Kefi, the rooftop restaurant at Taj Club House had been synonymous with my put up work date nights. When the pandemic hit, this place ceased to exist and finally, so did my relationships. But now it has reopened once more, this time as Lava. I revisit this previous hang-out over the weekend with my buddy to have a relaxed woman’s evening out.
We head as much as the seventh flooring, stroll previous the pool and fitness center — the place conscientious persons are operating on treadmills on a Saturday evening — to the brand new house. The interiors nonetheless really feel like Kefi, with its bulbous blue lanterns and limestone partitions; the al fresco space lends itself properly to romantic dinners and is extra visibly interesting with smooth glow desk lamps, the gray-blue sky above and a 180 diploma view of Anna Salai together with Spencer Plaza, Taj Connemara, and the LIC constructing.
The restaurant presents international consolation meals
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
What is good is the house doesn’t strive too arduous. It embraces what it has and doesn’t depend on vivid lights, loud decor or props. Miraculously, the climate remains to be nice, regardless of the infamous Chennai summer time making a comeback after a brief sabbatical. Come peak summer time months, it will likely be industrial followers to the rescue.
The menu includes international consolation meals. Hearty soups, sliders, sushi, dim sum, ramen, grills… flavours from the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia. The compact menu for probably the most half steers away from haute delicacies and classy viral dishes, and sticks to meals that evokes a way of consolation , which for positive comes from all of the scrumptious carbs.
We spot Levantine fries and neither of us has the willpower to say no. And to high it off, it’s served with cheese fondue. Little pink flowers and pomegranate pearls make this on a regular basis snack look avant garde. With every chew, I hear a pleasant crunch. Beautifully crisp on the skin and easy inside, these are made utilizing Mettupalayam potatoes which have much less water content material. We go for the Lava seasoning that lends an Indian flavour with a acquainted mix of coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, fennel seed, pink chilli, black pepper,and rock salt.
Chicken siu mai is served subsequent and it’s pretty much as good as any sui mai can get, nearly worthy of a spot in any Chinatown. Each siu mai, larger than the standard measurement, is available in a separate basket of its personal. While our drinks arrive, we peck at some freshly baked focaccia.
Our cocktails are such a distinction. Mine — Strawberry Creme Royale — is a subtly candy, rum-based mostly drink with contemporary cream and strawberry, vanilla pods, and a tinge of cinnamon, whereas my buddy will get a spirit ahead picante with contemporary coriander, agave syrup and jalapenos which dominate the palate. The different fascinating drinks on the menu embrace Lunar Lavendar Martini, Yuzu Eclipse, The Sweet Spot and basic cocktails like White Russian, Moscow Mule and Espresso Martini. The thoughtfully curated beverage menu additionally has zero proof mocktails corresponding to Nojito, Berry Bombshell, however the one which catches our consideration for apparent causes is: Safe Sex on The Beach (a candy and tangy mixture of peach and orange juice, cranberries and Grenadine).
As we savour our cocktails and soak within the peaceable environment — be aware: no loud, blaring music, simply mild peals of laughter and smooth murmurs from neighbouring tables — we discover there’s something fairly soothing about this place. Unfortunately, the seating is just not as snug. The sq. blue seat cushions maintain sliding off and we maintain shimmying to regulate them. The mosquitoes are a menace too; having fun with a buffet at our toes whereas we resolve our important course.
For the primary course the frontrunners are the hen teriyaki bowl, grilled cottage cheese chimichurri steak, meat skewer laal maas gravy. We guess on the smoky, almond dukkah crusted lamb chops and it doesn’t allow us to down. I’d say that is my choose off the menu. The meaty chops have a phenomenal texture — crisp and coarse on the floor — and a nutty style from the dukkah. Meanwhile, the kulchette fails to dazzle. The kulchas are full of cheese, generously topped with butter hen (nice to your protein objective) and mimics a pizza. It will get every thing proper in concept however in relation to style, it’s mediocre at finest.
The inexperienced apple and cinnamon sorbet lifts our palate with its fruity and sharp flavour. And then comes the gulab jamun cheesecake, an indulgence that’s handled as one. A reduction from the half-hearted jaggery, granola variations of dessert. The gulab jamun sits cosily between a layer of French sable cookies and cheesecake. It is just not cloying and the creamy cheesecake balances the sweetness. This dessert is about 516 energy, in response to the menu. But this can be a calorie-crammed hug you don’t want to overlook.
Meal for 2 prices ₹3,000 with out alcohol. Lava is at Taj Club House, 2 Club House Road, Express Estate, Royapettah.
