Sam's Pizza -- What Zaa?

After a long time me, my cousin and friend decided to go out for dinner, we had two options hit BBQ   Chicken or Sam's Pizza. Since none of us had any particular choice we let destiny decide and by quick choice of selection between two fingers Sam's Pizza it was. Thinking back i should have just chopped that finger. 

We landed up on door step of Sam's Pizza - incidentally i had earlier come across this place during the setup and assumed it was Pizza Republic. Its in the same building as that of Moti Mahal Deluxe on Jaganathan street, off Nungambakkam. High Road. They have an underground parking for 2 wheelers and Car park in front. One has to take a flight of stairs to get to the joint, its quite a bright inside with a splash of vivid colors. Decor is very casual with transparent plastic chairs on one end and sofa types for the rest of the place. This place is not suited if you are looking for a quite place or for business/casual conversation cause one has to shout on top of their voice to be heard, noisy is an understatement.

It was Independence Day and the place was full  at around 8 PM, however we got seated immediately and by the time we got the menu card there were a couple of families waiting to be seated. The menu isnt exhaustive, they have their dinner combos which were priced at 299 for Non veg and 249 for Veg, one gets a soup, 26 varieties of salads, garlic bread, choice of 3 veg or 2 non-veg  deep pan pizza and one dessert.  They have set pizza type for different days, plus their prices for Saturday and sunday lunch  were higher by 50 rs ( beats me as to why the same stuff should cost more on weekend). Also, if you squint eyes enough one can find the wordings that say if the patron is seated for more than one hour you will be charged 50% more. Not sure if they actually time someone. Also, they have only two types of  crust thin and deep pan and neither of them are what they claim to be.

We ordered  french fries, one medium Veg thin crust pizza and a chicken pizza deep pan. It took roughly around 20 mins for the pizza's to arrive followed by french fries. I have never seen such small medium sized pizzas. The waiter said it was 9 inch pizza but i think it was only around 8 inches, imagine your regular pizza from domino's slightly larger and made of six slices instead of four. Coming to the taste of it the chicken pizza had a minimalistic topping, it didn't have any flavor of the sauce seemed like they hadn't put any sauce at all. Seasoning on the toppings were good, though they claim deep pan, it was just regular pan pizza. IMO deep pan will have twice the amount of toppings this was not the case with the one we got. Veg pizza was no different and thin crust was not crispy but merely 3/4 of the dough of the pan pizza.

Non Veg Chkn Pizza Deep Pan

Thin Crust Paneer Pizza

Thin Crust??!!

I have personally worked in a pizza place, made and served pizza's also tasted varieties of crusts in Chennai/UK and i would not rate the one's i had as pizzas. They are like the pizza's you get in your local bakeries.  French fries had the portion was over cooked and too crispy like biscuits and over salted. Total bill was Rs 1071. I felt it was a rip-off for the size and taste, moreover i could have got 2 medium pizzas, garlic bread and coke for far lesser $$$ at other places. Its italian for heavens sake.. and one would feel stuffed after a pizza meal... unfortunately not here.

Service was okay not so great and they charge 10% as service charge as well.

Food 3/10

Ambience 3/10

Service 6/10

Price 2/10

Would I Recommend?  No, PM me and will give you better ways to spend your money.

La Shaakahari

Late in the evening me and my friend wanted to have dinner outside, i was suggesting that we head to Pizza Republic only to find out that its not opened yet. As we were riding around Shashtri bhavan i remembered someone mentioning about  a food joint and i took the Pycrofts Garden street and ended up at La Shaakahari, vegetarian restaurant.

It was a medium sized restaurant that could accommodate atleast 50 people, we were quickly seated at a table and then asked to move to another table as  a bigger group turned up. The ambience isnt that great very noisy place and infact one of the noisiest that i had been too. 

Menu card was simple they had Continental and indiam cuisine, we decided to try the baked stuff for the main course. For starters, we ordered cheese bombs and roasted tomato soup followed by Roasted Lasagna Verdu and Vegetable Moussaka.

Starters came in no time at all, soup was an excuse for starch water with tomato flavoring. It lacked flavor and wasnt good.Cheese bombs was alright, wasn't gooey with cheese rather one gets hint of cheese in it and the batter is like the bajji batter.

