I Love Curry

I Love Curry is more than just an Indian restaurant- it’s a culinary journey that brings the rich, authentic flavors of India to Naples, Florida. Founded by Chef D and his partner, Meredith Gavin, this vibrant eatery has quickly become a beloved staple in the community. But the story behind I Love Curry is as unique as the dishes it serves.

The roots of I Love Curry trace back to the high seas, where Chef D and Meredith first met while working for a major cruise line. Chef D, a seasoned sous chef with 20 years of experience, and Meredith, who led the entertainment department, found love and a shared passion for food during their time on the ships. After deciding to tie the knot, they settled in Naples, drawn by the vibrant community and the opportunity to bring something new to the Bayshore area.

Their journey into the restaurant business began modestly in 2018, with a food truck in Celebration Park that quickly garnered a loyal following. “We saw a hole in the market here,” says Meredith, “Bayshore was the perfect fit for us, and we wanted to see if people would love our cooking as much as we did.”

What started as a food truck has since evolved into a thriving brick-and-mortar establishment, with I Love Curry opening its doors in 2020. The decision to stay in Bayshore was a deliberate one. “We love the atmosphere of Bayshore. It’s a place where you can live, work, and play all within the same community,” Meredith explains, “Many of our clients from the food truck were already in this area, so it was important for us to stay close to them.”

In 2022, the restaurant expanded to include an additional room, now home to special events like the Bollywood Dance & Dine led by Sanjula Kaul. Lovers of Indian food and culture are invited to participate in the dance workshop followed by a buffet of Chef D’s most popular Indian food. 

At the heart of I Love Curry is a commitment to authenticity by using whole spices and cooking in a traditional manner. Meredith describes their core values, “It’s important for us to bring the flavors of home and the flavors from Chef D’s experience growing up in India to the public. A lot of the time Indian dishes tend to be Americanized and we wanted to bring a more authentic flavor.” Their dedication to tradition extends to the materials used in their dining experience, ensuring that every detail is as genuine as possible.

I Love Curry’s authenticity has attracted locals, quickly becoming a gathering place for the community. Chef D’s particular touch of remembering the names and orders of regulars has created an unparalleled personal connection. His passion for educating residents about Indian culture and cuisine has fostered a strong sense of community around the restaurant. Even though they are currently focusing on private events and special occasions, the support from their regulars has been unwavering. “Our regulars are always following us, eager to see what Chef D will do next,” Meredith adds.

The future looks bright for I Love Curry. In addition to their popular events like the Bollywood Dance & Dine, they offer catering for private parties and smaller gatherings. Their dedication to quality and authenticity has not gone unnoticed, with multiple accolades from Gulfshore Life Magazine, including being named Best New Restaurant in Collier County in 2021.

Chef D is also looking forward to returning to local markets, offering frozen versions of their dishes that are just as fresh and flavorful as when served in the restaurant. “It’s really just like coming out of our kitchen,” Meredith assures.

I Love Curry remains committed to bringing the best of Indian cuisine to Bayshore, one dish at a time. For the latest updates on events and offerings, their website and social media pages are the go-to sources for all things delicious. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook by searching I Love Curry or go to their website at ilovecurry124.com. 

Join I Love Curry at their next buffet event on August 17th from 4:00-8:00 PM and experience the flavors that have made this restaurant a local favorite.