The Wharf - Radisson Blu Templebay

Birthdays are special - they are days you loosen those purse strings - they are days you treat yourself. This one was no different - and the moving finger made a stop at The Wharf when we were perusing the list. It promised of everything we were looking for - the open air, the sea breeze through the hair, the calm and the class.

So off we headed - an hour's drive away on ECR. Radisson Blu is just short of Mahabalipuram and the drive would lift your spirits as you cruise along the Bay of Bengal. I'd recommend you leave at 4 PM and get there while there is still light because the place is a beauty. You walk along their gorgeous pool (pools?) to get to The Wharf - nestled in one corner of the resort. We spent an hour just walking around, taking it all in and visiting The Deck (which has a stunning view of the sea), before we hit The Wharf. Getting there before 8 was a good idea, we got a table out in the open although they have seating in the wharf too.

It was everything we were hoping for, if not more - the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the gentle breeze over the sea, the sand running between our toes, and to top it all, good food!

Appetizers:

• Panko crumbled calamari - Topped with walnut and iceberg, and served with Romesco sauce, this was an absolute delight. After really bad Calamari at Moonrakers (yes, they were disappointing), I was a tad hesitant ordering Calamari, but the ones serves here were fresh and crispy, and just the right amount juicy.
• Char grilled vegetables - Served with walnuts in a smoky red chilli dressing, we got this served cold although we were hoping for pre-heated and cooked well. This was the only disappointing part of the meal.
• Potato wedges - Because we are suckers for potatoes. Fried. Potatoes.

Main Course:

• Brochette of vegetables over Paella, with zesty barbecue sauce - the Paella wasn't the 100% authentic Spanish recipe it is supposed to be, but tasty nevertheless. The brochette was an interesting mix of zucchini, mushroom and bell peppers. I like! 
• Aloo Potli Kebab - This dish was the highlight of the night. Crisp potatoes, stuffed with cottage cheese and cashews, Tandoor cooked to perfection and served with the yummiest Dal Makhani ever and Tandoori rotis - it'd be a meal in itself if you weren't hungry pigs like us. 

Overall, it was an extremely satisfying meal - made extra special with their top-notch service and attention to detail. It cost Rs 3,500 for all of it and was absolutely enough for three. There was no room for dessert - plus we had half a birthday cake lying at home!

Yay or Nay?
Yay! I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for a peaceful time, have half a day to spend and love sitting out in the sea breeze, letting your cares fly away with it.