Copper chimney is not new to us. Brought down to the city 25 years ago by serial restaurateur M Mahadevan, any Chennaiite worth their pappad knows the outlet at Cathedral Road. Going by the wild popularity of this eatery, the parent company based in Mumbai, K Hospitality that now owns that first outlet as well, is opening a new branch at the Phoenix MarketCity. With 11 branches in the country, this one will be offering a new, revamped menu.
Displaying elegant contemporary interiors with textured walls, a corner shelf with big jars of spices and a huge copper bell hanging from the high ceiling, the restaurant is warm and inviting. Seated next to the live kitchen where the chefs put on a show of throwing and catching roomali rotis, we get a good look at the busy tables at the 79-seater. This new menu of the 45-year-old brand boasts a variety of street drinks and a delectable range of cuisines from Peshawar to Delhi.
“We wanted the new outlet to be completely different, not just in terms of the interiors but also with what we serve. We have included a whole new section of mocktails and a tea section with various types of tea from across India. We have also introduced whole wheat and multigrain breads in the menu along with innovations in the grill and tandoor dishes as well,” says Karan Kapur, executive director of K Hospitality.
We start with their signature Kadak Roomali, the large and crispy bread is topped with chopped tomatoes and onions — a favourite with regulars. From their mocktails menu, the Rusleela (chilled ginger, orange and pineapple)and Delhi Shikanji (a strong lemonade with mint and chaat masala) keep us engaged.
The Chutney Fish, flaky, mint flavoured fish fillets is served with lemon chutney and rice, is rather filling. However the Smoked White Pepper Chicken Chops, flavoured with nutmeg, white pepper and green chilies is the must-try.
Moving on to the mains, we are treated to Dum Paneer Biryani (dotted with sweet corn) alongside Grilled Burrah Chops, chargrilled succulent lamb chops. What came next was Chowk Ke Subzi, a rich and spiced gravy with potatoes, brinjal, cauliflower and peas along with Chicken Bharta, a garam masala flavoured chicken curry, paired with naans and rotis.
The end to the meal was perfect with the mildly sweet Almond Phirni Chikki Crumble, a pretty plating of chilled rice pudding topped with crunchy crumbled jaggery and strawberries.
Meal for two `1,200.