oracle

Foodies never had it so good in Madras...

2008-01-31T02:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of the best eateries in Madras, and some of them serving only vegan food. Now, this is my compilation and I'll try to have it updated as frequently as possible- and any suggestion/s or comments are welcome.Also, much to my regret,I don't have the addresses of most of the restaurants (one usually heads to the joint the taste buds point to, and the taste buds manage to get by without addresses, fortunately or unfortunately- but the same can't be said of others), and I'll try to get most, as soon as possible!As I mentioned earlier, TUCK IN!

The Most Popular eatouts- Indian cuisine
(which automatically includes "the most crowded")
(i) Eden (Besant Nagar)
It's one of the best places in these parts of the country for continental food, but they do offer North Indian cuisine, as well and their desserts are to die for. Great food, a good ambience and good service are the watch words and you get them all, um, most of the time.And hey, while there don't forget the pick of the lot- Corn on Toast for starters and The-Last-Time-I-Ever-Saw-My-Waist for dessert, among others!
Spoiler warning- This is not the place for you if you're in a hurry, and I mean it.
(ii) Sangeetha (Gandhi Nagar, R.A.Puram...- ubiquitous, 'tis the word!)
They (along with a few others) popularised the so-called fast food, bringing it to mainstream eatouts! "Value for money" is the watch word, with this chain of fastfood joints (there we go, again!) and the best places for the mainstay of South Indian food (although they do have North Indian food, as well, or variations of it, rather!)- Vada, Dosa et al. with generous helpings of Sambhar and half a dozen varieties of Chutney, apart from Kuzhipaniyaram, aappam, etc.This is the place for you, if you have a bunch of kids and hardly no time, to deal with! Their North Indian stuff is kinda good too- especially the thali. The best part's, the staff are mighty friendly - the fact that they cheerfully consented and satisfied my exacting dad's specifications for Mushroom chukka, with his various weird add-ins, is proof enough for me.
(iii)Karpagambal Mess (Mylapore)
I love it here- and my father before me (when he was in college, that is!)It's a landmark, as far as restaurants in Madras go, and evolved with Mylapore. In a sentence- "THE best food at the best prices"!I salivate whenever I think of their Nei Masal Dosai or Brinji Kurma or Morkuzhambu Vadai, and even now, dream of their Keera vadai, Badam halwa and the various podis and pickles. If you're lunching there, I'd definitely suggest their Brinji-Kurma.
I was a trifle disappointed with their fare for dinner the past few times I ate there- things have changed a bit, but I'll return to KM whenever am in the Mylapore area, nonetheless. The food is still good, just that it's sometimes not quite adhering to its glorious past.
(iv)Saravana Bhavan (Nugambakkam...- these guys are everywhere, as well!)
This was the place that started it all- it revolutionized the concept of eating out, as far as Madras is concerned, and once upon a time ruled the roost, and other joints were no man's land, but after a long stay at the top, had to give way to the rest! For other details, read the write up on (ii)the Sangeetha chain ! Food's still scrumptious, but this is strictly for south-Indian fare. NOBODY can beat their dosas and vadas, but the portions are positively miniscule. Their Kotthu parotta, which I had on my latest visit was pretty neat - with chick peas and stuff. The combination was real good and rather different.

The Best Dhabas
(don't come here expecting to see the thatched-roofs-and-tin-sheet-stop-overs of lorry drivers, you'll be in for a disappointment - the food, the ambience and the price go hand-in-hand, as far as the ones in Madras are concerned!)
(i) Dhaba Express- Besant Nagar etc.
The place to head for, when you think of makki ki roti and sarson ka saag- and don't miss their lunch buffet (unlimited for Rs.50, or something!), which is a real show-stealer!
These days their food has gone for a toss, though. Mediocre fare at kinda high prices (for the food being dished out). You could still check the lunch buffet out, I guess.
(ii)Sachin Ka Dhabba- Adyar etc.
It's quite similar to Dhaba Express, in terms of food, service, prices and what not- except, it was here much before DE's entry. I haven't been there in a long time- but hey, think balle balle and the first thing that comes to mind is food ( and I'm certainly not paranoid!:)

The Best Pizzerias
(i) Pizza Hut- Kasturba Nagar, Nungambakkam...
Yup, the vote for the best pizzas goes to Pizza Hut, here as well, and they really do their marketing homework diligently! Really awesome pizzas (although nothing like mom's!), great accompaniments...and this is the only place down south where the waiters bring piping pizzas doing a jig, while you go "Thank you, Mr.Twinkle-Toes"! The pick of the list for me would be Veggie Supreme. They launch something every now and then - cheese crust pizzas, then chicken crust pizzas and their most recent garlic crusts. Decent starters and salads, delicious pizzas and great desserts, but stick to the pizzas for maincourse - pasta or spaghetti at a pizza place generally aren't worth talking about. And by the way, their Ebony and Ivory thingy in the dessert section is definitely worth a try!
(ii) Chef Express- ECR, Nungambakkam...
Great pizzas at great prices- and a real friendly owner who gives great offers!Their wedges, pastas and stuff are good ,as well- and while there (if you're not dialling pizzas home, that is), you might want to check out their "sister" concerns (pun not intended!)- The Great Wall (for Chinese food) and the joint offering North Indian food!

