Copper Chimney in Phoenix Market City, Velachery, chennai

 Strawberry chai based drink..

 Kadak Rumali roti

 Hung Yoghurt tikkis 

 Tawa Imli Aloo

 Condiments

 The menu... 

Achari mushroom 

 Paneer Tikka Chelo - basically rice cooked in butter & thick cream served with few pieces of tandoor paneer slices. 

Black Daal, Paneer Masala & a chicken gravy with a boiled egg on top [ordered by friend]

 Rumali roti [wheat flour based]

 Almond Phirni chikki crumble- Chilled rice pudding with crunchy chikki and slivers of almonds & strawberries on top

When a restaurant that you have been visiting for years opens a new outlet in the city, it is time to check it out, right?  Am talking about Copper Chimney... It also coincides with their 25th year in Chennai, quite apt that they open their  next outlet and that too at the newest most popular address in town- Phoenix Market City, Velachery on the 2nd floor.

Mumbai welcomed the first Copper Chimney in 1972. Founded by J K Kapur, 45 years back, Copper Chimney's 1st outlet was in Worli. I was told one of their Ustad's  [master chefs] has been with them for 44 years in this Mumbai outlet!! 

The Velachery venue is elegant and contemporary with wooden dado, tiled pattern flooring in patches and textured walls. Copper accents are juxtaposed against fresh wood tones and earthy cane, with bursts of colour and foliage, to create a warm, inviting vibe. Loved the open space, and natural light streaming in through the thick wall to wall glass windows. There‟s even a little corner showcasing unique spice blends and artisanal pickles for sale, coming soon.

The first step in and you cant not notice the legacy stories on the wall and the giant copper bells installation. The absolute highlight of the restaurant interior is the very active live kitchen wherein the customers can enjoy the view of the food being prepared fresh in the kitchen.

The menu is extensive, the menu card is more of a magazine, with photographs of Ustads, cooking process and ofcourse the dishes as well. Each dish contains a little mention of the region from where inspiration was drawn.  

Their drinks menu includes some familiar flavours such as  Delhi Shikanji, Khatta Jaljeera and Lemon Chai Sherbet. Guests can unwind with classic mocktails, Indian inspired sherbets and fresh juices, to enjoy with their starter plates or grills after work or on the weekends. CopperChimney now offers a select range of high quality teas sourced from the finest sustainable estates across the country. The teas can be paired with our starter plates or be a perfect conclusion to a meal.

When it comes to food, the Tandoors are fired at first light, grills marinated for over eight hours and the signature dal is slow-cooked to perfection. Central to this process are the "Ustads‟ or master chefs of Copper Chimney. These chefs are trained and nurtured for decades, gaining in-depth knowledge of ingredients, cooking styles and recipes handed down over generations.

The menu at the Velachery space features recipes that celebrate cuisines from Peshawar to Delhi. The Starter Plates and Grills are must-tries; Choose from the Tawa Imli Aloo, a North India street favourite, Chargrilled Cheese Mushrooms, a light and fresh Tandoori Chicken Salad and some Delhi-Style Fried Chicken.

The dessert menu offers quite the eclectic variety; like the interesting Almond Phirni Chikki Crumble – a chilled rice pudding topped with crunchy jaggery nut squares that we tried, or the exceptional Muzaffar - thick Lucknowi rabdi with golden, roasted vermicelli.

What was even more exciting was to see the place pack up for a weekday lunch within days of being open!! Shows how good their food is.. 

A meal for two should work out to about Rs1200 [excl taxes]... The restaurant is open for both lunch & dinner.. 

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 :-)