JOIN USWhat happens when a restaurant offers great food, a pleasant ambience and good hospitality for almost 3 decades? The eatery becomes a part of the city’s history. Started by K S Kumar in 1988, the ‘Coconut Grove Restaurant’ which has rested in the same building since then, was taken over by Raju Thomas in 1995.
The restaurant, which has been home to coastal cuisines from Kerala, Chettinad, Coorg, Goa and Mangaluru, remains a favourite among foreigners. “We get customers from all over India. The menu has not gone through a big transformation, apart from some new items which have been added,” says manager, Aravindakshan .
He has been with the restaurant since its inception and says that the green and cool ambience of the restaurant attracts people from across the city.
“First, the set-up was more concrete and there wasn’t much greenery around. But slowly, after the current owner took over, bamboo shoots and greener spaces were added. Customers love to just relax while indulging in our traditional dishes. Most of them like the outdoor space. Many love the thatched umbrella setup too,” he says.
Seafood ranging from a variety of fish to crabs and prawns has been a hot favourite since decades.
“We have always been known for these items. Our ‘Appam’, ‘Kerala Parotta’ and ‘Kerala Style Biryani’ are other popular items,” says Aravindakshan.
Other mouth-watering dishes like ‘Avial’, ‘Thoran’, ‘Chettinad Chicken’ and ‘Meen Vevichathu’ are also top choices among people.
“From day one, the weekends have been crowded. From Monday to Thursday, we get a lot of people during lunch and dinner. Our vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are a popular pick as they are like a typical mini ‘sadya’,” he vouches.
The eatery is known for its lavish spreads for ‘Vishu’ and ‘Onam’. “People book in advance and it is a rush during these days,” he says.
It is not just the food which brings people here, the South Indian music also adds a soothing touch. The polite, uniformly dressed men in ‘kurta’ and ‘mundu’, who clear any confusions on what to eat, and props like the lanterns hanging down the roof along with the copper vessel for drinking water bring a rustic charm.
The place is open to the idea of tweaking dishes according to one’s preferences. “We have a lot of customers who ask for less spice in the dishes. Since our dishes have coconut-based gravies, we add more coconut milk to the dishes which makes them milder.”
The restaurant-cum-bar provides culinary options to anyone who loves South Indian flavours.
“Our customers vary from youngsters to families,” he says. The restaurant is planning to open other branches across the city. “We will always keep the tradition and taste of the place intact,” says Aravindakshan with a smile.
This restaurant is located at 86, Spencer Building, Church Street, M G Road.