Restaurant Review: Haven for foodies with a healthy appetite

We were seated at a table on one side of the cosy interior, but couldn’t contain our excitement when we found out the restaurant is not only pet-friendly, but actually houses four pooches full-time! We were escorted to the backyard to meet them and learnt that a separate area is demarcated for diners who bring their pets with them. This is rather well-thought of, for guests who don’t like pets, don’t have to fear finding dog fur in their food.

After a quick cuddle session with the dogs, we washed up and sat down for the four-course meal. We began with an asparagus soup served with garlic bread on the side. The thick, creamy soup was a welcome relief to our growling stomachs, though it could have been a tad warmer.

Along with the appetiser, spicy chicken war shells, that’s essentially jacket potato with a chicken and cheese stuffing, came a cold-pressed juice. True to its nature, the drink was totally sugar and ice-free and made from fresh fruits without any hint of artificial flavouring. The restaurant makes all the juices in-house, we were told. The potatoes were baked to perfection and were a powerhouse of flavours; watch out for that first bite though, because it can be searing hot.

If you’re not one who eats like a blue whale but prefers having small meals, we suggest you pick the main course carefully, because they come in quite sizable portions. The beef burger was the best we’d had in quite some time since the bun was just moist and soft enough and the patty, cooked the right amount. The sauces, which are also prepared fresh in the kitchen, were generously slathered on the burger so don’t worry about being messy — the partners who run the restaurant whole-heartedly encouraged us to go all out and conquer the sloppy burger! “We won’t judge,” they smiled.

The vegetarian Sauce au Fromage pasta was the hero of the meal, but wasn’t the wisest of choices quantity-wise after demolishing the previous main course. Too full to breathe, we had to take a walk around the premise, where were chanced upon handmade ice creams provided by the brand Schmoozies. A scoop of any of the unique flavours will be the perfect end to your meal.

Address: 40, Maharaja Surya Rao Road, Dutch Village, Alwarpet

Cuisine: Continental, Mexican, Italian

Must-have: Freedom fries, masala chai ice cream 

Timing: noon to 11 pm

Star rating: 3/5