ITC Hotels, a name that instantly sketches a picture of modern dining and luxury hotel experience in our minds has now successfully taken Indian cuisine on to global stage with Avartana at the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Avartana is not just a place for fine dining experience, it also comes with a pinch of South Indian finger licking food that is firmly anchored in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the Southern Peninsula.
Pronounced ‘avartan’, this sanskrit word refers to rhythm, mysticism and magic. Much like the restaurant’s name, the dishes are an expression of magical art, with each one featuring unique concepts in modernist iterations and progressive renditions. Experienced and talented team picks and chooses from the choice of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, to fashion inventive recipes that blend flavours from the Southern Indian Peninsula with techniques from across the globe. It would be true to say that here robust flavours meet twenty-first century global technology by reinventing the haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art.
One of the first thing that caught my attention was the luxurious decor and southern theme ambience of this flagship restaurant. With banana leaf as a recurrent design, this hotel surely dazzles by creating a delightful southern experience. Banana leaf motif on the carpet, paired with banana flower on the dazzling partitions adds to the beauty. The motif is further enhanced with the presence of the Southern Indian boat prow which adorns the main wall of the dining areas. This theme runs along the Filter Coffee Station which is thoughtfully positioned at the entrance to welcome guests. Avartana also features a Private Dining Room which accommodates 10 guests with a choice of a customised meal. The open & interactive show kitchen has always been an added bonus as it demonstrates the drama and flair of preparing LIVE food to the interested guests.
Without a doubt, at Avartana special attention is drawn to food to make guests fully satisfied with the food experience. With creativity at its best, local spices, delicate broths, infused oils, fresh coconut, aromatic curry leaves contribute to the cooking essence. Here, timeless flavours come together in magical medleys of tantalising taste and uber-stylish presentations, at prices to suit every indulgence. Choose from Maya, Bela, Anika, Tara, Jiaa and Kimaya, the chapters in their menu for a palate-pleasing and aesthetically heightened experience in exclusivity and sophistication.
Being a whisky enthusiast, I was quite impressed with their selection of premium spirit brands and their unique cocktail flavours. They have a modest selection of spirits to choose from such as The Ladyburn 1973, Laphroaig 1960, The Glenfiddich 40 YO, The John Walker and not to forget Bruichladdich 40 YO. Furthermore, an alluring selection of drinks infused with Indian spices in fresh flavours and unique taste can be agreeably paired with your choice of food. Take your pick from the cocktails like The Lighthouse, Pondy’s Sangria, Whisky Cha, A Sprinkle of Happiness, and many more. Go ahead and indulge your whim.
With authentic cuisine in modernist interpretations, Avartana is truly a luxurious experience worth remembering that has redefined the culinary landscape.