Next was the roasted lasagna verdu which was served in a very hot plate, with the cutleries in it and though the waiter did mention that the plate was hot. I think they had put the cutleries also along in the oven. Almost burnt my fingers. Lasagna was just sheets of pasta with veggies in white sauce and some tomato sauce. First couple of bites were good however more you have it, gets tough to eat. Vegetable moussaka was totally unlike a mousakka, hardly any aubergines, looks they picked up the baby brinjals and sliced them up.  Though it looked alright with a rich tomato gravy, as one digs in its again diced veggies in cream sauce and just the top layer has aubergines. It tasted so-so and was definetly not a moussaka very pretentious stuff.

Vegetable Moussakka

Lasagna

 

We decided to leave and not try the desserts, the total bill came to 718 Rs. I have no clue about the Indian cuisine at this place, however unsure whether to check them out sometime later.

La Shaakahari is located on 20 Pycrofts Garden road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006

 

Food 5/10
Ambience 5/10
Service 6/10
Price 6/10

Would I Recommend?  Hmm may be not.

Sandy's Chocolate Laboratory

It was time for our quarterly team lunch and the big decision of finding a good place within the budget was at mind. Decided to try Sandy's at Wallace Garden  Rd, Nungambakkam, since they didnt have their menu online called them up and was told that avg price is around 600 Rs. This was on the high side however, we decided to go anyway and if it was too much on the high side will walk out to either Jakobs Kitchen, Equinox or Mash Grill House.

We booked the table and i was the first to arrive, flipped through the menu and found that well within our budget. Decor was very simplistic, more like a cafe atmosphere, with interesting receptacles for serving such as conical flask, beaker etc. Ambience was quite good and the tables are spaced apart as well. Beneath this cafe type place was hidden a restaurant that dishes out amazing food. Soon my colleagues joined in and were ready to order.

For starters, we ordered Jalapeno potato fritters and potato wedges, we wanted to order Spanakopita but they were not having it that day. Spanakopita was a dish with Spinach, Feta and other stuff sounded yumm but alas not to be had; probably next time. Jalapeno potato fritters was served with salsa and it was crumb coated with a gooey centre made of creamy potato, jalapenos and cheese, simply irrestible. Potato wedges was served with ketchup, i would have love to have it some creamy dip. Nothing wrong with ketchup its just me.

Jalapeno Potato Fritters

Potato Wedges

For the main course, we ordered couple of tenderloin burgers, couple of ravioli with spinace and mushroom in white sauce and grilled fish with lemon sauce. First to arrive were the burgers and they looked just like burgers- meaty and yummy served with potato wedges, ketchup and pickled veggies. I had ordered mine medium and the other was welldone. The buns were not thick crumbly ones and held well until we chowed down the last morsel of it. Patty was flavorsome, well seasoned and stacked amongst bacon rashes, tomato, lettuce etc. By far the best burger i have had in town and with each and every bite, it was just too good and fanfare for the tastebuds.

Tenderloin Burger with Bacon and Cheese

Grilled fish with butter lemon sauce was served with mashed potatoes and was grilled close to perfection, not dry and the sauce had a zing to it. Combination of the sauce, fish and mash was pure bliss.

Grilled Fish on Lemon Sauce

Raviolli with Spinach n Mushroom on white sauce was in no way inferior to the previous dishes and was quite rich and the pasta was brilliant to say the least. Only sore thing being the portion could have had a bit more of ravioli since it didn't quite feel filling as the other dishes.

Raviolli with Mushroom n Spinach

Next, we ordered desserts chocolate ice cream, nutella chocolate bar, funky monkey and  that little tiny cake. No complaints there as the taste was just orgasmic, only oohs and aahs as we dug into them. All in all a lunch well spent and worth every penny of it.

Tiny Chocolate Cake

Nutella Chocolate Bar

 

Funky Monkey

Chocolate Icecream

The only not so good comment is the fact that one had to wait for a long time to get our glasses filled with water, waiters were oblivious to the presence of customers and one had to holler out to get their attention. An improvement would be much appreciated. Another thing that caught my attention was that they do no have any lamb dishes on their menu.

