Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051204910200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

The Hindu MetroPlus Food Guide released

Susan Muthalaly

Book contains short reviews of 280 of the city's restaurants

CHENNAI: Amidst an appreciative audience of foodies, Chennai's comprehensive guide to eating out, The Hindu MetroPlus Food Guide 2006/07, was launched by film star R.S. Suriya at the Park Sheraton on Wednesday.

The book contains short reviews of 280 of the city's restaurants. It also has a section on caterers, cooking classes, party makers and the like written by food critic and television personality Rashmi Uday Singh.

N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, observed that Chennai's gastronomic scene had undergone a sea change. He recalled the days of "good old Hansa Stores near our school, the Madras Christian College School, where my personal favourite was peas masala," and `sundal' on the beach. However, Chennai has changed and the cuisine available has become international, while retaining its distinctive personality, he said. The MetroPlus Food Guide helps you eat your way through the changes.

The Hindu's Associate Editor Mukund Padmanabhan, noted that the book turned out to be quite a task as the food scene here is dynamic.