Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Raintree restaurant & Vivanta by Taj Connemara delights (Chennai)


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. 

The wooden chutney trolly

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!

My non veg Chettinad thali

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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