I would say that when you step out of Sandy's you would leave with satiated appetite and money spent on worthy dishes.

Average price of starters is 160 Rs, Main courses 300 Rs, Desserts 200 Rs. Our bill came to 2900 INR with the above dishes.

Thanks to Luke, Bharath, Deepa and Felita for the awesome company for the lunch.


Sandy's Chocolate Laboratory is located on 16, Wallace Garden, 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006

Food  9.5/10
Ambience 6.5/10
Service 7.5/10
Price 7/10


Would I Recommend?  Yes,totally without hesitation

Burmese Food Park

UPDATE: this  place is closed

Riding through Greams road on a Sunday evening, we spotted a new food joint called Burmese Food Park and hence decided to have our dinner in that place. Its a small place that could barely seat 15 or more, when we reached the spot, all we could spot was 2 ladies at the billing counter. Initially we were skeptical to enter as there were no one around at 9 pm. But something went across our mind and decided to try it, which turned out to be one of the best things for the day.

We got ourselves seated and were provided  the menu card,  not a elaborate one. You find the usual suspects such as Moinga, Atho that I know off and the rest  like Ono  Khowsuey, Tami Jhow, Pay Biyo-tami etc. We ordered a Ono Khowsuey and  Veg Athow. They served Heinga- a veg soup on the house, it was a clear veg soup with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, coriander and other spices. It had a definitive after taste that makes you want to have more. 

Main courses arrived  and didnt take long. First was my Ono Khowsuey,  served in a bowl. Its Chicken egg noodles in a rich broth made of coconut milk and chicken stock and other aromatics. It also had some fried crispy stuff, man did it taste good. 

Veg Athow followed suit, definitely not the one you get in Parrys corner, it was the thick round noodles and had browned onions and mix of other ingredients. To say it tasted good would be an understatement, it tasted divine and heavenly. I usually don't go over board in praises, but there are always exceptions and this place definitely deserve it. Atleast for the food I had.

Heinga                                       Veg Atho                               Ono Khowsuey

We asked for the dessert, it was not available.  We  took a Veg Tami Jhow ( Fried rice), it was good and tasted different. But leagues apart from the above two dishes, had a tinge of bitterness to it from some ingredient.

Overall a very good meal that is tasty filling and doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. Chatted with the owners and found out that they were from Burma and used to cook regularly at home and the idea sprung from there. The joint was opened less than a month ago.

Menu Card

I would definitely recommend this place if you are into Burmese food or basically you love good food. This place dishes out quality food that would leave your taste-buds wanting for more. It certainly did for me and hope it does the same for you. (Note: I am not aware of Burmese cusisine, only that of the stuff from parrys corner)

Total bill came to 265 Rs, the Ono Khowsuey was 100, Athow was 85 and Tami Jhow 80. They accept only cash.

 

Burmese Food Park is located on Greams Road opposite to IDBI Bank, before Sea Shells when you enter from Anna Salai. They do home deliveries as well for 5km radius.  Contact no: 99620 92332

Food  9/10

Ambience 4/10

Service 9/10

Price 9.5/10

Would I Recommend?  Yes, definitely

Kobe Sizzlers

I love steaks and IMO Kobe's serves really good ones. I have been visiting Kobe's for quite sometime now and have tried the different steaks in the menu. Not once i have found something to complain about, i always go for Beef . My friends have had the chicken and the paneer steaks and always managed to scrape the plate clean to the last morsel. The only complaint i have is that they have reduced the number of sauce bottles, earlier there used to be a tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, mustard sauce and a brown vinaigrette (i think). Then they took out mustard sauce and this time around only ketchup and chilli sauce.

Vegetarian sizzlers are served on bed of rice, boiled vegetables and French fries/ Mashed potatoes. Non vegetarian sizzlers are served sans the bed of rice but with the rest. You can get your steak rare, medium or well done. I prefer it medium done - succulent and juicy. 

Apart from the sizzlers they also offer soups,starters,fried rice, noodles, pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches and desserts.

I have always stuck to the steaks and we never order any starters or sides for fear of not being able to finish the sizzler. By the time we are through with it, no space for desserts. I do not have any comments on the rest of the menu except that there are burgers aren't good, buns are two big when compared to the patty. Would advice people to stay away from it.

