Finding a good place to go for lunch on Friday is an easy task, since being productive that afternoon isn’t really a requirement. So when I headed over with a gang of co-workers to The Host (14 Prince Arthur Ave.) for their $11.49 Indian lunch buffet, we had one goal in mind — distending our stomachs as much as possible.
The Host is an upscale Indian restaurant that’s pricier than most, so going to their Thursday or Friday lunch buffet is a cost-effective way to try their dishes. As soon as you’re shown to your seat, drop your jacket and head straight to the back room. You’ll pick up a plate and travel counter-clockwise, first passing the sauces, salads and appetizers. I just do a courtesy stop here, putting a couple tiny scoops on my plate of cucumber and spinach salad and a samosa or two.
Next are the hot dishes, and there’s a good selection to choose from: Chana Masala (warning, it’s spicier than you’d expect), Saag Paneer, Cauliflower, Beef Curry, Eggplant (my absolute favourite), Tandori Chicken and the ever popular Butter Chicken (shown below).
As you can see from my plate, my goal is to try a little bit of as many different things as I can. Buffet strategies are a funny thing and vary widely. For example, some people (the healthier ones) go up for only one plate. On the other extreme, my co-worker Seb had a technique I’d never seen before. His goal is to eat the first plate so quickly and move immediately onto the second one, essentially tricking his stomach into thinking he hadn’t eaten yet. Watching him scarf down two overflowing plates in 20 minutes flat was pretty impressive. Seeing him get up for a third plate was downright unbelievable. I managed to do one and a half.
One great tip is to make sure you ask for Naan and they’ll bring over basketful upon request. There’s also a small section with fresh fruit and a few desserts. The Host’s decor could be described as old-school classy, but at lunchtime things feel more casual. It’s perfect for a noontime outing to break-up the workday. After that, head back to the office and tell your boss you’ll be spending the rest of your Friday afternoon digesting.
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