The Rain Tree, billed as Chennai’s first ecotel, has a delightful restaurant serving Oriental cuisine in its basement called ‘Lemon Grass’. The décor is unusual, with slate flooring, mirrored walls with bamboo stakes placed before it for an interesting effect, wooden tables with well matched table linen, plates and cutlery. Its spacious and well-laid out as well. But what will keep you coming back for more is the food.

While the a la carte menu is extensive and the food delicately flavoured and very tasty, they have a winner of a set meal at lunch time called the CEO lunch. Where the ‘CEO’ stands for ‘Cuisine for Executives from the Orient’! This costs just Rs 300 per person, and includes a beer or mocktail, one appetizer, a soup, one main course non-veg dish or two veg dishes, choice of noodles and rice and a dessert. The portion sizes are generous, and if one can plough through all that food, one is a very hearty eater!

This is a must visit restaurant for those who enjoy fine food and a good ambience. The service is attentive and efficient, so the whole experience is quite enjoyable. I have been there three times now, both for lunch and dinner CEO meal and a la carte. The service levels have been uncompromising, and food quality consistent. Rating: décor: 8; food; 8 service;9 rates;7.

Check it out!