Avartana turns 2... ITC Grand Chola...

Amuse Bouche - thinly sliced Carrot with some yummy crunchy goodies inside.

The Rasam- with Cumin & Black pepper

Corn & Cherry Tomato [ with pomegranate & curd chilli]

Up close- Corn & Cherry Tomato [ with pomegranate & curd chilli]

Cracklings- [L-R: Ghongura leaf, sweet potato sheets with coriander & curry leaves, and Lotus stem served with Mango mush]

Sundried Tomato tapioca- Coriander chutney

Crispy chilli potato 2.0 with Pineapple & mint soup

Lemon leaf sorbet

Bottle gourd & Raisin- on a bed of Ginger & chilli sauce

Spinach & Curd cheese with tomato salsa and Aerated rice cake.

Fried Aubergine with Jaggery & Sesame sauce

Vegetable Rice with Okra Yoghurt

Vermicelli Yoghurt with preserved lemon

Almond Cremeux with candied orange ice cream & strawberry sauce

Celebrations are always fun, and exciting. No less when it comes to a restaurant! Happy 2nd Birthday Avartana..  True to its name, "Avartana" , a sanskrit word meaning rhythm, mysticism and magic, the restaurant has indeed been weaving magic and dazzling visitors, giving them an experience like no other! 

Known for its set course dinners, Avartana at ITC Grand Chola rolls out a revamped version of Jiaa (Soulful) -11course menu. 

Chef Ajit Bangera told us they are also likely to be making changes to their other 4 menus as I enjoyed the glass of clear piping hot rasam that was served from a French press. Starting with this, the rest of the evening went by with us savouring each of the courses that came by. The first time I was here was when they had just opened their doors and the feeling remains the same today as I walk into the restaurant. It has that oomph factor, right from the entrance to the decor and the food, including the plates/cutlery. 

More than the food, it is the techniques used, the ingredients, the flavours & textures that make this restaurant stand apart from the rest. The Crispy Chilli Potato 2.0 involves techniques that left us puzzled- as we pop the entire thing into our mouth, the little ball bursts and the liquid pops out with a medley of flavours. In the sundried tomato tapioca dish, the smooth sago exterior works well against the sharp coriander chutney and the tangy tomato filling. I could go on, but you get the drift right? When the spinach & curd cheese arrived on the table, I kept wondering about the textures, wondering what would be the surprise in this. As I cut into the spinach ball, the fork just went through as if it were butter. 

The Fried aubergine again had a crispy exterior that complimented the smooth inside, and the sauce was such a tangy sweet delight. It hit us then that we were almost at the end of the meal. Woah... Next came a small parcel with a spoon of Okra yoghurt. As we unwrapped it, I found rice cooked with vegetable korma of sorts, and it was such familiar flavours but presented so beautifully. We asked for a repeat of the okra yoghurt.. As with most South Indian meals, the last course is always something to cool the system, with curd. The new menu had Vermicelli Yoghurt with preserved lemon, cool comforting dish.

As with every dish, we looked forward to the last course, the dessert. We were served with Almond Cremeux with candied orange ice cream and a strong strawberry clove sauce. While the cremeux was light, the ice cream with candied orange was a fun accompaniment. The sauce was quite strong, though it worked well with the other two. 

It was yet another fabulous meal at a grand setting... That is Avartana for you!! So, if ever you want to indulge or just feel special, make a reservation and head out for dinner one evening. 

A Meal for one [Jiaa menu] - Rs 3,500 + taxes


Address: 
ITC Grand Chola 
No., 63, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032
Call 044 2220 0000 for reservations.
Website : http://www.itchotels.in/hotels/itcgrandchola.aspx


Disclaimer:

The reviews posted on this blog are based on my personal experience. Also remember that restaurants and eat outs sometimes change with time, so does their food and service. So, kindly consider these factors while visiting the places. Remember, no two palates are the same. Bon Appétit  :-) 

Chennai Food Guide celebrates 10th Anniversary on 28th Feb

The other day two of my friends came home, and within minutes the family was curious as to how I knew them. 

While one of them is my age, the other is much older. 

We did not go to school together

We did not work together

We did not do any course

Heck, we dint know each other till 3yrs ago!

Yes, that is true and today we are thicker than friends, almost family.. We hang out at each others’ homes, we cook, we meet, we are there for each other come what may and we are just such awesome friends.. 

So, how do I know them? Through this lovely forum called Chennai Food Guide..

 

I don’t even remember when I joined the group, but it has been phenomenal to say the least.  I know I am using a lot of adjectives and superlatives, but it is not just for jazz, I mean every one of them. 

I did have quite a few friends, but through this forum I have connected with some very talented people, people from various walks of life and some who have changed my life for the better as well. 

What is Chennai Food guide? 

It is a forum where you can talk about anything to do with food - recipes, restaurant reviews, food related articles, jokes, quips, good/bad experiences and share news on food from across the world as well. 