We ordered a Chicken satellite steak with Mushroom sauce, Beef steak on Szechuan sauce and Vegetarian sizzler with mushroom.  Beef steak was cooked as requested and the rest of food was good too. No complaints and am actually at loss of words to describe it. All i can say is money well spent. The total bill came  to around 1200 rs. This place is absolute value for money.

Vegetarian Sizzler

Chicken Satellite With Mushroom Sauce

Beef Steak with Szechuan Sauce

Kobe sizzlers is located on Khadar Nawaz Khan Road,  inside a compounded area next to cafe coffee day lounge. They are also located in EA.

Food  9/10
Ambience 9/10
Service 9/10
Price 8/10


Would I Recommend?  Yes, definitely

Local Eateries: Royapettah Part 1

I live in an area flooded with road side eateries like fast foods, tiffin centres, mess and biryani places. I have been hogging the foods since i was a kid. I am trying to post some of my favorite places that sell IMO good food. 

Muttai Kothu Parotta

Most of the messes or tiffin centres sell Parottas as a permanent dish in their menu apart from the regulars like Idli, Dosa. Not all of these places make kothu parotta mainly because its time consuming, however there are those eateries that do make these. I have tried Kothu parota in a number of such eateries  and this place dishes out lipsmacking kothu's. Priced at 45 Rs for a plate, it would certainly fill one's appetite. I was salivating  while the master was preparing the kothu. A "Serva" (gravy) is provided for sides and goes well with it.

Its located on Dr.Besant Road opposite to Royal Saloon, coming from Royapettah Hospital, its about 200 meters past the Charminar  biryani stall  on the right side.

Enter these co-ordinates on google map for a rough indicator of the shop 13.053275,80.270439

Kothu Parotta

Chicken Fried Rice and Chilli Beef at Star Fastfoods

Further down the road is a fast food centre dishing out noodles, fried rice. One can custom make the fried rice like extra spicy or less spicy. I have been having there food since 2006 and they do tend to recognise me. Chilli beef is made by frying the beef with corn flour coating and then sauteed with onions, chillies and tomatoes. I prefer the noodles more than rice anytime, however this time i ordered chicken rice mainly because my mom was having it. The portions are quite huge and if you have a good appetite then one can finish  both the rice and beef. Best to share it and not waste it. Chicken rice is priced at 45 Rs and Chilli Beef at Rs 35.

This place is located on Dr.Besant Road about 100-200 meters before the Ice House Police station, from Royapettah  hospital it will be on your right. Enter these co-ordinates on the Google Map 13.05299,80.272544

Chicken Fried Rice and Chilly Beef

Food  8/10

Price 9/10

Would I Recommend?  Yes. 
Disclaimer: Do not expect the surroundings to be extremely clean, and if your very conscious about hygenic conditions around the shop, best to avoid. One has to understand we are taking about road side eateries and the obvious surroundings that come with it.

To be continued with other local eateries around Royapettah..

New Tandoori Tadka - Moved out

New Tandoori Tadka opened sometime back in second half of 2010 if i may recollect. It was one of those days we decided to get some food from outside. I decided to try out the Tandoori Tadka  on Radhakrishnan salai, upon entering the place i found out it was a pure vegetarian place. The restaurant has two levels, ground and first floor and tables are not too closely placed. I checked out their menu and the first thing that caught my eye was they serve Chinese food as well, was quite intrigued as they called themselves a Pure Punjabi kitchen.

I did engage in a conversation with the guy at the counter who looked like the owner and asked him about the chinese food in the menu. He said that it was due to their experience from their previous restaurant venture where customers asked for Chinese dishes and lack of such menu cost them customers. He also pointed out that Chinese food at their joint does not get influenced by the Punjabi kitchen. 

Menu at Tandoori Tadka is quite exhaustive, i ordered Paneer butter masala, Kadai vegetable, 2 Phulkas, 1 Rumali roti, 1 Butter Naan and a Garlic Naan.

The gravy portions are quite on the high side and taste wise the paneer butter masala was less spicy but tasted good. The paneer tasted fresh and size of the cubes were just right, coming to the kadai vegetable it was medium spicy. Even kadai vegetable had paneer in it, i am not sure whether paneer is an ingredient of kadai vegetable, however they were smaller in size compared to the other gravy.

