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A taste of good time

Casa Piccola, the new Continental joint, is about trendy decor and unfussy food

PHOTO: M. VEDHAN

CHILL OUT ZONE At Casa Piccola.

It's an obvious addition to Chennai's high street, already liberally slathered with swish cars and young things in low jeans and dinky mobile phones: a trendy continental restaurant, which is as much about food as it is about lounging and — well — `chilling out.'

Casa Piccola on Khader Nawaz Khan Road is trendy in a comfortable sort of way. The restaurant, which has been multiplying in a fashion reminiscent of the gremlins ever since it opened in Bangalore almost three decades ago, has become something of a brand name over the years. So, not surprisingly, the management has gone all out to make their first foray into Chennai a conversation piece — at the very least.

Casa Piccola, therefore, has been done up meticulously. You climb up a starkly stylish staircase to find yourself in the main room, all wooden floors and French windows. The terrace, however, is the most distinctive part of the restaurant, with friendly floppy beanbags, warm golden lighting and low tables. Eat here, unless you really can't survive without air conditioning, because this is where Casa Piccola shows character.

Since the waiters are rather vague, don't bother asking for recommendations, unless you want to join them in a game of chance. Otherwise, the service is unobtrusive and friendly.

We sampled the prawn cocktail, which was rich and creamy. Unfortunately, someone in the kitchen was evidently counting out the prawns. Frugally. The Hungarian goulash, however, liberally peppered with spices, was nicely done: hot and wholesome.

And that seems to be Casa Piccola's strong point. The ingredients are fresh, and the food is unfussy. Pretty much what you could whip up at home: if you had the time and energy. Their harvest casserole, for instance, is a steaming medley of bright vegetables and cubes of paneer all draped in a velvety white sauce, and topped with mashed potatoes. The thin crust pizza `a la rustica' is equally straightforward: a tart sauce topped with mushrooms, jalapeno, slices of sausage and a thick layer of melted cheese.

Dessert included black forest crepes, which sounded great in theory but ended up being just a mass of insubstantial whipped cream tucked into a forgettable crepe. However, the old fashioned sundae, made with a fudgy chocolate brownie, ice cream and thick chocolate sauce ended the meal nicely.

Portions aren't overly impressive, but you're more likely to be comfortably full after a meal, rather than stuffed. The restaurant is also reportedly growing from strength to strength as it overcomes its teething problems and makes necessary adjustments for its exacting Chennai customers. Considering it's got everything going for it now — location, hype, decor — all it needs to do is maintain this momentum to make a lasting impression.

A meal for two at Casa Piccola should come to about Rs. 400. For reservation, call 64500500 or 68230808.

SHONALI MUTHALALY

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