It is not often that you get to visit resto-bars in the city that have gigantic setting, fashionable interiors, amazing cocktails created by savvy bartenders and delectable finger food; all under one roof. But if you do, then there is no reason for you to not visit such a place. The new Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road boutique hotel has a great place to hang out now. It is called the Gourmet Bar. As one enters the Novotel lobby, the Gourmet Bar is located on the right side.

With high ceilings, glass walls and contemporary décor, the Gourmet Bar is the perfect spot for work, hanging out with friends or casual meetings. It offers a wide variety of Short Eats, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and Wraps in the food section and a range of beverages with specially curated drinks by their mixologist. The place also offers some delicious dessert choices.

From the bar menu we pick Mai Tai, Red Velvet and Frozen Daiquiri as our poisons of choice on a hot afternoon. The cocktails tasted delicious, looked pretty but were potent in alcohol concentration as we found out towards the end of our binge session! The bar also has a decent mocktail spread so you can get along your teetotaler friends for a meet-up.

Along with our drinks, we start our nibbling party with Honey Mustard Fish and Warm Olive Bruschetta. The fish is well cooked with a light coating in honey-chilli sauce and the tiny, circular bruschetta bread is buttery crisp topped with a whole lot of warm olive bits.

We also order the Double Spiced Sriracha Paneer Skewers that are delightfully spicy and perfect accompaniments to our beverages. The menu also offers amazing options like BBQ Pulled Pork on Toast, Lebanese Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Dip, Cheese Chicken Tikka with Multi-grain Crackers, Trio of Indian Inspired Arancini, Shitake Chilly Bao and more.

From the main course section, we loved the Spaghetti Prawn Aglio Olio and Spiced Potato Burger – quite filling and well prepared. Our meal ended with a rich and sinful Oreo Cheesecake.

Gourmet Bar has Happy Hours on Thursday for ladies and on Fridays for all from 6 pm onwards.

Go over and have fun this weekend!

Location: Gourmet Bar, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road, 11 Chamiers Road, Nandanam

Timings: 11 am to 11 pm