Panner Butter Masala                                             Kadai Vegetable

Roti's were nice and soft, one has to ensure that you have them as soon as possible else they tend to get a bit chewy. 

 Butter Naan, Garlic Naan                     Phulka                      Rumali Roti

All the above cost me 566 rs i don't exactly remember the cost of the gravies. They were roughly about 

169 rs each and the naan around 30-40 rs.

Overall, the food was good and would rate this place in terms of pricing in the mid range. Way better than the Kabul restaurant situated just a 2-3 buildings away.

New Tandoori Tadka is situated on Radhakrishnan Salai  between Kabul and Reliance trends.

Food  7.5/10

Ambience NA

Service NA

Price 7/10

Would I Recommend?  Yes

The Pasta Bar Veneto

Me, my cousin and a friend decided to go out for dinner. We decided to go for an Italian dinner, our regular pick would be Little Italy. This time we decided to try something new and Past Bar Veneto was shortlisted. Personally, I have been wanting to check this place out for quite sometime now too.

Called them up for reservation and they said it would not be required. Was surprised, but again being a Pongal day and city deserted thought it would be empty. There are two restaurants in Chennai, one on Alsamall, Egmore and the other at Burkit Road, T.Nagar. We were heading to the T Nagar restaurant and getting there is not that easy since its situated on a one-way road and one has to navigate through by-lanes to reach the destination.

The restaurant shares space with a boutique, and restaurant is located at the rear of the property. I guess it has a good capacity of about 50-60 people; upon entering one would find an open bar style setup. I just wished it was a well stocked bar, well my wishes are endless that never actually get materialized. Too much of boring info moving on...

The place definitely was not empty and we got  seated promptly, the table we were shown was not cleaned properly and the table next us were into an argument with the waiter. That was not a good sign for a first time visit to the restaurant, we were provided the menu, which looked quite exhaustive, but in reality its not actually. It just looks exhaustive, we had to wait quite sometime for the waiter to take the order. When they did come to take the order, we informed him about the sticky table and was told that he would take care of it once we ordered.

We ordered 2 starters, Sesame chicken and Cheesy Jalapenos, when we  placed an order for a soup to be shared, he refused stating that they don't offer soups to be shared. I have eaten at a fair share of restaurants and this was the first time i have come across such a policy by a restaurant that doesn't let you place "one by two" order of soup. We skipped it and waited for the starters to arrive and the table cleaned while we chose the main course.

The table was cleaned by another person who felt as though we were pointing stuff out and did i mention the person who waited was putting a grumpy face.

By this time i was pretty sure that the dinner was going to end on a sour note, more often than not my intuitions are right and this time it was wrong.

Then the starters came and we didn't have to wait too long, first the cheesy jalapenos served with tomato ketchup. The menu describes it as Jalapenos stuffed with Cheese, fried. Fried check, Cheese check, Jalapenos check but is it stuffed jalapenos with cheese nope. It was more like cheese bites with some chopped jalapenos in it. But it tasted good. Next was the sesame chicken, its breaded chicken strips fried and coated with sesame seeds served with thousand island dressing. It tasted good too.

For the main course we ordered, Primavera Al panna with Spaghetti, Chicken Bolognese, Diavolo Pizza and Pesto Con Spinaci Pizza. First, the Diavolo pizza, a 9 inch thin crusted pizza, it was delicious and was filled with flavors of the different ingredients. Our pizza was little burnt at one end but no complaints it was very good.

Diavolo Pizza

Next was the Primavera Al Panna, spaghetti on cream white sauce with veggies served with a garlic bread. It tasted well however lacked the creaminess and could have used a bit more of sauce for soaking the garlic bread. 

Primavera Al Panna

Similarly, the Chicken Bolognese was served with a garlic bread and it too lacked the sauce element plus the chicken element was missing. Chicken mince was way too fine than you find in a bolognese sauce that one doesn't even find chicken. Both the pastas even though the tasted quite nice left us wanting for more.

Chicken Bolognese

Pesto con spinaci was no different from the diavolo, was well cooked and tasted as good as the freshly baked smell.

