Saturday 24 May 2014

Trilogi, Crowne Plaza, Kochi.



Trilogi, Crowne Plaza, Kochi


Those beautiful, cylindrical, cream-textile, collapsible hanging lamps that provide warm glow-lighting to the inner space of the restaurant, is very inviting as it imparts both intimacy and an appealing warmth to the elegant environment.


Feature & Photos by Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)


The Most Elegant Restaurant Exclusively Serving Traditional Kerala Cuisine, In India!


Another beautiful view of the staggered stone pathway across the water leading up to the imposing brown stone arches.

The table is set! The Menu has been studiously compiled. Now what are you waiting for?




This Golden seating is both cosy and comfortable.


The tastefully designed 'Trilogi' at Crowne Plaza, Kochi, is an elegant contemporary space created as a speciality restaurant to showcase, three distinct variants of the delicious cuisine of Kerala, having its origins in the Kochi, Malabar and Travancore regions. The varying international influences, on account of a chequered history of interaction with the Arabs, Portuguese, British, French and Chinese, traders and rulers, had each left its indelible imprint on the local culture. This also included, culinary inflections of these new synergies gradually penetrating the local palate and over time getting absorbed into the traditions of the local gastronomy. ’ Trilogi’ under the astute and dynamic leadership of General Manager Mr Sanjay Kaushik, is seeking to highlight and celebrate these very historical transformations, in that diacritic menu the innovative Crowne Plaza - Kochi team has thoughtfully put together, for their valued guests to enjoy a gastronomic experience that mapped the multiple culinary evolutions that transcended time. 
This beautiful sight awaits the diners sitting alongside the water.


The Trilogi setting imbues a sophisticated opulence in its warm ambience and accompanying intimate seated privacy. The show kitchen has an open galley which is complete with a brick gas-fired oven. There are multiple live stations accommodated in the abundant scullery space available.
This open brick oven adds character to the galley and lends a warm flickering incandescence to the setting when it is lit.




The Fork & Knife in a huddle getting ready for the task ahead.


Come lets eat! Waiter!!

The charming warm reflections of the collapsible cream overhanging lamps on the glass table.
The staggered stone-path cutting across the outer no-airconditioned section of the restaurant for diners who prefer fresh air and a dose of nicotine.
Another internal section of seating for six away from the vista.


The infinitely talented, scholarly and reclusive Chef Rajeev Menon has created a dining experience worth savouring. He is a professional mastercraftsman with food, who is spot on with his flavours.

The meticulous and knowledgeable Executive Chef Rajeev Menon's well thought out selection of signature coastal dishes in the 'Thani Nadan' menu at the restaurant, is representative of the best that Kerala has to offer in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food from the three regions. Each course has an innate simplicity that is uncomplicated, leaving the taste buds to capture the subtle nuances of the local flavours that has been inventively recreated by his talented team, sticking to the original secrets of the grandma's recipe. This mouth-watering culinary adventure at 'Trilogi' has the potential to take the traditional food experience, to a level that inspires awe, when it is coupled with that legendary faultless and attentive service the culinary team always provides its patrons at the Crowne Plaza, Kochi.

No worries! There is enough water at hand, just in case the Kerala spices get a bit 'too hot" to handle.

A rich selection of cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and a selection of spirits that pair well with the food is available to be served along with the meal. However, the only pitiable lament is that this restaurant is open every night only for dinner service between 7 PM and 11 PM it therefore robs the diner of the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of its serene daytime views, which are quite literally breathtaking, with the subtle interplay of stone, water, foliage and the firmament. I am sharing a few unseen views of this restaurant during the daytime.



The staggered stone steps in a bed of white pebbles leading up to the brown stone arch across the water.


The lush greenery on view is a truly delightful sight, suffusing the environment with lot of life.


The fresh air seating option of the restaurant is set amid a fascinating mix of stones and greenery.

The vegetation is exotic and enlivening.





A multi-stone bridge over serene waters. A calming sight to look out to for inner tranquility.

The cavernous expanse and spacing affords both intimacy and privacy to all the individual tables.



The distinctive ebony-stained floor has a healthy sheen that adds another glow to the setting, besides affording that uncommon characteristic clatter of footfalls as it happens, adding an auditory dimension to the experience.

Plants here there and everywhere makes the place come alive visually.


Just in case, someone wants to savour a change in taste, these Continental delights can be made available on demand, as well.


Beer is a very popular beverage with most guests.





The stacked plates waiting to be filled with delicacies for your gastronomic pleasure. Bon Appetit!!


Water close at hand, just in case!


Executive Chef Rajeev Menon makes it a point to interact with the guests for their valuable feedback and also to ensure each and every one carries home a memorable dining experience.



‘Trilogi', must certainly rank as the most exclusive ‘One Stop Shop’ in India, to experience the secrets of Grandma’s recipes and unravel the magic of traditional Kerala Cuisine. For me personally, it certainly feels like the one place a genuine lover of Malayali delicacies, should never miss.


There is a fabulous selection of drinks that pairs very well with the food being served.

Bon Appetit!!



Trilogi
Crowne Plaza,
Kundanoor Junction,
NH-47 Bypass,
Maradu,
Kochi.

Reservations Call - 0484- 2865000

For guests who prefer lounge seating there is a thoughtful provision for that as well. The same is tucked away in a cosy corner of the entry area.


Tuesday 13 May 2014

Sunday Brunch @Latest Recipe, Le Meridien, Kochi

The Sunday Brunch @ Le Meridien, Cochin!

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay




The "Latest Recipe" at the Le Meridien, hosts absolutely the best Sunday brunches, one can go to in Kochi, these days. They are streets ahead, of the many others, in the game. We were indeed very privileged, to enjoy one of the best Mother's Day lunches, one could have ever asked for, at this elegant, copious and tastefully done, lobby-level restaurant, just this Sunday, gone by.







I would let the pictures speak for themselves. However, to sum it up, the elaborate spread that was on offer, was one fit for royalty. This five hour brunch, commences at 1030 am and goes on until 1530 pm and a little longer, if one wanted to linger on. Patrons could also avail the facilities of the pool during the course of the brunch, or lounge around the Pool tables, sipping drinks.