No heady feeling

CARNIVAL HEIGHTS. Does heights mean the apex, the pinnacle, the summit from where the only way to go is down? These questions pop up in the mind while dining at Chennai's only revolving restaurant. On the seventh floor, Alsa Towers on the Poonamallee High Road, the restaurant does have a high profile, literally. But once beyond the literal, it is not so rarefied up there.

From the capsule lift to the restaurant, the lack of maintenance is visible. The discoloured brass railings, faded torn carpets and the smell of food at the entrance aren't very up market. Of course I am being finicky, but when I am paying Rs. 100 plus for a main course dish, I am also paying for the ambience.

Coming to the main agenda, the food was middle-of-the road type. Though multi-cuisine, after peeking at the nearby tables we decided to go for the popular choice of the night, the desi variety. Sometimes it had very happy surprises like the Tepla roti (Rs. 25) but at other times it plummeted to a tough, fibrous Gosht Hussaini (Rs. 160). Flavour rich with besan and methi leaves and a hint of spice, the Tepla roti was a winner. Not being a usual item on the restaurant menus was an added attraction.

Channa Peshawari (Rs. 110), Kumb mutter pulao (Rs. 115) and Kashmiri naan (Rs. 35) wouldn't exactly make you enthusiastic. These were more like the supporting actors you cannot recall once you come out of the cinema hall.

The Paneer tikka (Rs. 125) and Kozhi varutha curry (Rs. 150) had more presence. The paneer was soft and moist and vegetables succulent. The fried coconut based gravy of the chicken curry was yummy.

Since the selection of the Indian sweets was limited, we decided to give the extensive list of ice creams a try. The tried and tested Peach Melba or Melodious Melba (Rs. 75) as given on the menu was the first choice. Although the Melba sauce and the peaches might have stayed a wee bit long on the shelf, it was all right. Mama Mia (Rs. 60) was chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and nuts on top. Again not bad.

Could have been better was the feeling at the end of the meal. And it grew stronger when the bill came. You know how it is; those printed rectangular pieces of paper can make one extremely sensitive especially when you are doling them out.

MARIEN MATHEW

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Section  : Features
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