The climate has cooled down in Chennai and its a great time to go for a drive . In addition to the temptation of going on ECR or any of the highways or to Spencers or of course to Marina or Besant

nagar beach let me add my list of 5 dishes which you can go driving for in this city . Yes , i know petrol prices have zoomed up but hopefully these dishes shall make up for it .

My list is restricted by the fact that I am vegetarian and these dishes are from Chennai restaurants. I have chosen slightly novel dishes which you can try out. And sorry chinese officianados , i am not a big fan of chinese food.So here goes :-

1) Vegetable Pot  ( Vrindavan ,New Woodlands Hotel)

This is just an innocuous sounding dish . It is just a mixture of vegetables served in a steamy hot tomato- based gravy. Right !!!! That is what I thought and was expecting a typical Mixed vegetable curry . I got a mixed vegetable and also pieces of paneer but the way it was served was not what beyond what New Woodlands had to offer. So next time you are in Vrindavan Restaurant in New Woodlands Hotel in R K Salai  and you are searching for a curry to have alongwith Roti or rice -try this out.

2) Open toast ( Jelly belly , Besant nagar)
This is the best toast I had 2 years back and still is the best open toast I have ever had. Just for the consistency in quality and delectable mix of vegetables ,cheese and corn -toasted to perfection . All this for Rs 45 ( the rate has remain unchanged for the last 3 years - the restaurant boy tells me). Another point is that this place ( which is below Eden in Besant nagar) is not all that crowded so you can enjoy your open toast without having to cope with the crowd.

3) Chef’s Choice - Zara Tapas
Chef’s Choice is open-ended . But its one of the best dishes you can have in town. Usually its an assortment of vegetables and salad served with rice and fries.The chef at Zara was formerly a chef in a cruise ship sailing around the Caribbean . So you can be assured of a very pleasant and palatable chef’s choice .

4)Chimichanga - Sparkys
You cant get a sparkier name than that. Sparkys is an American food joint situated opposite Palimar in Egmore/Chetput . Its a good place to hang out with friends. The food may be a bit bland though. However the Chimichanga would suit all tastes. And watch out - the portions are BIG - so dont hurry and overorder !!

5) Macaroni - Coffee ?
Well its hot , its tasty and an ideal evening snack. Have not had macaroni in many places but these guys surely do know how to make one. The atmosphere is private and  you can enjoy the food and also have a frappe at the end to wash it down . The food is not the reheated kind which you find in many other coffee shops .

Okay thats it . Food being one of my pet topics I shall keep writing reviews on this. Woul like the list , comments and suggestions of you guys too.