Annual visits to see family in Chennai means not only delicious food at home but also some great spots to dine out any time of day and in any part of the city. Regional preparations aside, there’s a plethora of pan-Indian, pan-Asian, and other global cuisines to choose from. Here’s a smattering from the last visit home in no specific order but keep checking back for more updates. 

Attended this two-day event for the first time though it’s been in my plans for ages. It’s Chennai’s version of a literature festival and was held in a concert hall in Chetpet. I live farther out so made a little staycation out of this and chose to set up base at a nearby hotel, which worked out well since parking space was limited on-site and being able to walk over in a few minutes was a welcome option looking at the cars lining up at the entrance trying to make it in on time for each session. I had my pros and cons to the experience so read on to learn more. 

Read this post on Ozy today and brought back fond memories of home. Where home = Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Where I was born, raised for a bit (kindergarten and high school), pursued college and corporate world and where I return to when I visit family in India. Although this story on the link shared is from a rickshaw driver in Mumbai, rickshaws are pretty much seen everywhere in India. 

My gallivanting around Chennai today included a mix of local and international. It is customary in India, and I assume in most Asian cultures, to never visit someone's home, be that a friend or family member, with empty hands. Some form of a gift is mandatory. It doesn't have to be expensive but it is the norm. Folks of my generation don't care much for it but being that most of my visiting was with my mom, I had to adhere to a few customs. 

It took me a day to recover from the harrowing bus journey before I could get back to accomplishing what I wanted in Chennai. Meanwhile, today is my anniversary so it was decided we would head out for dinner at this restaurant in Nungambakkam called Bombay Brassier. Funny I should head to this considering I had just arrived from 4 weeks in Mumbai. Anyways, the place did not disappoint. For a first timer, the location might be slightly difficult to find but once there, be ready to be wowed. I have very few images here, once the entrees appeared the eating took precedence over the picture taking. Everything we ordered was well-prepared, flavorful and the right amount. It was a busy evening and the staff did seem to have a bit of miscommunication with orders and such but the food really speaks for itself.