The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : A drive-in restaurant on its way out?

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Sunday, Apr 13, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

A drive-in restaurant on its way out?

Meera Srinivasan

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

A banner put up outside Woodlands Drive-in Restaurant late on Friday, informing visitors about the court order.

CHENNAI: It has been more than a restaurant. A landmark, a popular hang-out and an eatery, whose dosas and Chola Batura almost magically drew commuters passing by, probably saw its last day here on Friday. Following a court order, Woodlands Drive-in Restaurant on Cathedral Road was being closed down by the police late Friday.

While all those who came in cars to the drive-in facility were asked to leave, a scanty number of people could be seen having their dinner at the restaurant, perhaps for the last time. A few police personnel were also seen.

Manager of the restaurant M. K. Sharma said the restaurant had been functioning on the premises since 1962. He maintained that it was only the car park area that would not function. Customers could still come in and eat, he said.

Those who came to eat there often surprised themselves spotting celebrities.

Veteran playback singer P.B. Srinivas often visited the restaurant and indulged in discussions for hours together with friends and sometimes, eager fans.

“I feel very really sorry. I’ve been their customer for more than 45 years. I have written a lot of poetry there and held innumerable meetings. I will really miss being there,” he said.

Director Vasanth, who also frequented the restaurant, was evidently shocked on hearing the development. “The ambience is amazing. I still remember going there as a child with my dad when we came from Devakottai. In fact, I met one of my favourite directors, Balumahendra, there,” he said. “Whenever I have a writer’s block, I go there and it’ll certainly vanish,” he added.

According to the court order, “the government is desirous of converting the entire area spanning nearly 18 acres into a botanical garden and a horticultural research centre…” The State also proposes to join the two blocks of land on either side of Cathedral Road through an over-head vestibule as well as an underground tunnel, states the Order.

On Friday, a group of youngsters who were having their dinner looked very disappointed.

Bala, a final year student of Sairam Engineering College, said: “I’ve been coming here regularly since when I was in class I. It’s really sad to see this closure,” he said.

“We walk down from Mylapore to come here. Though several new restaurants have come up, this ambience and warmth were very unique,” said Balaji Narayanan, a final year student of Easwari Engineering College, looking helplessly perhaps at his last piece of sambar vadai there.