Vikram Vij and his wife, Meeru, use local ingredients and original ideas to create exciting takes on the cuisines of India. Dishes such as marinated lamb popsicles in fenugreek curry and Portobello mushrooms in porcini cream curry are far from traditional but spiced exquisitely, allowing flavours such as mango, tamarind and cardamom to shine through.

The couple's first recipe book includes delectable offerings such as grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon-ghee dressing with garlic and cashews and seared venison medallions with fig and roasted pomegranate khoa. Vegetarian selections abound, and there is also a selection of side dishes and accompaniments such as rice pilafs, chapattis (flatbread) and chutneys. Each recipe is accompanied by a suggested wine pairing.