Chennai Meetups

spiritedchick · May 14th, 2005, 00:29

sounds great. you have a place/date in mind? Suggestions....

rav · May 14th, 2005, 14:44

hi
what do u guys say about the places along eliots beach in besant nagar
anyone know a good coffee shop there
ive been to cozys there but its not the best

any suggestions on that area for the meet up

ravin

Nick-H · May 14th, 2005, 15:41

I've been meaning to visit that area and like the idea very much.

Now we just need a recommendation.

rangss · May 14th, 2005, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

I totally agree on the AC though. This is my first Chennai May/June and AC is my friend!

AC is my God, Lord and Saviour!

Coming to the point...why coffee....why not something coooooooooool to quench the summer thirst? Tea is OK....it is a great re-hydrant.

Fruit Shop on Gream's Road....cooool cocktails? There is a nice one in Besant Nagar.

ArjunaWeeping · May 15th, 2005, 18:23

Hi Nick, and everyone else!

Thought I'd pop in and add my 2 cents worth.

Elliots Beach is an amazing place - the frist day we got there my friend Navin took us there. As the sun dropped down we sat there listening ot the surf crash a few feet away, and then this big red Harvest moon, a full moon, slid its way up into the sky. An excellent intro to Chennai (after a day's madness driving about EVERYwhere in an auto).

A good place we found to eat if you're not looking for that western experience is SR Foods, which I think is on Fourth Street at Karpaggam Avenue. You can see it here on my blog about halfway down the page (under "lunchtime". No music, tea at Rs5 (a little cardamom in there), and the owner is very helpful and mindful of western stomachs, will even rustle you up a sandwich. Banana lassi are excellent.

If you want to go western (and more expensive) then I can recommend the mellow atmosphere at Ciao Bella Italian restaurant at the beach at Valmiki Nagar (Krishna Enclave, off First Street I think). More a setting for a romantic dinner though, and expect about Rs 400 a meal without alcohol. However if I was taking someone really special somewhere for a meal it would HAVE to be the Thai place, Benjarong on TTK road about half a mile from the Park Sheraton. A close second for a meal would be the Park Hotel with the infamous Leather Bar for afters (though you're not allowed to dance to the music, as me and two Latin lovelies discovered on our last night - and we weren't even on the tables yet!?

). Woops, gone off topic a bit here from coffee and snacks to romantic dinners, hope you'll forgive my nostalgia.

Hope Chennai is treating you all well, in Scotland it has crawled up to about 17 Centigrade here this weekend but is going to plummet back down to about 7 on Monday from a northerly wind. Hope you appreciate the fine (if somehwat hot) weather you enjoy. Is it still above average for this time of year or has it levelled off?

Cheers,

Scott

Nick-H · May 16th, 2005, 00:19

Hello Scott; shame you can't be with us this time. We'll put it off a few days while you get the flight organised!

Lots of good recommendations in your post: SR sounds like my 'cup of tea'

Is there a landmark we can meet up at for a stroll on the beach before repairing to the caff? Anybody know?

By the way, Scottish weather sounds relatively good; I was talking to a friend in Kent yesterday where it is only 13C

Here it is around 41 according to the papers

BhuttaJi · May 16th, 2005, 19:09

Hello All,

Just a agreement Rangss; The Friut shop on Gream's Rd (which isn't in fact

) in Besant Nagar is really nice with damn fine AC. However it is not on the beach but it's only a short stroll down the road to the beach.

Further agree with Arjunaweeping/Scott on Benjarong on TTk. I had a smashing meal there with my lady. Bit pricey but worth it.
I may be wrong but there is no Landmark down there? It is a great place to chill out esp on a weekend night.
Do enjoy whereever you folks meet up. I'm so envious relly wish I was there!
Hope to be to join a meet later in the year.
PS Have you tried Sundhar Mahal in Jeypore Colony. It's my second home when I'm there.

Auntyji · May 16th, 2005, 21:03

Bhuttaji, is Sundar Mahal the same as the place with Amethyst?
I'm envious too; I won't be in Madras in time for the meet-up. Have a wonderful time, everyone!

Nick-H · May 16th, 2005, 21:13

Fruit shop in Besant Nagar sounds good. Anyone got the street name?

We'd better start talking dates (well, if we're talking fruit...) so: end of this week too soon?

BhuttaJi · May 16th, 2005, 21:22

Hi auntyji

Yep that's the one

I was reluctant to share as the place is my Fav and it's getting so busy. It's really hard to get a table at peak times. The Coffe shop is called Mocha and I absolutely love to chillout surrounded by the gardens and architecture etc.

NickH the address is 122 Beach Roadn I think. It's a doddle to find. It's not far from the famous temple down there. So famous I forgot the name

(senior moment)
Auntyji should know what it's called?
Man I am so missing the place. This is good but difficult if you know what I mean

Auntyji · May 16th, 2005, 21:30

Bhuttaji, I don't remember the coffee shop being so crowded, what do you mean by peak times? Any advice about when to avoid the place?