Pesto Con Spinaci

We did not order any desserts, the total bill came to 1,062. The starters were 125 and 135 Rs, the pastas were 175 and 195 rs and the Pizzas were 165 each. Service charge and taxes extra.

To sum it up, easy on your pocket and tasty italian food. Pizzas are a step ahead of their pasta colleagues in the menu list. Portions of main course are good per person and  starter portions could be increased. In my opinion, its a nice and cheaper alternative for Italian food in city compared to the Tuscana and Little Italy.

The Pasta Bar Veneto is located on Burkit road, refer http://www.thepastabarveneto.com for more details

Food  7/10
Ambience 7/10
Service 6.5/10
Price 8/10


Would I Recommend?  Yes, definitely

Suggestions: Please inform the waiting staff to put a smiling face and keep the table surfaces clean. Cheesy jalapenos could actually be made like described in the menu and provide a better dipping sauce than just ketchup. Wee bit more sauce to soak the garlic bread  and don't change anything about the pizza.

Kabul - Too far from taste, just like the distance between Chennai and Kabul

Friday night returning from work, I suggested going out for dinner. However, Wifey was in no mood so decided to do a takeaway from Kabul. Kabul has moved to the new location from TTK road, to Radha Krishnan Salai, its right by the Royapettah –Mylapore flyover near the signal.

We ordered a Keema Biryani, Naan, Masala Paratha, Butter Chicken Masala and Dal Makhani.

Sorry totally forgot to click the pictures, was too hungry to focus on clicking photos.

Naan and Masala paratha were good both in terms of texture and taste. Just make sure its hot while you eat.

Butter chicken masala was nicely prepared not spicy at all with strips of shredded chicken bit on the oily side, no complaints though was a good accompaniment for the breads we had ordered.  Portion was good enough to serve three people.

Dal makhani, well any good restaurant wouldn’t get it wrong and Kabul didn’t screw it up.

Coming to the last dish of the day Gosht Dum Biryani aka Keema biryani or should i call it red rice with shredded mutton sheek kebab. This is where i feel a picture would be worth a thousand words. Don’t ever and never order the biryani, reason i say is not because it didn’t taste nice... its just not biryani. More like a greasy mutton sheek fried rice with lot of red color.  They definetly have got this one wrong and with a hefty tag of 300 bucks, total and utter disappointment.

Total bill came to 920 Rs, Biryani 300, Butter chkn masala 245, Dal 165, Naan 40 and Paratha 45.

Kabul is located on Dr.Radhakrishan Salai at the  Junction before Pizza Hut

Food 6/10 (mainly because of the pretentious biryani else 7.5/10)

Ambience NA

Service NA

Price 5/10

Would I Recommend?   Not really. if you're tired of other Punjabi restaurants then maybe,  not recommended for Biryani. I can think of numerous biryani outlets that can offer much better and cheaper alternatives.

Hotel Town Bus

I have passed through this hotel many number of times; and everytime with one thought should try this one and i did this time. Me and my mom where coming back home from Vadapalani, when i suggested we have dinner over there.

Earlier my dad had mentioned that the tiffin items on this hotel is good.  What’s most striking about this place apart from its name. They have a cut out of town bus plastered above the entrance. 

Entrance - Picked this pic from internet

Name itself “Town Bus” is a term that you would hear once your out of Chennai, very common name across Tamil Nadu and a term people can easily relate to.

This is not a fine dine restaurant and its a Hotel in its true sense, as one would expect a hotel to be.

Ambience is just how would you expect, its got clean tables and a typical small hotel decor.  We ordered a Parotta  (Malabar parotta) and Masala Dosa. You get served pretty and quick.   

Parotta

Parotta was  like in other places two small ones served with Vegetable Kuruma, Channa sort of gravy and Onion raitha.  Parotta was soft, fluffy and nicely cooked and so were the accompaniments, just right and tasty.

Masala Dosa

Masala dosa was served with Sambar, Tomato Chutney, Coriander Chutney and  Coconut Chutney, it was again good to taste. Would definitely suggest those who go there to try their chutney. 

Finally we ordered  a Coffee, which was a let down too milky and less of decoction.