Other Pizzerias
(i)Dominoes- Kasturba Nagar, the various Planet Yumm outlets (Besant Nagar, Railway Station...), etc.
I used to like their pizzas a lot- but quit eating them after comsuming a pizza (at Planet Yumm, Besant Nagar), which had foul smelling cheese and on the whole, was smelling awful (stinking, if you like)! There are those who swear by it, though...
(ii)Pizza Corner- Adyar
I tasted my first "pizza in Madras", here- and their Popeye Pizza(with Paneer and Spinach) is fusion cooking (or is it "cross-over cuisine"?)at its best!

Best Italian food
Bella ciao- Kottivakkam (opp. the beach)
Italy is usually synonymous with the mafiosi, fast cars, the Mediterranean, olives, parmesan cheese, guns and...food!And, Bella ciao is the sole winner as regards Italian cuisine here and their pizzas used to be amazing, apart from the quintessential salads, pasta etc.! This is another place I'ven't been to in aeons- and it has become pricey now, I hear (it certainly wasn't when they opened in Besant nagar!)

Most scrumptious desserts ever
(i)Cake Walk- Besant Nagar - Their cakes and trifles and souffles are simply divine- and I never miss eating atleast one when I'm home (returning from hostel, each time, after a burial of my tongue!)They do come expensive (hell, there are places where one can get an entire cake for the price of a single piece here!)- but it really is worth every bite!
(ii)Jelly Belly - I've tried their apple pie, double chocolate mousse and strawberry mousse and they were pretty good, but rather than the desserts, I simply loved their Open Toast and J B Salad.

The best cakes/pastries
(i)Cake Walk - Besant Nagar
(ii)Hot Breads - Gandhi Nagar, Besant Nagar...there are quite a few branches.
(iii)Adyar Bakery - Adyar, Thiruvanmiyur,Shastri Nagar...Madras overflows with bakeries and you can find an AB every few miles!
(iv)Cookie Man - Spencer Plaza
Lipsmacking cookies, at slightly unsavory prices. Their choco-chip cookies are a must-try, while their double chocolate muffin is pure bliss, or should I say, sinful? :)

The Best Sweets/Savories house/s
(i) The Grand Sweets and Snacks- Gandhi Nagar
They specialize in a plethora of sweets, by which some swear, but I generally don't, I'm more enthusiastic about their various podis and thokkus and pickles.
Beware- Extremely crowded, any time, any day!
(ii) Sri Krishna Sweets- Gandhi Nagar, etc.
Mention Mysorepak to anyone, and you'll be gently corrected- "It's Mysurpa, dear!- and don't forget to head to SKS!", but I guess I'm more likely to be infatuated by their masala poli and kuzhipaniyaram and a kinda speciality called simply, masala bread!
(iii)Adyar Ananda Bhavan- Adyar, Shastri Nagar, the various Planet Yumm outlets, etc.
Come evening and you'll find hordes of school goers, varying from kindergarten to grad school, munching on the chaats being ladled out- from pav bhaji to samosa channa to the everyday bhel, sev, dahi, pani, masala puris, this apart from their sugary delights!
(iv)Gangotri Sweets- Cathedral Road
A personal favorite- right from the heavenly rasmalai and kaju kathli and kala jamuns to melt-in-the-mouth dhoklas and crunchy chaats and their superb dried fruit sweets!
(v)Mansukh's
The pick of the lot- their dried fruit sweets and namkeen are the best anywhere. They specialise in Gujarati food and head here if you're grumbling stomach insists on Dhoklas and Kakras and Teplas- it can be silenced in a jiffy!
(vi)Shree Mithai
I haven't actually been to the place, but mom brings stuff home and I must say, they're real lipsmacking. For more check the write-up on Gangotri.

