RAJKOT: Cricket tourists visiting this part of the country usually stop by places of historical significance. The erstwhile princely states that patronised the game in its formative years in the India are not far from the city and counted among popular destinations.
These days, they have found another destination in the heart of the city. It’s Jaddu’s Food Field, a multi-cuisine restaurant owned by Ravindra Jadeja, one of the handful of international cricketers to have emerged from the region. Launched on 12.12.12 to mark the month of birth of its owner, it has withstood the initial test of establishing itself, and footfall has been steady in the last few years.
With the cricketer away most of the time, elder sister Naina runs the show. A trained paramedic on unpaid leave from her job as a nurse at a government hospital, she expects a section of outstation arrivals for the first-ever Test in Rajkot to drop in over the next few days. In keeping with the strategy to decorate the place in the theme of cricket, it will be decked up suitably for the occasion.
“We’ve developed a steady clientele and a lot of those who visited Rajkot for ODI or IPL matches have tasted our food. We’re expecting a crowd during the Test match and the place will look different when in starts. As usual, cricket will be the theme,” said Naina, sitting amid cricket memorabilia adorning the shelves and walls.
The Jadejas are natives of Jamnagar, about 100 kms from the city. That’s where the cricketer lives when not travelling and has a stable of six horses. Naina has had to shift base to Rajkot to look after the establishment. “Initially it was run by employees. But I’ve moved after we realised the presence of one of us is necessary.”
Dealing exclusively in vegetarian dishes priced between Rs 100 and Rs 250, Jaddu’s Food Field doesn’t expect to have the players over during the Test for security reasons. Nor does it plan to send food to those who get tired of the hotel diet. “It’s not allowed, as we found out a few years back when a cake sent to Jaddu by us didn’t reach him. Plus, they have dietary restrictions,” said Naina.
These restrictions don’t dampen spirits though, as they are already planning to expand the business. “It’s not final, but we are thinking of opening branches,” said the sister. Those with a taste for cricket Kathyawadi food can expect good times.