Red E is a destination for those seeking tasty, health-friendly food in immense variety, excellent service, a trendy, cordial ambience, at affordable prices. This is Chennai's first Food Court, opened in March 1998 by a group of ambitious chefs from the Taj group of hotels, backed by local businessmen. Their dream was to run a multi-kitchen restaurant, serving food that was usually available only at five-star hotel restaurants, but at a fraction of five-star prices. They have achieved the variety and prices that they desired and, judging from the satisfaction shown by the clientele, the quality of their food is of the same high standard that they turned out at the Taj.

"Fast and fresh" is how Red E's staff describe their food. They buy and cook their meat in three batches a day; morning, afternoon and evening, and for each batch, the meat is bought fresh from the butcher. As a matter of fact, they do not even have a deep-freeze! There are six kitchens here; Continental (soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers: Rs. 25 - 120), Indian (Tandoori and curry: Rs. 40 - 110), Oriental (Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese: Rs. 35 - 125), Italian (pasta and pizza: Rs. 65 - 100), Mexican (Rs. 70 - 110) and Desserts (including beverages: Rs. 25 - 55). The most popular dishes are Chicken Lasagne (chicken and cheese with Durum wheat pasta), Quesidillas served with sour cream, green jalapeno pepper and guacamole (avocado puree); Thai Chicken Red Curry, Alleppey Fish Curry, Seekh Kabab and Chocolate Mousse. The meats are cooked very tender and juicy, and the desserts are made with low-fat cream. On Sundays, there are various specials and a special brunch consisting of a soup, four sandwiches, six or more main courses and three desserts, for Rs. 150.

The ratio of women (of all ages) to men at Red E is far higher than in any mall, restaurant, beach or office in town. "Yes, we like to think that our clients feel secure here," says Manager Murli Krishnan. "Initially, we kept a close watch on things, but it is obvious that people come here only to have a pleasant, hassle-free time." One sees good behaviour all around; a group of serious, soft-spoken business executives good-naturedly tolerate a little noise from two adjacent tables; one full of wise-cracking teenagers, the other seating a family with two young children shrilly exclaiming their excitement over the pizza. What is lacking is the self-consciousness and stiff formality expected at regular restaurants. "Ten years ago, in any five-star hotel," says Chef Suvir, "If a diner inadvertently clattered his knife a little loudly against his plate, every head in the restaurant would turn to stare at him in disapproval! Today, in Red E, you can eat any way that makes you feel comfortable."

The Red E Food Court is at Salzburg Square, 107, Harrington Road, Chetpet Junction, and is open from noon till 11 p.m.

Phone: 827 2514 and for door delivery (with in 5 km radius) Phone: 8223622.

Arun Masilamoni

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