Dining outside in Chennai wasn't something that I was looking forward to...that was, until I had the pleasure of dining at The Raintree.
I'll admit, for the time of year, any minute area of bare skin was feasted on by pesky mosquitoes, but now after no apparent symptoms of Japanese encephalitis, Dengue Fever or Malaria, I can say it was worth it.
The flavours hail from Chettinad so though the dishes had familiar names, the taste experience was a new one.: unsurprisingly, different combinations of herbs and spices make the world of difference.
In order to experience it fully, Mother ordered a thali, while Fiance, Father and I ordered rice with a selection of vegetarian curries.
I didn't love the food, but I definitely liked it.
What I did love was the entertainment. Now, usually, entertainment with my food screams of Butlins...or Hell...but I think The Raintree did it well: open air, the distinct aroma of Chennai masked by great smelling food and classical South Indian music and Barathanatyam...it was not a show put on purely for foreigners and for that reason, the experience was authentic. So much so, that as people started to filter back to their rooms, we cheapened it by requesting songs from Tamil movies...ok...I cheapened it. Father requested some old school classics of Tamil Films...while I asked for Padayappa (a classic in it's own right...but probably not the right music for dining).
The staff were amazing: accommodating, polite and knowledgeable about the food.
I don't know what the setting would feel like during the day, but I can vouch that the atmosphere for dinner was perfect for families, friends and couples...probably not business dinners as it's a little too intimate for people that you're not well acquainted with.
I do know that next time I'm in Chennai...in the words of The Terminator, 'I'll be back'.
Price: Under 3000INR (£38.39) for 4 x soft drinks, 3 x curries, 2 x rice, 1 x thali, 3 x dessert
Veggie Friendly: 5/5
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
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