Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
expensive) dining and two top-notch spas (one exclusively ayurvedic). It's a popular get-
away for well-heeled Chennai-ites. Free wi-fi throughout.
Ideal Beach Resort
( 27442240;
www.idealresort.com
;
East Coast Rd; s/d from ?5934/6527; )
With a landscaped
garden setting and its own stretch of (pretty nice) beachfront, this laid-back resort, 3km
north of town, is popular with families and couples. There's a lovely poolside restaurant
where live classical music is sometimes performed. Internet costs ?100 per 24 hours.
RESORT
$$$
Eating
Eateries on Othavadai and Othavadai Cross Sts provide semi-open-air settings, decent
Western mains and bland Indian curries. Most of them can serve you a beer. For real Indi-
an food, there are a few decent cheap veg and biryani places near the bus stand.
MULTICUISINE
$$
Le Yogi
(19 Othavadai St; mains ?120-350; 7.30am-11pm)
This is some of the best Western food in town;
the steaks, pasta, pizzas and crepes are genuine and tasty (if small), service is good, and
the airy setting, with bamboo posts and pretty hanging lamps, has a touch of the romantic.
Gecko Café
(
www.gecko-web.com
; 14 Othavadai Cross St; mains ?150-290; 8am-10.30pm)
Two friendly brothers run
this cute little spot on a thatch-covered rooftop overlooking a large pond. The offerings
and prices aren't that different from other tourist-oriented spots, but there's more love put
into the cooking here and it comes out tastier. At research time they were building a
second
location
around the corner.
MULTICUISINE
$$
Freshly 'n Hot
(Othavadai Cross St; mains ?60-225; 7.30am-9pm)
Yes, the name makes no sense, but the ambien-
ce is relaxed and the decor clean and fresh. A comparatively small menu of perfectly OK
pizza, pasta, sandwiches, egg items and crepes accompanies a long list of coffees. The
iced coffees are excellent.
CAFE
$$
