Honey Chilli Potato

Honey Chilli Potato, at the Flower Drum, Egmore

A resounding YES, meant all of us agreed to the ordering of Honey Chilli Potato. A staple starter at any Chinese restaurant. Get it right and you are in our good books. Get it even marginally wrong, and we riot (i.e. pay the bill and walk out).

It arrived. The waiter almost began serving. ‘NOOOO!!!’ came the cry of 6 CSKians. The photo hadn’t been clicked yet (Sorry about the ruckus guys. We are usually decent). Once the pic was in, we wasted no time in devouring the starter. 

The sweetness of the honey hit us like the starting words ‘Hello, Is there anybody in there?’ from Pink Floyd’s awesome number. Then, it was the potato. It was soft enough to chew and warm on the inside. About a couple of seconds later, came the showstopper. It hit the ramp of our tongues and stayed. ‘Mmmmm’. ‘Naaaice’. ‘hmmm it’s good’. ‘Waaaw’. And, so on. It felt like…

I can't explain, you would not understand. 
This is not how I am. 
I have become comfortably numb

Well, perfect!

Next time you’re at the Flower Drum in Egmore, order this eyes closed. You ain’t gonna regret.

Honey Chili Potato

Restaurant: Flower Drum, Egmore

Cost: Rs. 188/- (+10% service charge; +4.94% service tax)

North East Kitchen, Egmore

North East Kitchen, Egmore

After months of speculation and planning, we finally made it to the North East Kitchen in Egmore. This time, we showed up for lunch instead of the usual CSK dinner outing. We wanted to see if it was possible to get a quick lunch during a work-day at the North East Kitchen; and the short answer is: No. It is definitely not the place that you wish to get in, eat quickly, and get out.

That, was probably the only downer we could find in our meal at the restaurant, which was otherwise fantastic. The decor of the place is a mix of homely and stylish - neither of which is overdone. It's quite balanced.

North East Kitchen, Egmore

The restaurant has ample parking space, as it shares its space with a complex with multiple restaurant outlets and other establishments.

The service by the waiter and the waitress was really pleasant. They readily moved tables around for us to sit together (we were eight of us); they served us with plenty of smiles, and were patient with all our questions and our drama (yes, we love drama!).

Bhut Jolokia, one of the world's hottest chili peppers, at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

They even promptly brought us a plate of dried Bhut Jolokia (pictured above), upon request, as the chili lover within our group wanted to see/try it. We frowned on the fact that the chilis were of the dried variety, and not fresh ones - and promptly sent them back.

The array of accompaniments provided with a meal at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

True to Korean cuisine, there were main course dishes which are accompanied by a range of sides (as pictured above), which is always a better sight for the eyes than for the average Indian palate. And there were complimentary afters as well, (pictured below), this time being freshly cut watermelon slices, as the fruit was in season.

Complimentary After-Meal Dessert: Cut Watermelon slices, at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

The restaurant is a low-key, yet great experience, and if you're looking for decent North East / Korean cuisine, there's no better place to head to, in this part of the city. It is definitely a must-visit for every Non-Vegetarian foodie in the city. While the variety of flavours in the dishes may not appeal to those amongst you who love spicy and chilly-based food, by no means is the food bland or under-spiced. It serves some of the best non-Continental, non-Indian beef and pork; and for that alone, this little restaurant in the heart of Egmore is worth a visit. Again, and again.

A word of advice on the quantity, though: if you're a group of eight, order for about four-five people; the quantity is more than sufficient for most of the dishes.

Here's the list of what we ordered - with our recommendations on whether to order them or not. You can click through to the individual articles to read about them. (Prices below include any and all taxes and service charges - the restaurant does not charge extra for them)

Chicken Soup

Rs. 100

Tasty

Our Review

Chicken Sticky Fried

Rs. 300

Palatable

Our Review

Okki (Pork)

Rs. 350

Palatable

Our Review

Beef Fried with Chilly

Rs. 300

Tasty

Our Review

Doenjang Jjigae (Vegetarian)

Rs. 350

Tasty

Our Review

Dakalbi (Chicken)

Rs. 350

Tasty

Our Review

Janchi Kuksu

Rs. 250

Palatable

Our Review

Pork Noodles

Rs. 130

Tasty

Our Review

Veg Fried Rice

Rs. 100

Tasty

Our Review

Coca Cola and Fanta (500 ml, PET bottles)

Rs. 50 (per bottle)

Beef Fried with Chilly

Beef Fried with Chilly at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

There were two fried beef starter dishes on offer, at the North East Kitchen. One, being Fried Chilly Beef, and the other being Beef Fried with Chilly. We took the latter upon learning that the other was drier; we wanted the soggier version on this occasion.