How many members are there today?

*Hold your breath..* we are at nearly 40,000 members today and growing… 

When is the anniversary?

Yayy! Our 10th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for 28th Feb and it is happening at The Westin, Velachery [ near Phoenix market city] 

What time?

The evening kicks off at 6.45pm.. There is a blogger development session & networking opportunities prior to the main event. And then there is entertainment, an opportunity to meet some renowned Chefs, rib tickling comedy session and of course yumm food as well….

Bloggers Development Initiative

Date: 28 Feb 2015 from 5:45 to 6:30 PM

Venu: The Westin, Chennai. 

Free Event - prior registration is a must (please email info@chennaifoodguide.in Sub: Registration for Networking Event.

This first of its kind and possibly the largest congregation on food networking event in Chennai is for like minded food/ recipe bloggers, Hoteliers, Chefs, F&B Professionals, Home Bakers/ Chefs and others with interest in realm of Food. This program aims to create a congenial and transparent eco system for both: the social media professionals and F&B business to interact well and bring about responsible and qualitative product/ service offering. Chennai Food Guide proposes to pledge considerable resource to conduct classes on writing skill enhancement on food, development of food photography skills, technology in Social Media and leading trends and tools to bloggers, exploration of new Cuisines & Basics of Cuisine Arts & Science with the help of supporting F&B businesses. 

 

Saraswati puja, chandi homam and ilai sapaadu

Today being Saraswati Puja, it was a special day in the Navaratri celebrations, it was also the day of Chandi Homam for Sringeri swamigal [since he was in Chennai, it was organised at the Sudharma, the place where he was staying]. Ggramma was up early and pushed us to shower and give a book for the puja.. We did and then I waited for them to leave for the temple so I could get down to work and my routine. It was decides that we would do lunch at the temple and so there was payasam, Sunday and appam made at home as prasadam..

I have seen the Chandi homam couple of times in Sringeri- back in the days gramma along with others used to carry a tray with material that were used for the puja.. This time top she took a silk cloth, some turmeric and coins to put in the homam (havan) ..

Around 1pm, I changed into a saree, wore the customary bangles etc, braving the sudden downpour headed to the temple. I reached just as the Chandi homam was winding down - saw the elephant all decked up blessing kids and adults; an a horse that had been a part of the pooja.. Few minutes later, spotted he grandparents coming out of the dining hall. She immediately went inside and asked if there was place, luckily there was 1 seat and I was asked to go grab it.. Normally am not top fond of these elaborate spreads, especially with the Avial and sambar. But today, menu was different and food was good and simple..

There was carrot curry, white pumpkin koottu, carrot & tomato raita, potato curry, appalam, coconut rice, vada, boondi laddoo and a tamarind chilli based pickle.. Instead of boring standard sambar there was a mixed vegetables sambar type, followed by rasam and curd.. Oh, there was Jagger's based payasam as well.. It was good and I enjoyed it, probably because I had also not had any breakfast but for a soon of sundal at home..

We then spent a few minutes talking to a few uncle's and aunts before heading back home :-)

Food, Fun n Friends, Whatte party it was...

Finally, the day we had all been waiting for came and now it has gone... Damn, feels like it was only yesterday when we all met and were bouncing off the idea of hosting a celebration of sorts... 

The chaos, the activities, the anxiety, the blog posts, the what not have all come to an end now...  It was one hellova evening at Residency Towers- Town Hall on 29th September. 

People were excited, buzzing about
Balloons being filled and going up on the walls and doors
The banners being rolled out
Projectors and screens being tested
Emcees wondering what their script was.... reading, re-reading
Amidst all this, we managed to taste some yummy treats brought by a few members....
------------>  Tasneem Aunty brought us a dessert made using Colostrum
------------> Yalini with her mom's aloo tikkis and her cute cupcakes
deserve a big round of applause... We all needed these to keep us going till dinner time.

We had all met each other only a few months ago, ok, maybe a year. But it felt different, not like any of the other events i have been a part of.. why? we were family. Yes, that is the word- it felt like a family gathering. We were all pitching in without being asked, we were all contributing without being forced, and we had a whale of a time.

The Quiz
The Stand up show by Aswin
The presentations
and the Launch of Chennai food guide website & mobile app [ grrr that it is not available on iOS or BB yet.. but nonetheless a proud moment indeed]
Oh, how could i forget the food and the after-party!! ;o)

 

It was one evening i shall remember for a long time to come!
This was also one evening, when my camera stayed put inside my bag but for these 3 clicks...
and a smile stayed put on my face through the evening....!!

How could i forget? we got cool goodie bags- A Chennai food guide mug, Cookies from Yalini and a coupon from Gormei Market... *drum roll*... icing on the cake, err goodie bag was the rich chocolate Cup cake from Priya's Feast  :-)

As CFG walks into its 9th year, here's wishing the group an amazing interesting fun filled productive journey ahead! 

