Restaurant review: Juicy grills get sophisticated makeover

Executive Chef Deva Kumar warmly welcomed and seated us at a table close to the live kitchen. After a brief introduction, we learnt that though On The Rocks had been around for long, we were there to try its new menu — a style of cooking rather, called On The Plate, that they were keen on introducing to Chennai.

Five carefully selected meats (there are vegetarian alternatives too) that were marinated beforehand in various sauces ranging from Brazilian to a homemade rub, were to be grilled and served hot on our plates. This was part of a three-course meal, that began with a salad. Refreshing and light, the vibrant bowl of assorted greens was complemented by warm bread and garlic-infused oil. A chilled fork was provided for the salad, which we learnt that a scene in the movie Catch Me If You Can, had inspired the restaurant to do! Leonardo Di Caprio can be seen explaining to his father at a “fancy restaurant” they’re dining in, that the chilled fork helps maintain the freshness of the salad for longer.

As the meal progressed, our eyes scanned through the precariously stacked bottles along one side of the wall and before we could finish the sentence, ‘I wonder what kind of wine goes best with meat,’ the charming Anandha Krishnan, the sommelier at the hotel, greeted us with a bottle of Sauvingnon Blanc. A slight heat that is typically given out by capsicum seeds upon consumption, is what makes this bottle special, and ideal to begin with, he told us.

Soon after, a plate with a side of grilled vegetables and mashed potato — so smooth that it melted in the mouth — were placed before us. While Cabernet Shiraz was being poured through a wine aerator into a balloon glass (to help the flavours open up), the chefs presented us with skewers of different meats, in the order of chicken leg followed by Australian lamb, smoked duck, fillet mignon and tiger prawns. Never before had we tasted duck with a hint of smoked bacon to it; the fillet mignon was medium-rare with just the right amount of pink and a red centre. I would call it the hero of the meal.

The knot that tied the meal together was a late-harvest Chenin Blanc, a sweeter wine, that was poured alongside a dessert, which got overshadowed by the five-meat grilled plate. If diners wish to experience the best this city has to offer, On The Plate at On The Rocks is a must-visit, ideal for a quiet evening of dialogue and drink.

Address: Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, Alwarpet

Cuisine: European, Continental

Must-have: Kutla, smoked duck 

Timing: 6 pm to 11.45 pm

Star rating  (given on 5): *****