The meat was not very soft; it was quite firm. The taste of the dish was very different; if the Okki (pork) that we had was lighter in flavour, the Beef Fried with Chilly was pretty full of flavour. It did have a hint of sweetness, which some of us did not like, and that lent it the need for extra spiciness.

Although it wasn't as well-received as the Okki (pork) that we ordered, it was still a great dish - and you should try it to get the wide spectrum of flavours that the North East Kitchen can actually dish up.

Beef Fried with Chilly
Restaurant: North East Kitchen, Egmore
Cost: Rs. 300/- (inclusive of all taxes and service charges)

Okki (Pork)

Okki (Pork) at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

This was one of the juiciest and most tender pork dishes we've ever had. While a couple of us felt that it was slightly lighter on the spiciness side, we did definitely enjoy every morsel of this dish. There was no weird tanginess, no surprise hit after the first taste, no nonsense of any kind.

For pork lovers, this is heaven. Yes, you read that right. So obviously, our recommendation is that if you visit the North East Kitchen, you must definitely order the Okki (pork) dish. And then get ready for your tastebuds to thank you. Multiple times.

Okki (Pork)
Restaurant: North East Kitchen, Egmore
Cost: Rs. 350/- (inclusive of all taxes and service charges)

Chicken Sticky Fried

Chicken Sticky Fried at the North East Kitchen, Egmore

Overwhelmed by the amount of beef and pork on the menu at the North East Kitchen, the Chicken-lovers amongst us wanted to try out the Chicken Sticky Fried. The dish left us with mixed reactions and impressions. The meat was firm, and the masalas weren't overpoweringly strong.

While the dish was good overall, we can't say that it was exotic and a must-have or a must-order. If you're a beef or pork lover, there are definitely plenty of other dishes which could do justice. If you certainly must have some chicken, then sure - go ahead and try this dish. It's different and nice.

Chicken Sticky Fried
Restaurant: North East Kitchen, Egmore
Cost: Rs. 300/- (inclusive of all taxes and service charges)

Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Dipping Pot opened up recently in Alwarpet, right opposite the Raj Park Hotel. We, the Chennai Sappadu Kings decided to try it out and let you all know whether it's worth the fuss - the Fondue, that is.

The place looks like a cross between an upscale cafe, and a decent, local eatery. There was several hints of poshness on show - right from the Samsung Galaxy Tabs used in lieu of menu cards (yes, the entire menu is a PDF loaded onto Samsung Galaxy Tabs!) to the decent iron pot used for the Fondue Pots. Yet, the seating arrangement on the Ground Floor seemed to not be as posh. Overall, the ambience is a mixed-bag, but it doesn't feel off. It's a great ambience to partake of a Fondue.

Non-Alcoholic 'Rose' Wine at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

The waitresses were full of smiles, and it was sometimes difficult to divine the meanings of their heavily-accented words, but they were pleasant. Towards the second-half of our meal though, it became quite a tiresome task to be after them for refills of water, for the dessert menu (and the actual order itself) and then finally for the bill. They did start off quite well - leaving us wondering as to what went wrong. Perhaps it was too late for the ladies to stay behind, and the restaurant was understaffed as it grew late? No clue. Hit the place in the early evening, and you should be good.

The Fondue Pot kept hot by a tealight candle at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Parking can be a strain, as the restaurant shares its space in a complex with a clothing store. Thankfully, we were able to squeeze our car in a just-vacated spot.

The restaurant is a good experience, and if you're looking for something different and something new from the usual Chinese / Italian / Continental / Indian fare of the city, you definitely must-visit. The Fondue Pot as the main course, though, left us feeling full but psychologically as if we've not eaten anything much.

