Chola Sheraton used to be the ultimate luxury destination of the Madras of the 80s. It was here that one would catch sight of the movie stars of that generation. I remember the joy of sighting Amitabh Bacchan, Kamalhasan, Rajnikanth etc there. I remember driving past and looking up at the grandeur of the hotel. Just stepping in through its turnstile door would give one a sense of awe. Peshawari, their North-West frontier specialty restaurant used to be the preferred dining option for special occasions, known for its excellent food then.
Then over the years as Madras transformed into Chennai, the hotel industry underwent a shift, with the focus on large lobbies, grandeur and opulence. ITC meanwhile had newer properties to develop and market and somewhere down the line this historic property fell by the wayside. It went through couple of name changes and rebranding exercises.
At present the hotel has been christened the ‘Welcom’ hotel. The old ‘Peshawari’ has made way for ‘The Earthen Oven’. I was invited for a tasting session of their menu and the launch of their set menu.
It was a nostalgically overwhelming experience! The food brought memories of Peshawari of days of yore, with every item from the menu blending in to lend that touch of satisfying the yearning of long time ago. Priced at 1499 with a beverage, in my opinion it was absolutely worth it, as a gratifying experience is priceless. I loved it so much that I was back there a couple of days later with my family and needless to say the food was splendid , the service topnotch.
I have documented the dishes that I had as part of the set menu.
Then over the years as Madras transformed into Chennai, the hotel industry underwent a shift, with the focus on large lobbies, grandeur and opulence. ITC meanwhile had newer properties to develop and market and somewhere down the line this historic property fell by the wayside. It went through couple of name changes and rebranding exercises.
At present the hotel has been christened the ‘Welcom’ hotel. The old ‘Peshawari’ has made way for ‘The Earthen Oven’. I was invited for a tasting session of their menu and the launch of their set menu.
It was a nostalgically overwhelming experience! The food brought memories of Peshawari of days of yore, with every item from the menu blending in to lend that touch of satisfying the yearning of long time ago. Priced at 1499 with a beverage, in my opinion it was absolutely worth it, as a gratifying experience is priceless. I loved it so much that I was back there a couple of days later with my family and needless to say the food was splendid , the service topnotch.
I have documented the dishes that I had as part of the set menu.
Pineapple Rasam Martini
Aatish E Aloo : Potato stuffed in Potato and cooked in a Tandoor
Tandoori Jhinga
Bharwan Paneer : Spinach Stuffed Paneer that is batter fried
Mirchi Kadak Sheek : Chicken Sheekh Kebab, stuffed with Chilli and Cheese on either ends and Batter fried.
Khaas Sheekh : Succulent Mutton Sheekh Kebab
Murgh Zafrani Tikka : Saffron tinged Chciken Tikka
Shikandari raan : Whole lamb cooked in Tandoor
Murgh Kurchan
Mutton Biryani
Gulab Jamun
A slice of History….
In the compound that houses the Welcom hotel stood the beautiful house of Kasturiranga Iyengar, who later bought The Hindu, and became its editor. Rajaji had rented this house and while Gandhiji had visited Madras while gathering support for his anti-Rowlatt bill, he stayed at this property. He had the idea of hartal while staying here as Rajaji’s guest.
Subramania Bharathi had apparently come here to request Gandhiji to speak at his meeting at Marina. Gandhiji declined, citing another appointment. Bharathi blessed Gandhiji’s movement and left in a hurry. Gandhiji asked Rajaji who he was, and Rajaji said, “Desiya Kavi.” “Take good care of him,” said the Mahatma, smiling. The day was March 23, 1919.” The house where Gandhi spent time is now the ‘WelcomHotel’
In the compound that houses the Welcom hotel stood the beautiful house of Kasturiranga Iyengar, who later bought The Hindu, and became its editor. Rajaji had rented this house and while Gandhiji had visited Madras while gathering support for his anti-Rowlatt bill, he stayed at this property. He had the idea of hartal while staying here as Rajaji’s guest.
Subramania Bharathi had apparently come here to request Gandhiji to speak at his meeting at Marina. Gandhiji declined, citing another appointment. Bharathi blessed Gandhiji’s movement and left in a hurry. Gandhiji asked Rajaji who he was, and Rajaji said, “Desiya Kavi.” “Take good care of him,” said the Mahatma, smiling. The day was March 23, 1919.” The house where Gandhi spent time is now the ‘WelcomHotel’
The 'Earthern Oven is open for Dinner everyday and for lunch Fridays to Sunday.
The Non Vegetarian Unlimited platter is Rs 1499 nett along with a beverage.
My suggestion,Go for it...the best Tandoor restaurant in town right now.
The Non Vegetarian Unlimited platter is Rs 1499 nett along with a beverage.
My suggestion,Go for it...the best Tandoor restaurant in town right now.
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