I personally have a quirkiness that if i go to any of the hotels of this type that serves tiffin items need to wash it down with coffee and for a non-veg hotel like Safari (typically any mallu muslim hotel)  wash it down with tea.

The bill was 72 rs, and totally worth it. They also have North Indian, Chinese style dishes and Chat. I would prefer to stick to South Indian dishes at similar hotels.

Hotel Town Bus is located on Arcot Road on the right from Vadapalani towards Kodambakkam.  You cannot miss the huge bus above the entrance.

Food  8/10

Ambience 4/10

Service 8/10

Price 9/10

Would I Recommend?   Yes, don’t expect fine dine.

Dine @ Escape Cinemas, Chennai

My First of the many posts to come, i sincerely hope to add more to the list.

It had been quite some time since we (me and moi wife) visited Express Avenue (EA) a stone’s throw away from our home.  So, we decided to go there on a Friday evening and catch dinner at one of the many outlets over there.

First we went in for Cafe Pascucci, we were turned off by the strong odour of paint or varnish and decided to head up for the food court. That’s when my wife suggested we check out the restaurant in Escape Cinemas. 

Dine - A view from our table

I had no clue about the food they serve nor their prices, so was relieved to see the Menu card at the entrance of the restaurant. Not much of an entrance actually, its what you end up, if you miss your screen entrances. Was  greeted by nicely dressed waiter who seated us, i was expecting it to be quite noisy, it wasn’t and there was just another family seated in the restaurant.  However, at the time of show intervals, it gets a bit busy so try to get seated away from the crowd unless you plan on a putting show on for the audience. I am probably being too dramatic but guess you get the drift of it. 

One more thing worth mentioning is the fish tank called “SWIM” filled with Corals and the brightly coloured coral fishes in it, which is good but it has its sets of visitors mainly kids running around your table unattended.

Menu card is a comprehensive mix of Indian and Continental food, however, they do not have a variety of soups. It’s the Soup of the Day – a vegetarian and a Non-vegetarian. It was Tomato soup that day, and funnily enough the waiter asked us if we wanted a Chicken Tomato Soup or a Vegetarian.  This is probably the first time i have come across Chicken tomato soup at a restaurant, unless i have overlooked the menu at the hotels i have been. We went for the Veg Tomato Soup, which was one of the best tomato soups i have had in Chennai. It was creamy thick tomato soup probably with grounded lentils in it. It tasted yumm.

Tomato Soup -Veg

We had no intentions for starters, they did have a good  list of starters both veg and non veg that were reasonably priced.  Going by the smell of those that were ordered by others should have been tasty.

For the main course my wife ordered the Garden  Veg Burger and i went for the Chateaubriand Tenderloin with Horseradish Sauce.  It was good to hear from the waiter asking  “ How would you like your beef  Rare, medium or well done?”   i went the medium way.

Burger was served with fries , built with a veg pattie which is quite thin and decked with lettuce, tomato, cucumber , caramelized onions and cheese. The burger bun was also quite good, the only complain being the base of the bun was shredding into pieces even before you are halfway through with the burger. Then again, i am yet to come across a burger bun that hold well till you finish it in Chennai.

Garden Veg Burger

Chateaubriand that i ordered was perfectly done, with little bit of pinkishness as you cut through the pieces.  Three medallions of beef were served on an oddly shaped mash potato with horseradish sauce, i found the sauce nice and would have preferred a more liberal dose of it. I like more of sauce or gravy in my dishes, it was sided with a grilled baby corn, broccoli and shredded mix of vegetables. Though the portion looked small, it was quite filling and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Full points for the chef on this.

Chateaubriand with Horseradish

We did not have dessert  though they did have quite a  tempting line up on their menu, we wanted to  try it at the food court for other options  Gola , Cotton candy etc.

Totally it rang up to 475 Rs, with Soup for  75, Garden Burger for 125 and the lovely Chateaubriand for 275. No Taxes or service charges added to the bill.

Dine is located within Escape Cinemas at EA, as you enter Escape walk towards your left all the way to the end. Dine, Escape Cinemas -EA

Food  8/10

Ambience 7/10

Service 8/10

Price 8/10

Would I Recommend?   Absolutely yes, highly recommended.