Here's the list of what we ordered - with our recommendations on whether to order them or not. You can click through to the individual articles to read about them. (Prices below are exclusive of 4.944% service tax, a 2% VAT and a 7% service charge)

Bruschetta (Vegetarian)

Rs. 180

Tasty

Our Review

Buffalo Wings (Chicken)

Rs. 180

Palatable

Our Review

Masala Omelette

Rs. 80

Palatable

Our Review

Dipping Pot Veg Cheese Fondue (for two) (Vegetarian)

Rs. 650

Tasty

Our Review

Dipping Pot Non-Veg Cheese Fondue (for four)

Rs. 850

Tasty

Our Review

Chocolate Fudge Cupcake

Rs. 75

Tasty

Our Review

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Rs. 120

Palatable

Our Review

Blue Lagoon

Rs. 110

Tasty

Our Review

Nutty Fruity Surprise

Rs. 120

Tasty

Our Review

Vanilla Milkshake

Rs. 100

Tasty

Our Review

Café Choco Blast

Rs. 135

Tasty

Our Review

Masala Omelette

Masala Omelette at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

So to satisfy the egg-lover in our group, we ordered a Masala Omelette. This was a slight disappointment, since the Masala Omelettes we're used to, usually come with a side of cut vegetables and some crisps (potato chips or fryums). At the Dipping Pot, as you can see above, the Masala Omelette had only two slices of tomato and the standard tomato sauce-based sauce to accompany it.

On top of this, the Omelette was a little overcooked for our liking, and we would have rather preferred it to be less-cooked, and more fluffy. So, the Masala Omelette is something that you can definitely pass, if you're at the Dipping Pot.

Masala Omelette
Restaurant: Dipping Pot, Alwarpet
Cost: Rs. 80/- (plus 6.944% tax and 7% service charge)

Buffalo Wings (Chicken)

Buffalo Wings (Chicken) at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Buffalo Wings is an American dish. What was served as Buffalo Wings at the Dipping Pot tasted far more like something out of the kitchen of an Indian Chinese establishment. Don't get us wrong - the taste was good.

However, if you're looking for near-authentic, spicy Buffalo Wings, you'll be sorely disappointed. Dipping Pot also loses points for not providing the traditional cheesy dip with the Wings. The tomato sauce-based dip that was provided seems to be their standard fare for all appetizers.

Add to this the fact that the Wings tasted slightly over-burnt, which left an undesirable burnt after-taste in our mouths until the next day, we would recommend that you stay away from the Buffalo Wings at the Dipping Pot.

Buffalo Wings
Restaurant: Dipping Pot, Alwarpet
Cost: Rs. 180/- (plus 6.944% tax and 7% service charge)

Bruschetta (Vegetarian)

Bruschetta (Vegetarian) at the Dipping Pot, Alwarpet

Bruschetta, or what is popularly known to the Pizza-devouring culture as 'garlic bread', is an excellent starter when you're eating non-Indian food.

The taste of the Bruschetta was a little off, because there was an alienating tangy taste to the topping (the vegetables between the bread and the cheese). And the vegetables were really prone to falling out of their breaded homes. Apart from that, the dish was pretty good.

In hindsight, though, considering that the Dipping Pot serves a cheese fondue which comes with toasted bread as accompaniments, you may want to skip the cheesy, toasted bread for the appetizer.

Bruschetta
Restaurant: Dipping Pot, Alwarpet
Cost: Rs. 180/- (plus 6.944% tax and 7% service charge)

Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

So, we dropped into the Red E Drop Zone for dinner, and we were pleasantly surprised by this joint that the city of Madras seems to have forgotten. On a Tuesday evening, the entire place was empty for the duration of the 2+ hours that we spent there for dinner.

Ambience, at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The service was okay; nothing impressive. Cold water is something that they don't serve (unless of course, you buy a bottle of bottled water) - which could be an issue for some people. Extra Pudina chutney, though, was given freely - without protest or comment - when asked for.

Table Cards that bring down the ambience levels at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The ambience was nice; we wouldn't have put such a low-key joint to have the levels of ambience it did have, However, the paper table mats, and the place cards on the table brought down the level of ambience quite a bit. Changing these could improve the ambience of the restaurant by quite a bit.

The quantity was more-than-sufficient; we ended up taking home enough to feed another 3-5 people. If you're going as a group, you definitely would want to tone down the quantity of your order.

