Chennai, Barbeque Nation - Indulge your Indulgence

Hotel Sree Devi Park - little known 2 star hotel in congested T. Nagar, Chennai plays unlikely host to Chennai's version of Barbeque Nation (BBQN) - a unique format family dining restaurant serving speciality grilled recipes, right at your table!

More than the food, patrons are likely to be impressed by the concept at first. Pre-existing overseas, BBQN is definitely a first for India in Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and now Chennai!

Brightly lit, warm, balmy interiors are a welcome change from the usually dimly lit interiors thrown at us by most restaurants in the city today (Agreed - the trend is changing with Peppers, etc). A duo belting out hits from the 70s & 80s weren't really obtrusive though sitting in the section in front of where they perform could perhaps eventually get to you. Minimalist decor and Tables in configurations of 4 & 8 provide very comfortable seating for the rather extended dining session. Yes, meals at BBQN can take longer than your usual meal out. Certain wall decor were simply put, inexplicable.

The food was excellent - yet to ensure that I was not carried away by an occasional show of brilliance, I decided to visit BBQN a second time to get a true sense of their quality and service. The first visit was on a weekday which also saw the place fill up its tables quite easily. For the next, I chose Easter Sunday and the hoardes at the restaurant had to be seen to be believed. I would safely say that BBQN is satisfactorily equipped to handle both extremes. I was quite concerned that on a relatively less crowded day, we might get swamped by service and that's never a good thing either. BBQN did not disappoint (with a fair degree of tolerance exercised Easter Sunday). The staff were cordial and friendly and the Managers did do their fair bit to keep the dining crowd content as well as the long waiting list, calm.

BBQN does many things first and right - each table is fitted with a provision for a charcoal grill to be placed within the table.

The format is simple - choose from a Non Veg or Veg spread (both priced at a uniform Rs. 400/- per head). 5 veg and 5 non veg specialities from a range of cuisines including Lebanese, Mediterranean, Continental, Oriental and Indian are served on your table grill with the Chinese fare being the only non skewered starter. Cook them yourself to suit your palate. Have it lightly cooked or well done, smear it with a dressing of Lemon and Mustard, Oriental or Crust pepper with Olive oil or choose to accompany your grill with a variety of dips, the Garlic mayonnaise deserving a special mention. Skewers are served repeatedly as long as your "flag" remains raised - yes another innovative concept which places a brass flag on your table with a smartly designed hinge to lower it (with dignity) once done with your stomach-full of starters. It's then time for the elaborate buffet with an impressive array on offer. I personally recommend that on your first visit, give the spread a miss and feast on the starters.

The choice of location (within a hotel) is with obvious benefits - the alcohol range is quite elaborate with an interesting outlay of cocktails - we tried the Sweet Lime and Tamarind Martini and were quite disappointed. I was reminded of the Kingfisher beer ad with the crazy man dressed in a Chinese outfit singing out his menu to the guests on the table and trust me, I can really vouch that there is nothing quite like a pint of Kingfisher (Rs. 120) to go with good food. Corona was also listed on the menu but was unavailable on both days.

Chef Anwar and team do manage to stir out an interesting assortment of eatery. Non Vegetarians felt they really got their money's worth while vegetarians, while not too enthused, were definitely not disappointed. I should mention the Lychee souffle from dessert spread which I thought was lip-smacking good!

BBQN is definitely a breath of fresh air in what was becoming a rather morose set of options for the dining out public of Chennai. One thing's for sure - forget about a table without a reservation - the wait can be painful. Reservations are only for 2 sessions - 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

As a last word, the BBQN experience is well worth the money spent - go on, call together a bunch of friends or huddle your family together and hit this joint at 1, Hanumantha Street, T. Nagar.

Sample Spread on Day 2 -

Starters - Paneer Poshida, Thai Mushroom, Cajun Spicy Potato, Veg Hariyali Seekh, Assorted Oriental Grill (peppers), Ajwaini Fish Tikka, Mutton Gilafi Seekh, Dhaniya Prawns, Murgh Sahzani Boti, Lebanese Chicken with Onion Mushroom.

Buffet Spread - Tanka Beans Soup, Chicken Clear Soup, Pasta in Pazok Sauce, Vegetable Fricasse, Aloo Gobi Mutter masala, Paneer Manchowrian, Veg Biriyani, Plain rice, Dal Makhni, Curd Rice, Kasuree Mutton, Kolahpoori Chicken, Fish Finger in Hot Garlic Sauce, Crab in Black B Sauce, Mutton Dum Biriyani.

Dessert Outlay - Baked Pineapple Strudel, Coconut Souffle, White Forest Pastry, Yakudi, Butterscotch Ice Cream, Fresh cut fruits and Angoori Gulab Jamoon.

Price per head- Rs. 400/-
Website - www.barbeque-nation.com (disfunctional at the time of posting)
Reviewed by: Harish Anand Thilakan
Date: 13th & 23rd March, 2008

Address & Phone - Barbeque Nation, 1, Hanumantha Street, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017. Ph: 42694481, 42694482
Driving Directions - Travel down on Bazullah road till just before you reach North Usman road. Take the left just before North Usman Road and head straight about 200m till you reach Hotel Sree Devi Park. Another useful landmark is that this place is behind Prashanth Real Gold Tower.