Refreshing new menu at Prego, Taj Coromandel with Chef Alessandro Bechini

Do you have a special occasion to celebrate, or want to just have a delicious meal, then Prego in Taj Coromandel is the place to head to. My first visit here was few years ago with friends and since then I have seen the place  go though a subtle yet visible transformation, with changes in Chefs, and food as well. All said and done, dining here is quite an experience.. I was back here to experience the new new menu crafted by Italian cuisine specialist, Alessandro Bechini, a San Lorenzo trained Italian chef.. 

During our chat with the Chef, he told us he believes in keeping it simple and elegant when it comes to plating, he also added that “the appearance of the food may be the first impression that the guest will have, but the taste and texture will leave a lasting impression. He was taking us back to the joy of flavours, giving us a rustic yet flavour packed meal... 

While we settled in and were having a chat with the Chef, an exclusive menu was handed out and it had us wondering if this was the special menu for the evening, how much more extensive was the main menu. Trust me when I say , that one is real extensive indeed..  :-) 

So, without much ado here is what we had over the few hours we spent at the restaurant... Oh and make sure to remember we had heaps of laughter, conversation, chit chats and ooh aah about the food as well.. 

The amuse bouche &  Insalata di Indivia, Pere al Vino Rosso e Gorgonzola

A slice of carrot wrapped around Feta cheese..Oh my, was this heavenly or what. And check out the fork, it was so cool

Salad- Endive and lollo rosso salad with red wine poached pears, walnuts, lemon gorgonzola dressing- Yummilicious, I was in love with the poached pears, it had the sweetness of the wine and the crunch of the other ingredients added to the dish.

Minestrone Casalingo

Classic home style vegetable soup with pesto Genovese- I don't think i have ever had such a sinful warm bowl of soup. There was something comforting about the flavours, and  I could taste the beans, the broth and spices as well. 

Fusilli al Profumo dell’Orto

Twisted short pasta in julienne vegetables, scented with mint, thyme and basil- A simple pasta dish it was seasoned perfect

Risotto Porcini e Tartufo

Creamed Carnaroli rice with wild mushrooms and truffle infused extra virgin olive oil- Every time I pop a spoonful of something with Truffle oil I am transported to la la land. The risotto had a good bite, the mushrooms were delicious[I love that fungi] and it was a dish I would have been happy digging into any day.I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is heading to Prego.

Crespelle Senza Uovo con Broccoli Croccanti

Eggless crepes, filled with zucchini, eggplant, ricotta and parmesan, broiled with Provolone cheese, on tomato sauce - Quite different from anything I have had, it was like a cannelloni,except it hadn't been baked with a ton of cheese on top. Loved the creamy cheese, the crispy broccoli served on the side and the mild tomato sauce it sat on. 

 Moving on to desserts, we got to taste two of the four on the menu. Both were sinful....

Tiramisù Senza uovo (Eggless Tiramisu)-  It was amazing to hear the Chef say he has made the Tiramisu eggless and sans Kailua mainly because there are quite a few vegetarian patrons who visit the place and it is a dessert loved by kids as well. 

Delizia al Cioccolato (Steamed chocolate pudding, chocolate berry ganache).. The sorbet in the chocolate dessert was to die for, especially for someone like me who loves anything with berries in them. It was the perfect companion to the hot chocolate fondant.  

It was one of those evenings where the conversation flowed long after the meal was done with. Such is the place and all of it adds to the experience. A meal for two would cost anywhere between Rs3000 -4500 [not incl alcohol] and this is a restaurant where if you were to give the Chef a budget he can whip up a 4-5course meal for you. So next time you are looking for a place to celebrate a special moment/occasion, you know where to head to..

Address: 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034

Phone:044 6600 2827

Disclaimer: The reviews posted on this blog are based on my personal experience. Also remember these were just my views!! Remember, no two palates are the same. Bon Appétit :-)