A few of the dishes we ordered at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet
(See below for the full list)

Here's the list of what we ordered - with our recommendations on whether to order them or not. You can click through to the individual articles to read about them. (Prices below are exclusive of 4.944% service tax and a 2% VAT)

Hot and Sour Soup (Vegetarian)

Rs. 80

Tasty

Our Review

Manchow Soup (Chicken)

Rs. 90

Tasty

Lung Fung Soup (Chicken)

Rs. 90

Tasty

Our Review

Crispy Corn Chilli Coriander (Vegetarian)

Rs. 160

Tasty

Our Review

Cauliflower Cafreal (Vegetarian)

Rs. 160

Palatable

Our Review

Andhra-Style Chicken 65

Rs. 215

Tasty

Our Review

Deep-Fried Crispy Chicken

Rs. 215

Tasty

Our Review

Fish Fingers

Rs. 240

Tasty

Our Review

Egg Pepper Dry

Rs. 125

Taste It, Maybe

Our Review

Egg Bhurji, with Phulkas

Rs. 80 (Egg Bhurji)

Rs. 80 (2 plates of 2 Phulkas each)

Palatable

Our Review

Curd Rice

Rs. 95

Tasty

Our Review

South Indian Chicken Curry, with Steamed Rice

Rs. 215 (South Indian Chicken Curry)

Rs. 100 (Steamed Rice)

Tasty

Our Review

Ginger and Garlic Fried Rice (Chicken)

Rs. 140

Palatable

Our Review

Curried Noodles (Vegetarian)

Rs. 150

Taste It, Maybe

Our Review

Nasi Goreng Fried Rice (Chicken)

Rs. 135

Tasty

Our Review

Kolkatta Mutton Biriyani

Rs. 225

Palatable

Our Review

Egg Pepper Dry

Egg Pepper Dry at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

We have a staunch egg-lover amongst the Chennai Sappadu Kings, so we ordered an Egg Pepper Dry dish for him. It ended up being one of the biggest disappointments of the night. There was just way too much masala in the dish, and it tasted like uncooked masala.

After the first few bites, it was laborious to continue eating the dish. If you visit the Red E, please pass on the Egg Pepper Dry.

Egg Pepper Dry
Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet
Cost: Rs. 125/- (plus 6.944% tax)

Fish Fingers

Fish Fingers at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

Similar to the two chicken starters we had ordered, the Fish Fingers were done quite well, too. They were the right amount of crunchy, and the necessary amount of flavour. The home-made mayonnaise, though, was slightly disappointing as it smelled slightly of old oil.

Overall, though, we loved this dish. The french fries provided with the Fish Fingers was a surprising addition; must be the chef's own interpretation of Fish 'n Chips. This dish is once again, a definite-buy.

Fish Fingers

Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

Cost: Rs. 240/- (plus 6.944% tax)

Deep-fried Crispy Chicken

Deep-fried Crispy Chicken at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The Deep-fried Crispy Chicken was also a treat for our taste buds. It was salted perfectly, and tasted quite fine. If you're the kind who likes the murru-murru crispiness with your chicken starter, then this is a must-order as well.

Deep-fried Crispy Chicken
Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

Cost: Rs. 215/- (plus 6.944% tax)

Andhra-style Chicken 65

Andhra-style Chicken 65 at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The Andhra Style Chicken 65 was well-prepared. It was much softer than expected for Chicken 65, and definitely less spicier than expected (we automatically assume that anything ‘Andhra-style’ comes with a Himalayan dose of chillies!). It was a completely different preparation from the usual Chicken 65 that is the well-known dish of the restaurants in Madras.

It is definitely a must-order dish, if you are a chicken-lover, and not too spicy at all.

Andhra-style Chicken 65
Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet
Cost: Rs. 215/- (plus 6.944% tax)

Cauliflower Cafreal (Vegetarian)

Cauliflower Cafreal (Vegetarian) at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

Cafreal is traditionally a Goan chicken preparation, usually made with chicken legs only. It was good to see the Red E even attempt something such as the Cauliflower Cafreal starter. Sadly, it was disappointing to see them fail at pulling off a stunner.

There was at least one specific spice that was used in abundance, that overpowered the flavours of the dish. We couldn't decide on whether it was the pudina (mint) or the elaichi (cardamom). Either way, we'd recommend that you give this dish a miss.

Cauliflower Cafreal Starter (Veg)
Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet
Cost: Rs. 160/- (plus 6.944% tax)

Crispy Corn Chilli Coriander (Vegetarian)

Crispy Corn Chilli Coriander at the Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet

The Crispy Corn Chilli Coriander was really good. The vegetarian amongst us was overflowing with praise - every component of the dish could be tasted separately, and it went really well with the provided chilli sauce.

If you're looking for a decent vegetarian starter, you can't go wrong with this.

Crispy Corn Chilli Coriander (Vegetarian)
Restaurant: Red E Drop Zone, Teynampet
Cost: Rs. 160/- (plus 6.944% tax)