If there is one common love that Chennaiites share, it is a love for good food. And what better way to celebrate this love, than award the restaurants that endeavour to serve only their very best to every diner. So, it was hardly surprising that the who's who of Chennai ' from film actors and models, to designers and the glittering social butterflies ' were in attendance for the much-coveted
Times Food
and Nightlife Awards 2017, and the launch of Times Food Guide 2017, Chennai ' a gala event that pays tribute to the best restaurants and nightclubs, which define Chennai's culinary landscape ' held at ITC Grand Chola.
The evening began with singer and actor Anuj Gurwara singing the Louis Armstrong classic, It's A Wonderful World. With his wit and charm, he set the mood for the night. Ameeta Agnihotri, the author of the Times Food Guide 2017, also took the stage for a brief speech.
It was then time for the chief guest of the evening, actress Gautami, who looked stunning and eternally youthful in a blue Kanjeevaram, to unveil the Times Food Guide 2017. Talking about the need for sustainable living,
Gautami said, 'Food is the greatest factor that makes an impact on every aspect of life. Ever since I went organic, I found that everything about me, from inside out, began to change for the better.' Talking about her obsession with reading labels of anything bottled that she picked up at the store, she said, 'My daughter used to find it cumbersome that I did all this elaborate reading of labels for each product. But now, she herself does the same thing. Kids are that proactive now. So it is our duty to give them that necessary push towards the path of wellness.'
Following the unveiling of the Guide, as many as 66 food and nightlife awards were presented in 55 categories, with the winners, and the august audience cheering on their favourites in diverse categories ' which featured everything from Best Tamil Nadu and Best Modern Indian to Best Biryani and Best Restobar ' being honoured for their achievement. Chef of the Year, Praveen Anand, was greeted with a thunderous applause, and even got a standing ovation as he went up on stage to collect his award from Gautami.
The night ended on a high note, as the bubbly flowed, and the guests got to sample literally everything that their heart desired' for, all the award winners served their signature specials in a spread that was truly worth waiting for. There was something for everyone (from the die-hard vegan and the conscious dieter to the meat lover) to sample' In fact, think everything from fragrant south Indian biryani to the the creamiest risotto in town to some decadent chocolate cupcakes and salted caramel ice cream to die for, and it was there for one to dig into. Gastronomy at its best, we say!