The Best Gujju food
(i) Mansukh's Food Mall
(ii)Rangoli - T.Nagar
I had lunch here once and by mistake ordered their Lunch Thali (Rs.120 per thali, if I remember right)- and was surprised by the cornucopia, it turned out to be!Typical Gujarati food (well, that is how they advertise themselves, isn't it?!), generous portions and waiters who keep ladling out hot stuff, out of the kitchen, ensuring that your plate never is empty...and everyone ended up gasping for breath halfway through the meal, and muddled over the stuff you've eaten (there was an astounding array of stuff being brought in and none of us knew where to start)!The food was like amazing... and it most certainly was the best lunch I've ever had in a restaurant!

The Best Chinese food
Chin Chin, The Residency
There are dime-a-dozen eateries serving Chinese food- but very few good ones, which don't dole out crappy mutants such as bright red Gobi Manchurian or miscreants named American Chopsuey, and no Dimsums or Wantons in sight, and no jolly chefs with woks, working on Tofu and mushrooms and crispy veggies. My personal favorite (although I'm not a great fan of Chinese food- probably because of my "herbivores" preferences, due to which Peking Duck and other famed delicacies are a big no-no!)is Chin Chin, the Chinese restaurant at The Residency- the food is great, and the decor and service aren't left far behind either, not to leave out the music!Their fried icecream is a must try, and although the dessert section is pretty limited (the usual date pancakes, icecream with litchees, et al.), but tastes good, nevertheless.
PS-Wang's Kitchen is pretty popular, but I don't know how good it really is!

The Best Bajjis/Bondas
Rayar Kadai- Adjacent to Adyar Bakery, near the Adyar flyover
Hot and made on demand, their Bajjis, Bondas and pakodas (cauliflower, veggie, onions,etc.) are simply awesome, apart from their samosas, which are heavenly!

The Best Sundaes
(i)Cool Cats - Besant Nagar
Their icecream sundaes are delicious- and when here, I'm reminded of Dennis the menace, and end up feeling "Why does dessert have to be at the fag end of the meal?" Their generous portions help reduce the aftermath of the notorious scorching summers of Madras!
(ii)Baskin Robbins - Adyar etc.
You get to the taste their icecreams (all of them, if necessary, to help you decide!) before rounding in on your fav- but they are expensive. I adore their bubble gum flavored, mint and choco chip and blueberry scoops!

The Best Juices
(i)Fruit Shop on Greams Road - there, in Besant Nagar, etc.
The best juices, coolers and mocktails anywhere- try out their Lime'n'mint or Water Melon coolers, among others!
(ii)Shakes'n'Creams - Above Adyar bakery, Adyar
Been here a few times after a lotta recommendations, but no go. Disappointing fare.

Global Cuisine
(i)Giorgio - Besant nagar
This place served amazing food, the first time I dined here 2 years ago. The platters were positively huge and so good that I even bought back a doggy bag from my Mexican platter and a Lebanese platter. My second visit(this time for lunch) last month was disappointing - this time it was spaghetti and a Tandoori platter, apart from the Mexican stuff and nothing to write home about. A meal for two would average Rs. 500.
(ii)The Farmhouse - ECR
The ambience was mindblowing here, landscaped with waterfalls and the works, not to mention different kinds of seating, both indoors and out. And the food was pretty good too- I sampled the tandoori section apart from Lasagna and Spaghetti and all were delicious. Expensive.
(iii)Eatalica - R A Puram
This is a tiny place on the main road, easily missed most of the time. But the grub's way cool. The menu deserves a special mention - extremely creative. I really wish I'd taken a photograph or something. Their Crocs and burgers are mighty good and filling, albeit expensive. Stay away from the pastas- portions suck, even though the dish's actually nice.

Don't you Dare Discriminate!

