ITC Grand Chola’s Madras Pavilion is back after a makeover

On a rainy Tuesday night, I surprisingly find myself in queue, waiting to be seated. We are at the new improved Madras Pavilion at ITC Grand Chola. When this mammoth hotel opened its doors to the city in 2012, Madras Pavilion was the first restaurant that started receiving guests. According to the hotel’s research, nearly nine million diners have dined here since. “Everyday we see at least 13 occasions being celebrated here: birthdays, graduations, proposals, anniversaries…,” says Shaariq Akhtar, general manager, ITC Grand Chola.

After 13 years, it was time for a little shake up. The renovation took four and a half months. Now, the large red couches are gone, making way for teal and yellow seating, bubblegum pink wallpapers add a dash of colour (we think it is a nod to the younger guests who dine here), and sleek new chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

After 13 years, Madras Pavilion has gone in for a renovation and a menu refresh
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Special Arrangement

“The seating capacity has increased to 190. The live kitchen counters are bigger, allowing scope for more dishes. Initially, the restaurant had four small hubs where food was made. Guests often wouldn’t get to see the entire buffet spread,” says Shaariq. Now, the bustling live kitchen is at the centre; much like a superstar being watched by their fans. There are 300-plus dishes for lunch and dinner. Diners mill about deciding what to eat — this, that, a bit of everything, perhaps?

“The menu has changed too. We’ve introduced modern Asian food. There are different types of dumplings, rice cakes… Since it’s called Madras Pavilion, we continue to highlight food from this region, like thattu idli with prawn on top,” he says.There is also what they like to call fusion burgers. Picture this: crisp vazhapoo cutlet sandwiched between soft curry leaf buns, there is even chicken chukka masquerading as a patty but packed with far more robust flavours, and sannas burger. 

Despite the vast choices, Indian food still continues to be the most popular. If you are wondering why, try the saffron-rich, rose water-infused gosht biryani, the butter chicken with Malabar parotta, or the vermillion red chicken ghee roast that is tangy, spicy and can jolt you out of that mid day slump. Here, there is a theme everyday. Mondays are for tandoori, Tuesdays for biryani…

Among the new introductions is elai saapad, something the team at the restaurant is quite kicked about. After years of offering this at their banquets, they now want to share this experience with their diners. Since it takes a lot of effort to plan and serve, Shaariq suggests booking a couple of days in advance. The meal is laid out on a banana leaf and includes 20 dishes, with three menus to choose from: vegetarian (₹3,000 plus taxes), non vegetarian (₹4,000 plus taxes), and seafood (₹5,000 plus taxes). “The flavours are traditional and rooted to the soil,” he adds. It is served in their private dining room, which is called MP 1639, an ode to Madras and the year it was founded.

From the restaurant’s new beverage menu, ‘Vera Level’
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Special Arrangement

To take things up a notch, the restaurant has introduced a new beverage menu called Vera Level Unlocked. Each cocktail/mocktail — served in bottles — features local ingredients which is the star of the drink. There is Jamun Soda, Inji Kaapi, Cheeky Chikoo, Summer Roots, Teq-No Guava, Marina 63 and the team’s favourite and now ours: The Jasmine. It tastes like summer in a glass and is refreshing with coconut milk, coconut water, and jasmine cordial made in-house.

The buffet is priced at ₹1,999 plus taxes. For details, call 2220 0000.