Madras has captured the essence of South India through various little nuances that make this part of India unique in typical ways. Yet remained modern, steering clear of an overt exhibition of South Indian-ness. I love those quirky, captivating display plates: they have expressive caricatures. If you look closely, you may even see a close likeness to celebrities. Or you may not…
Done up in clean, no fuss modern lines, Madras looks different during the day and different at night, taking on a muted romantic personality with live classical south Indian musicians serenading you.
Try out the little bits of temptations from the amuse bouche platter. Don#39;t over-indulge. It has temptations like well-cooked and tempered Sundal, crunchy Murruku and creamy Thair Vadai.
Slurp up some Nandu Rasam, with pieces of sweet crab meat mingling it#39;s distinct flavours into the clear Rasam spiced up with pepper.
Brown and crisp-coated, the Mutton Kola Urundais are tiny and delicious. You will find a subtle hint of cardamom if you close your eyes and concentrate.
I’ve had better Banana Dosa, but the Vazhapoo Parpu Vada has street flavours combining the crumble of open textured luxury. I enjoy every bite with the different chutneys, of which I find the Bajji Chilli Chutney stands out.
Makka Chola Varuval: pearls of corn, tossed in rice flour before being deep fried are crisp yet succulent. Tiny surprises come in the form of minced raw mango and carrot.
I’m enjoying the Mixed Vegetable Sambar. It has the strong flavour of capsicum dominating the drumstick, brinjal and radish. Mixing that bold sambar into my rice, I take chunks of Raw Banana Varuval, loving the slight crunch from its Malaga podi coating.
My favorite part of the meal: dessert. I must have Appam and jaggery sweetened coconut milk... It#39;s mild sweetness and spongy-crisp texture is best enjoyed with the fingers.
For those of you who like it rich, Chef has decadent, divine and glistening with ghee Badam Halwa, generously sprinkled with saffron and nut slivers.
Pluses and Minuses: Madras tries new things within traditional parameters as far as food is concerned. That Carnatic music is very soothing to the ears.
Must try: Masala Kuzhi Paniyaram, Nandu Puttu, Karvapilai Yera,Karuvapilai Zucchini Poondu Kuzhambu, Karnataka Style Pomfret Curry, Vennai Kodi Kural, Andhra Royala Beerakai Igru, Paan Ice Cream.
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