2006-02-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

I recently finished reading that beautiful book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee- an absorbing tale of racial discrimination in first person narrative and Bildungsroman, quite appropriately by a young girl. I'm no altruist, and believe that anyone who claims to be one is either "irrevocably indoctrinated" or "hiding behind a pillar of lies and hypocrisy", but can fully acknowledge the "Live, and let live" attitude of Atticus Finch, and his almost innocent tolerance of even the most hideous neighbour (the antagonist, Bob Ewell, for instance)), although mighty reckless also brings forth a firm stand when he argues for Tom Robinson, who is the primary and obvious "mockingbird",among others (prosecuted for a crime he didn't commit, and ironically, accused of raping a "white" girl he was trying to help), knowing fully well that the case was deemed lost even before it came to court, for the sole reason that the defendant was "colored"!
The read brought back a chain of memories- a hundred books won't make you comprehend (or associate with) the magnitude of discrimination unless you've experienced it, but when you've already been affected, a single book can increase the magnitude by a thousand, and this is exactly what it did.
Having lived in Botswana for a significant number of years, and at an impressionable age (just into and outta kindergarten), at a time when Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu were messiahs, voices in an wilderness, growing louder by the day- I can still remember a number of instances of racial discrimination in neighbouring South Africa, synonymous with apartheid.
On one of the umpteen visits there by car (whenever I narrate this to people here, they find it pretty difficult to comprehend that we drove from one country to another- I've had to insist that you still need to show passports at the border, until an analogy with inter-state traveling in India is provided!), to Cape Town in 1990-91 with my parents and a carload of desi friends who were, I think, visiting SA for the first time. Dad decided it was time for a demonstration and pointed to a bus saying we weren't allowed to travel in it and I learnt my first lesson in discrimination that day when someone approached the bus and was rudely told off by the driver saying, "This isn't for you coloreds!"That was a nasty slap in the face, having lived like royalty, just across the border in Bechuanaland.
But it was the least of the atrocities faced by the natives- deaths at the hands of strangers for no reason whatsoever except the color of their skins, slaves in their own land, meted treatment on par with dirt, hellholes to live in... When people are like that, you really can't talk sense into them!
As Atticus says in the book - "Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird".

Food for thought...and the tummy!

2006-02-06T21:14:00.001-08:00

I've decided to convert this weblog to a Food&Book blog- with insights and reviews on cuisine, books and the works, apart from recipes, things people write (and I must, warn you, this includes stuff I've written), restaurants and other random (but related, even if that does sound like an oxymoron- it does convey things effectively!) stuff...so, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to...tuck in!

Test of ..............nerdiness

2005-01-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

Nobel's legacy and the fallacies associated.....

2004-11-23T23:22:00.001-08:00

Of all the umpteen awards offered, what struck as jarring was the exclusion of the 'master of all sciences', Mathematics from the legacy laid down by Alfred Nobel in his will.
This jarring note caught the attention of the public and the media and not unlike a fish caught in a whirlpool, eager hands moulded 'tales' out of proportion with salaciousness, each tale outdistancing the other.But the theory that eventually caught the fancy of loads for the sheer gossip it contained was that Nobel didn't allot an award for Mathematics because his wife ran off with a Swedish Mathematician.
An article which caught my fancy in this regard is The Prize's rite which debunks this tale and sheds light on a lot more.

Of Space Warping and Frame Dragging.............

2004-11-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

There was this interesting article on a national daily ( in one of its weekly features on science simply called Science and Technology)that contained third party inputs confirming Einstein's General Theory of Relativity .
According to this, Earth actually does twist the fabric of space-time as it rotates which stems from the observation that satellites have been pulled slightly from their orbits (supposedly by 2 metres a year) thereby proving Einstein's General Theory of Relativity which apart from combining the three dimensions of Space and the fourth dimension of Time, also implies that a rotating mass tends to drag space time around it-an effect called Frame-dragging which has never been observed before.
The curvature of Space-Time as such is pretty interesting.
Now,time warp means "A hypothetical discontinuity or distortion occurring in the flow of time that would move events from one time period to another or suspend the passage of time" which has been used time and again in Sci-fi books and movies right from the H.G.Wells'cult classic Time Machine to the extremely hilarious book by Douglas Adams (which true to the Hitch Hiker culture is side-splitting alright-if a trifle less than the cult series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) called Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.
Space warp(meaning "a hypothetical distortion of the space-time continuum that would allow space explorers to travel faster than light")too has its part in Sci-fi books.
Isaac Asimov's cult book Nemesis is lets say typical Asimov-interesting( Asimov's Sci-fi at its best apart from his Robot and Foundation series)where he uses the term Hyper-assistance (which I think means the same thing as a space-warp) after the discovery of which along with that of the nearest star ( Nemesis)-and not Sirius as had long been believed -by a settlement called Rotor, unfolds the actual tale ( this is also similar to some books of Arthur.C.Clarke).
Science fiction can be associated with the so called art of Coffee-tasting ( don't ask me why- I'll try to explain that in the following couple of words as shortly as possible)- it can be definitely,extremely addictive ( and Utopian depending on the author)once one gets the hang of it.
(Psst., Coffee-Tasting is one thing that I've never done, professionally and otherwise, and don't plan on starting anyway but gosh! does it really convey what one can feel about SciFi!)

The Key to Life, the Universe and Everything........

2004-11-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the trilogy of four ( later five) by Douglas Adams is definitely a cult series and is a mustn't miss in my list of all-time favorites.The series can be found on-line at mindgazer.The links to the 3rd and last book are Life,the Universe and Everything and Mostly Harmless.
That really is the most hilarious, futuristic piece of science fiction ever.
A whopping culture which I got hooked to at the age of 13.