The journey... Chennai food guide

My 1st interaction with CFG members was at Tuscana in Chamiers. I met Nishanth, Ali and Wasim, got talking about what they do and well, the rest as they say is History.. I have been to Restaurant reviews, interacted with them offline and made quite a few friends through this lovely forum.

Today, when a bunch of make plans to meet, try out OMG at Sandy's, we are a group of friends, we kid around, pull each others' legs, enquire, offer to help and do just about everything good friends would do for each other. Actually, more than a group, we are a family!! 

When we go for reviews, we spend not half hour or one hour, we spend nearly 4-5hrs at the restaurant talking about everything under the sun. There are whines and grins about how photographers hog the limelight [well, it is the food, but they mill around clicking away while food goes cold] and then there are those times when we are busy passing the plate to get a sample of the various dishes.... The meets are always abuzz with excitement, chattering and oohs, yumm, and the occasional yuck or bleh... 

Chennai Food guide was born in Orkut, there was a thriving community, but as all things go through a metamorphosis. It has now become quite the group on Facebook, with over 7000 members, and a vibrant community where members interact freely with restaurant owners; and where feedback [positive/negative] is welcome.. There are the occasional banters, exchange of words that takes place, but then it is all part of the game.

Over the last few months, CFG has come a long way... Going beyond doing restaurant reviews, there are workshops being organized- cake baking, barbecue in the swimming pool, Tex-Mex, Greek food [the latter 2 are yet to happen] and many many more.... This not only brings the people closer, but also helps us learn the nuances of food... 

And now, it is time to celebrate CFG's 8th Anniversary, an opportunity to bring together all the members to one venue, whip up a storm in terms of the dinner, interact with others from the industry and have one awesome evening.. 

Join us in making this evening a fabulous one.... Come be a part of this lovely community.... And no, don't worry about piling on those pounds, we'll give you pointers on gyms and work outs that you can do ;o)

To know more, visit

CFG Page on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/chennaifoodguide

CFG on Twitter :  https://twitter.com/ChennaiFoodGuid

The link to purchase ticket for the party evening online- CFG 8th Anniversary party

 

Delightful Treats for Ramzan

The month of fasting is nearly over and Muslims across the world are gearing up to celebrate Ramzan [also called Ramadan or Id-Ul-Fitr].  And there is no hiding that Food and Ramzan has a strong connection. Think succulent kebabs, delicious Biryani, rich curries and molten malpuas served at the best restaurants across the country and you have your excuse to dig in. Here is a heads-up on the Top 3 places across the country to visit,

 

Khoobani Ka Meetha

[Image courtesy Fullmeals.com]

If you have plans of visiting Mumbai, then this is the right time to go, for you are in for not only a visual treat but a gastronomic one as well. Mohammad Ali Road with its street side stalls and small hotels are overflowing with people eager to try some of the Ramzan specialities.  The kebabs [Beef and Chicken] are the show stoppers and the best ones are found at Haji Tikka, Khara Tank Road in Bhendi Bazaar.  However, if you are not the adventurous kind, then you should visit Khiri where you will find various rich meat dishes, especially beef. Another area in Mumbai that serves up quite a storm is Khau Galli in Central Mumbai, which comes alive post 9pm with streets brimming with people vying for a plate of Biryani or kebabs or the sweet dishes.

 

Haleem

[Image Courtesy - Zaika.net]

On the other hand, Lucknow has its pride in Tunday Kababi, a century old family-run restaurant  that dishes out plates of  Galouti kebab like nowhere else. Akbari Gate on the other hand is where you get the most divine glass of Kashmiri tea that is perfect before starting your food trail. Make sure to visit Haji Sahib's shop for a slice of the traditional nihari and kulchha. Wait, its not over yet, you should sample the makhan malai, Lucknow’s own version of saffron-spiked ice cream before you can call it a day.

 

Biryani

Image Courtesy: Flickr

Ramzan is synonymous with Haleem and the best Haleem is available in Hyderabad only. Tasty and delicious Haleem here is a plate of minced meat cooked with ground wheat and oodles of butter. Pista House, near Charminar at the old City offers the 2^nd best Haleem in town. Biryani is another dish that is a must have during Ramdan season. Called Nawabi or Dum Biryani, No Eid is complete without this Biryani.  Take your pick from Lamb, Chicken or other meat, either way you are in for a treat like never before. Also order a side of mutton korma, mutton do pyaza or murgh musallam, and zafrani murgh to add to te beauty of the meal. Finish off in style with a plate of Kulfi, sheer khurma or sevayyian (which is vermicelli that has been cooked in milk topped with nuts),  khoobani ka meetha (apricots pureed cooked with sugar and topped with fresh cream) and the traditional phirni.

 

Kulfi

Image Courtesy: Recipes ebest

Let the celebrations begin!! Enjoy the treats no matter where you are...!!