We embarked for a lunch at Le Poshe by Sparsa, Kodaikanal, a week after the lockdown was lifted in July 2021 and when the restaurants were re opened for dining.
Spoke to Chef Ayyaswami, who promised a TDH extravaganza. There were 7 of us plus...a toddler for lunch and the toddler's parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary
We were greeted by the front desk team at the entrance and we were escorted to the restaurant.
Once seated, we were offered a welcome drink of a hot sukku malli coffee (Sukku is dried Ginger & Malli is dried Coriander) that warmed the cockles of your heart, on a cold & wet day.
Chef Ayyaswami made a dramatic entrance (along with his colleagues) with the first course, an "Exotic Sprouts Salad in an Igloo shelter". A masterpiece in ice carving, the igloo's were set on a platter with napkins and housed the sprouts with carrots, onions salad and presented on a betel leaf. Art on a plate..
The next starter was a delicious Avocado & Shrimp Timbale. Perfectly seasoned and well presented, this highlighted the start of the Avocado season in the hills.
To contrast the buttery Avocado, the next course was a Flaky Fried Chicken topped with a Cheese Ball, accompanied by a mustard mayo. The kids loved this and I lost half my portion to them
A couple of live charcoal table top BBQ's followed with 3 skewers in each (1 Prawn, 1 Fish and 1 Chicken). All 3 with different marinades having unique flavours. The highlight was the spicy Prawn skewer, perfectly cooked, with a hint of Ajwain.
What followed was a perfect combination of mint with fish. The "Peppermint Filleted Fish in Lemon butter sauce" was perfectly cooked, the sauce the right consistency and flavours. The crisp spring roll that accompanied the dish, again contrasted with the soft & flaky fish.
The Tender "Peshawari Claypot Chicken" was next where Chicken breasts were stuffed with a farce of Chicken mince, nuts and subtle spices and served with Zucchini and Carrot pasta.
By this time, food was overflowing through all our pores and with great persuasion, Chef Ayyaswami decided to bring out the last dish for the day, "Deviled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce". Presented beautifully, this grilled chicken was accompanied with a melange of grilled vegetables. The mushroom sauce was outstanding and the chef had used the"Pine Mushrooms" that were foraged from the pine forests in the hills..
Due to popular demand and the Chef's persuasion, we agreed to try the "Purdah Chicken Biryani".
3 small portions of Mutton Chukka was craftily presented in petite vol au vont cases, made with Indian bread.
The service executive opened the Biryani top expertly on the table to reveal long grains of perfectly cooked Basmati rice, succulent chicken and boiled eggs
Upon the insistence of the Chef & GM, we each had our own portion of "Nested Brownie with Chocolate Sauce" that was out of this world. A disk of pink blancmange topped the brownie topped with a spun sugar nest.
I still don't know how one makes room for desserts after all the food, but am sure glad that we did..
As it's customary, the anniversary couple got to cut a cake but as we couldn't manage a single morsel more, we packed the cake for them.
I can't thank the GM Gopi, Chef Ayyaswami and the entire team of Le Poshe enough for their love, warmth and hospitality extended to us and making us feel special.
I would recommend that if you are in Kodai, please definitely visit Le Poshe by Sparsa, for a meal. The management will only be too happy to meet your needs and expectations.More
