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 At first glance 'Oriental Pearl 'restaurant at GRT Grand Days hotel on the first
floor (Banquet floor) looks like any other Chinese restaurant. Wind chimes, statues of laughing Buddha and three wise men at strategic locations do set the ambience of a traditional Chinese restaurant though with a touch of modern decor. However, a review of their handsome and elaborate menu suggests that this restaurant is different. While there are many Chinese dishes, a third of the items come from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea. The diverse cuisines selected form different countries of Far East do justify its lovely name ‘Oriental Pearl’.
Items on the menu are methodically grouped under starters, soups, salads, main course dishes and deserts. Main course dishes are listed under appropriate sections such as Vegetarian, Lamb, Chicken, Pork, Beef and Seafood making it easy to select dishes. While all regions of China are well represented, the spicier Szechwan and the milder Cantonese dishes seem to predominate.
The chef Mr.Aravind confirms that all the vegetarian items are totally free from any meat or seafood flavouring typical of Chinese restaurants. This probably explains a large number of vegetarians who are regulars here. Their food festival for Chinese New year was a major hit in Chennai. The recent dim-sum special week had a lot of clients, he says. Apart from this there are bi-monthly food festivals happening on a regular basis.
Some items on the menu are marked with an image of one or two chillies to indicate relative spiciness of the dish. This advance warning is a welcome courtesy to diners who are new to Far Eastern cuisine. The restaurant manager Mr.Christi Lee informs that their Chinese chefs can prepare the dishes any way - extra spicy, medium or bland as preferred by the diner.
The Thai specialty Tom yum soup is a delightful blend of hot and sour spices with rich aroma.
Splendid appetiser like Satay is certainly an ideal starter for your meal and
Prawns in chilli oyster sauce. Stir-fried chicken with
baby corn, black mushrooms and bamboo shoots is a delightful dish that is preferred by many diners.
Sisma Yang Row, another favourite is a delicacy with sliced lamb tossed with sesame seeds and black pepper.
Among the many noodles offered
Singapore Noodles seems to be quite popular. It can be prepared with vegetables, chicken or seafood as required by the diner. There are a wide variety of fried rice items including the refreshing Seafood Fried Rice.
The all around wood finish decor is quite pleasing and sets the right
ambience to enjoy your meal. The entire ceiling is covered with bamboo mats from which rows after rows of traditional red lanterns hang down. The huge fish tank is certainly an attraction not just for kids, even adults stare at it. Watching the large gold fishes as they gracefully move about is certainly relaxing. According to Chinese tradition, Gold fish is auspicious. The hard wood floor gives the rustic appeal. Large tables, comfortable chairs and expensive cutlery help one eat in style.
This fine dining restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. They have a Lite ‘N’
easy lunch offer, which is quite popular. The separate menu provides a few set meals that come with a choice of soup, side dishes and main dish. The Power lunch is offered with the busy executives in mind. They are served really fast enabling clients to have a fine meal without having to wait too long for it and
is priced at Rs.195/-
nett.
Being a part of a star hotel, 'Oriental Pearl 'offers a fine selection of wines and liquors along with the meal. The subtle and fragrant jasmine tea, which is topped up constantly, goes well with the meal. I am told that this health tea is also good for digestion. If you enjoy food from the Far East, Oriental Pearl is probably one of the best in town for these tantalizing cuisines.
Additionally on every 4 Lite ‘N’ easy lunch the 5th will be extended as complimentary at Oriental Pearl. The Lite ‘N’ Easy lunch is priced at Rs.195/- nett. The menu consists of 1 soup, salad,
starter, Main course - Rice/Noodles, choice of Veg/Non-Veg side dish &
a dessert.
Sam Kumar
sam_kumar1@yahoo.com
GRT GRAND DAYS
Any Time - 24 Hours Coffee Shop @ GRT
GRAND DAYS
Copper Point - Speciality
Restaurant @ GRT GRAND DAYS
The High Time - Bar @ GRT GRAND DAYS
Senor
& Senorita - Beauty Parlours @ GRT GRAND DAYS
For further information, contact:
Hotel GRT Grand Days
120, Thyagaraya Road,
Pondy Bazaar, T.Nagar,
Chennai - 600 017
Ph #s : 8150500/8155500 Extn - 1133
Fax # : 8150778
E-mail: grtgranddays@vsnl.com
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