Isn't the fruit juice place sort of opposite the temple on Besant Avenue?
You mentioned Beach Road, but I thought that the main road leading into Besant Nagar was called Besant Avenue? (unless it's been re-named!)
I used to live very close to the temple, and I can't remember the name either. This is dreadful, I hate forgetting details about the place I was raised in.

BhuttaJi · May 16th, 2005, 21:59

Auntyji yes I'm afraid the place is becoming a victim of it's success.

By peak times I mean when the kids are out of school as it has become a haunt of the college crowd.

Also when Britsh council knocks off work it can be busy ie getting a table on the verandah. They have put more tables in the garden though. Pleas edon't lety what I have said put you off though. It still is a magic place.

As far as Friut shop on greams rd goes! I think you are probably right. I can close my eyes now and give directions but not street names. Oops. It is just up the road from the bus station nearest the beach. My girlfriend lived near 3rd Cross street and I know how to walk it.

As for Nick I hope you can follow this.
Head to Besant Nagar the as you get there over the bridge bear left toward the Phil Society go past shopper stop and the new royal enfield shop . Follow the road around and head straight on.Tell rickshaw driver it's just before the Bus Station on the right as you head in. Or get the bus down and left out of the station and walk forty yards back up the road.

Man I hope that is followable :P

Nick-H · May 16th, 2005, 22:14

i'm confused now: are we talking coffe shop or juice shop?

BhuttaJi · May 16th, 2005, 22:22

Sorry Nick

The Fruit shop on Greams rd in Besant Nagar does well...erm..friut drinks ..lassi etc

The Coffe shop Mocha is in Jeypore Colony @ Sundhar Mahal which is a former royal residence. Both are great places to hook up with fellow Chennai fans.

Sorry for the confusion mate

ohh and Sundhar mahal is just arounf the corner from Thousand lights mosque between it and Cathedral rd.

rav · May 17th, 2005, 00:23

hye fruit shop at greames road is the best place to meet - the one in adayar i mean
its bang in the centre and if u ask anyone it wont me missed

its a nice small shop though - small tables small chairs etc
not very spacey as would desribe it - there is no coffee shop on besant nagar beach

May 14th, 2005, 14:44	#92
rav life is like an ice crem - enoy it before it melts Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: india Posts: 28	eliots beach hi what do u guys say about the places along eliots beach in besant nagar anyone know a good coffee shop there ive been to cozys there but its not the best any suggestions on that area for the meet up ravin

May 15th, 2005, 18:23	#95
ArjunaWeeping In Search of Darshan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: In Chennai!!! Posts: 101	Hi Nick, and everyone else! Thought I'd pop in and add my 2 cents worth. Elliots Beach is an amazing place - the frist day we got there my friend Navin took us there. As the sun dropped down we sat there listening ot the surf crash a few feet away, and then this big red Harvest moon, a full moon, slid its way up into the sky. An excellent intro to Chennai (after a day's madness driving about EVERYwhere in an auto). A good place we found to eat if you're not looking for that western experience is SR Foods, which I think is on Fourth Street at Karpaggam Avenue. You can see it here on my blog about halfway down the page (under "lunchtime". No music, tea at Rs5 (a little cardamom in there), and the owner is very helpful and mindful of western stomachs, will even rustle you up a sandwich. Banana lassi are excellent. If you want to go western (and more expensive) then I can recommend the mellow atmosphere at Ciao Bella Italian restaurant at the beach at Valmiki Nagar (Krishna Enclave, off First Street I think). More a setting for a romantic dinner though, and expect about Rs 400 a meal without alcohol. However if I was taking someone really special somewhere for a meal it would HAVE to be the Thai place, Benjarong on TTK road about half a mile from the Park Sheraton. A close second for a meal would be the Park Hotel with the infamous Leather Bar for afters (though you're not allowed to dance to the music, as me and two Latin lovelies discovered on our last night - and we weren't even on the tables yet!? ). Woops, gone off topic a bit here from coffee and snacks to romantic dinners, hope you'll forgive my nostalgia. Hope Chennai is treating you all well, in Scotland it has crawled up to about 17 Centigrade here this weekend but is going to plummet back down to about 7 on Monday from a northerly wind. Hope you appreciate the fine (if somehwat hot) weather you enjoy. Is it still above average for this time of year or has it levelled off? Cheers, Scott __________________ Explore Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living In Search of Darshan - my trip to Chennai, India in 2005 Scott's Thotts - my meandering thoughts on Yoga and Life...

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May 14th, 2005, 00:29	#91
spiritedchick Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 17	sounds great. you have a place/date in mind? Suggestions....

