Food Coma @ AZULIA, GRT Grand, Chennai

What do you do when you land in Chennai, and check-into a hotel - yeah, I know most will say relax -- but what I say is FOOOOOD. And seriously, it doesn't matter that I have, most of the times, have already had a snack and plane food. 

So, this time, while checking in when the person presented me with a 15% discount for Azulia, I was like – really, a Mediterranean restaurant in Chennai hotel – with a 15% discount – how inviting that could be?

So – I make a stop at Azulia – with an intention of having a sandwich and sleep. And I promise that was the intention, till I entered. Azulia has a very romantic setting with the escort dressed in a red fancy outfit.  She hands me what looks like a perfect Coffee Book table, and I was like – wow. 

So, I start flipping the book, and realize that it is “the Menu”. It was very intelligently laid out menu – with a number of dishes that can be overwhelming. However, each chapter is dedicated to a country in the Mediterranean region – briefly talking about the region, and then type of cuisine – and then the dishes. So – clearly, I was all settled in, and the sandwich thought was clearly out of the door.

I started with Patata Harra – Lebanese spiced potatoes. These were fried potatoes with herbs. It was definitely one of the bestest best fried potatoes with subtle flavors, very finely chopped and fried red peppers, nice herbs and spices – and a very crunchy taste.

They were something that one person could polish off in a few seconds. 

They asked me if I needed an Apron before I start eating - apparently a Mediterranean tradition, but the food was too inviting to ….

Then, to wash the herb taste, they serve basil sorbet --  very sweet for my taste, and strong – but OK. That was the only thing – by the way – that I did not polish off.

And now came the main course Pasta Verduras. I had requested a lot of vegetables with this Pasta, and I was pleasantly surprised that they did adhere to the request. Thought the Pasta did not look as good, but taste – that was definitely yawesome– and the best was hidden vegetables ;). The spices, the mix, Pasta – everything was nearly perfect.

  

Now – with my denims already bursting at seams, the head chef came and convinced me for a “light” desert – Fruit Romanoff – finely chopped fruits, in Grand Mariner, almond flakes and vanilla ice-cream. Now, that was something “to –die-for”. It was amazing, and one of the best that I had ever across the world.

All –in –all – it was a very fine restaurant, yummiest food, amazing, pleasant service, and super expensive food… but some place, where I can eat again, and again and again!!