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| View from our room |
We visited Chennai and stayed
at the gracious Vivanta by Taj Connemara. It’s a heritage property and we got a lovely ground
floor room (very spacious) overlooking a garden. Sadly 1 night which is all we
had in Chennai didn’t give us enough time to explore and enjoy the hotel.
The room
was large enough for us to have room to move around despite the extra bed we’d
asked for (for the pre teen son).
The
beautifully polished heritage furniture made the room special – much more than
just another hotel room in any large city.
We were
conveniently located for a visit to the famed Marina Beach and lots of local
food outlets.
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| The wooden chutney trolly |
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| Selected chutneys |
Raintree, the speciality
Chettinad restaurant is located in an Chettinad style wooden structure situated
under an old raintree in the garden of the Vivanta by Taj Connemara complex.
With large picture windows and coconut wood floors the setting is quite
magical.
We went
for lunch and elected to eat the Chettinad thali – non veg for
all 3 of us.
The meal
started with a wooden chutney cart /trolley bring brought and offered to us –
several varieties of chutney to eat with a variety of papads. Delicious but one
shouldn’t fill up on it as the thali is rather extensive!
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| My non veg Chettinad thali |
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| The dessert - the photo doesn't do it justice |
This was
followed by a delicious lightly flavoured coconut milk based mutton soup,
Then the
piece de resistance – the thali was served – comprising a dry chicken and
different curries of chicken, mutton, fish and a vegetable. Served with rice
and parotta.
Pickles
from the wooden thali were offered – including prawn, chicken and mango pickles
to complement the meal. I tried the prawn which was delicious.
The sweet
ending comprised payasam and something unique made of rose petals, like a
preserve. Served with a spice filled white chocolate.
What made
the meal so special was the service
which was impeccable and just right. Definitely
lived upto our expectations and deserved all the great reviews!
Even if you aren't staying at the Vivanta by Taj Connemara - do visit Raintree
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