May 14th, 2005, 15:41	#93
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,173	I've been meaning to visit that area and like the idea very much. Now we just need a recommendation.

May 16th, 2005, 00:19	#96
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,173	Hello Scott; shame you can't be with us this time. We'll put it off a few days while you get the flight organised! Lots of good recommendations in your post: SR sounds like my 'cup of tea' Is there a landmark we can meet up at for a stroll on the beach before repairing to the caff? Anybody know? By the way, Scottish weather sounds relatively good; I was talking to a friend in Kent yesterday where it is only 13C Here it is around 41 according to the papers

May 16th, 2005, 19:09	#97
BhuttaJi Buttaji Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle Uk and Around Posts: 100	Hello All, Just a agreement Rangss; The Friut shop on Gream's Rd (which isn't in fact ) in Besant Nagar is really nice with damn fine AC. However it is not on the beach but it's only a short stroll down the road to the beach. Further agree with Arjunaweeping/Scott on Benjarong on TTk. I had a smashing meal there with my lady. Bit pricey but worth it. I may be wrong but there is no Landmark down there? It is a great place to chill out esp on a weekend night. Do enjoy whereever you folks meet up. I'm so envious relly wish I was there! Hope to be to join a meet later in the year. PS Have you tried Sundhar Mahal in Jeypore Colony. It's my second home when I'm there.

May 16th, 2005, 21:03	#98
Auntyji One tight slap! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York Posts: 323	Bhuttaji, is Sundar Mahal the same as the place with Amethyst? I'm envious too; I won't be in Madras in time for the meet-up. Have a wonderful time, everyone!

May 16th, 2005, 21:13	#99
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,173	Fruit shop in Besant Nagar sounds good. Anyone got the street name? We'd better start talking dates (well, if we're talking fruit...) so: end of this week too soon?

May 16th, 2005, 21:22	#100
BhuttaJi Buttaji Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle Uk and Around Posts: 100	Hi auntyji Yep that's the one I was reluctant to share as the place is my Fav and it's getting so busy. It's really hard to get a table at peak times. The Coffe shop is called Mocha and I absolutely love to chillout surrounded by the gardens and architecture etc. NickH the address is 122 Beach Roadn I think. It's a doddle to find. It's not far from the famous temple down there. So famous I forgot the name (senior moment) Auntyji should know what it's called? Man I am so missing the place. This is good but difficult if you know what I mean

May 16th, 2005, 21:30	#101
Auntyji One tight slap! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York Posts: 323	Bhuttaji, I don't remember the coffee shop being so crowded, what do you mean by peak times? Any advice about when to avoid the place? Isn't the fruit juice place sort of opposite the temple on Besant Avenue? You mentioned Beach Road, but I thought that the main road leading into Besant Nagar was called Besant Avenue? (unless it's been re-named!) I used to live very close to the temple, and I can't remember the name either. This is dreadful, I hate forgetting details about the place I was raised in.

May 16th, 2005, 21:59	#102
BhuttaJi Buttaji Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle Uk and Around Posts: 100	Auntyji yes I'm afraid the place is becoming a victim of it's success. By peak times I mean when the kids are out of school as it has become a haunt of the college crowd. Also when Britsh council knocks off work it can be busy ie getting a table on the verandah. They have put more tables in the garden though. Pleas edon't lety what I have said put you off though. It still is a magic place. As far as Friut shop on greams rd goes! I think you are probably right. I can close my eyes now and give directions but not street names. Oops. It is just up the road from the bus station nearest the beach. My girlfriend lived near 3rd Cross street and I know how to walk it. As for Nick I hope you can follow this. Head to Besant Nagar the as you get there over the bridge bear left toward the Phil Society go past shopper stop and the new royal enfield shop . Follow the road around and head straight on.Tell rickshaw driver it's just before the Bus Station on the right as you head in. Or get the bus down and left out of the station and walk forty yards back up the road. Man I hope that is followable :P

May 16th, 2005, 22:14	#103
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,173	i'm confused now: are we talking coffe shop or juice shop?

May 16th, 2005, 22:22	#104
BhuttaJi Buttaji Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle Uk and Around Posts: 100	Sorry Nick The Fruit shop on Greams rd in Besant Nagar does well...erm..friut drinks ..lassi etc The Coffe shop Mocha is in Jeypore Colony @ Sundhar Mahal which is a former royal residence. Both are great places to hook up with fellow Chennai fans. Sorry for the confusion mate ohh and Sundhar mahal is just arounf the corner from Thousand lights mosque between it and Cathedral rd.

May 17th, 2005, 00:23	#105
rav life is like an ice crem - enoy it before it melts Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: india Posts: 28	hye fruit shop at greames road is the best place to meet - the one in adayar i mean its bang in the centre and if u ask anyone it wont me missed its a nice small shop though - small tables small chairs etc not very spacey as would desribe it - there is no coffee shop on besant nagar beach