Japanese whiskeys, Goan flavours and retro vibes make Off The Record a rocking party destination

Edgy décor, addictive eats and a well-stocked bar makes Off The Record the latest party destination in town
Japanese whiskeys, Goan flavours and retro vibes make Off The Record a rocking party destination

Thumping retro music and smiling doormen greet us at the newly opened resto-bar, Off The Record. Located down Kodambakkam High Road, the 250-seater was buzzing with revelers last week when popular brand consultant, Arasu Dennis, had sent out personal invites for the launch party. The seventh resto-bar in his kitty, Arasu admits this is the biggest of the lot. For the record (pun intended) 1,400 guests were part of the launch parties and the majority of them are coming back this week – the Beer Batter Fried Calamari or the double cooked Crispy Beef could well be the reasons, if you ask me!

However, when you look at the heavy bar menu – the whiskey line up can light up a Christmas tree and has to be a big draw too. The variety which includes singles and rare blends, boasts the trending Japanese labels and could very well earn this place the moniker  ‘whiskey bar’!

On cue we start with a Scotch whisky- based Wallace Mule for my companion that comes in the quintessential copper mug stuffed with beads of pomegranate, while my drink is vodka based and citrusy, that screams summer and understandably, is called Sunshine. The stainless steel straws grab our attention – and we toast this environmental friendly gesture (they have paper straws too). The aforementioned meat fry arrives soon –  and to my delight it tastes like jerky and that dust of pepper and fennel makes it a must-repeat dish. The calamari is melt in the mouth with a dab of mayonnaise while the gently spiced prawns whisper of tales from the Western Ghats (yes, coconut). No surprise there, since consultant Chef Siddiq, based in Kochi and formerly with the Taj Hotels, the curator of the food menu here, shares, “I have brought in many flavours – there are hints of Goan cuisine besides dishes like the Sumatran Beef will be signature dishes.” The juicy chunk of meat sits on a cake of sticky rice, dripping flavoursome rendang gravy – promising a filling fare. While the sweetish, crunchy lotus stem is comfortingly familiar, the surprise hit is the spicy Oriental Bhel – fried noodles tossed in hot garlic sauce, fresh coriander and green chillies – perfect for a tall cold glass of anything.

As we get foot-tapping to a ’80s number while jabbing into cheesy broccoli stuffed orbs, James G Prakash, who along with Sara Udayar, owns Off The Record, informs us that the key element that spurred them to start a place of their own (in a record pace of 100 days) was, “to create a resto-bar for folks like us – 30 plus,” he says with a laugh.  On a serious note he adds how Off The Records is about having conversations, good food and an elegant ambience – so the music will always be classic hits, the decibel will always enable conversations and the décor is urban chic with the likes of Frida Kahlo’s black and white prints adorning the walls. Promising to try the mains over the weekend, we dip into a refreshing Mai Mai – rum-based cocktail of fruity flavours — and end the evening with a delightful creme brûlée.

A meal for two at about `1,500 (not including beverages).

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