Restaurant Review: Dining under the stars

On one side are the peaks of St Thomas Mount; on the other, there is a concrete jungle dotted by IT companies and beautifully lit high-rise buildings. Spread over a massive space, the enchanting music from the live music stage cuts the restaurant off from the cacophony of the road outside. The décor of the 70-seater lounge is minimal, monochromatic and classy with a mix of plush white sofas and bar stools lit by subtle lighting, offering an ambience of intimacy for every occasion. There are tables for big groups, couples, and even singles who would like to read a book in a corner or just enjoy a drink peacefully. And personally, I’d say it is the best setting for a first date (Disclaimer: no guarantee on the outcome). 

As we made ourselves comfortable in our seats, right next to the island bar that had bartenders skillfully fixing drinks, we combed through the menu that is spread across Mediterranean, continental, Lebanese and Indian cuisines, along with a wide range of cocktails and mocktails. We started with pina expresso — a creamy pineapple flavoured mocktail with a hint of expresso and almonds. It had the texture of an espresso with the tang from the fruit. The Bloody Mary had a twist – it was infused with tomato and roasted chilli ground into a paste. The Long Island ice tea was quite refreshing. 

To go with our drinks, we opted for the appetisers recommended by Head Chef KR Ganesh. We were told the main course and dessert section will be added in the coming weeks. We started with the rosemary lamb kebab with tangy chimichurri sauce (a sauce made of parsley, garlic, oregano, and white vinegar originating in Argentina). While the lamb was moist and perfectly cooked, the rosemary branches used as skewers gave the kebabs an intense herby flavour. Next in line was murgh tikka kebab which was innovatively served in a container shaped like a coal-fuelled iron box. It was flavourful and tender. 

We also took a bite of spinach feta and pomegranate fatayer, a Middle Eastern pie. The baked pastry was soft and fluffy. The bitter taste of the spinach was complemented by the salty and tangy taste of feta. We also bit into lamb galouti bhakarkani sliders. These aromatic and flavoursome galouti kebabs sandwiched between handmade buns were delectable. 

However, it was the seafood sausage that was a clear winner. Made of prawns, scallops and salmon (in calculated proportions to hold its shape), served with mint hollandaise sauce, this dish is a must try for seafood lovers. The rich and buttery hollandaise cut through the tender sausage while also giving it a mild tang. 

So, if you want to spend a memorable evening with some great food and lovely music with a beautiful view of the city, you know where to head.

Skyloft, Feathers — A Radha Hotel, 4/129 Mount Poonamallee Road, Manappakkam.

Cuisine: Asian, continental and Lebanese

Must try: Seafood sausage, rosemary lamb and lamb galouti bhakarkani slider

Contact: 044 6677 6969 

Rating: 4/5