Drink, Dine, Enjoy - INK 303, Nungambakkam, Chennai - Restaurant Review

What: INK 303

Where: Oyster Building, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam

Cuisine: Continental, Italian, Resto Bar

Resto Bar isn't any new to Chennai but the resto-bar count as drastically increased over a short span; who would say no when they offer food, beverage, fun, music and gala time at one place. With countless number of restaurants, the new addition to the Nungambakkam food forte is INK 303. At third level above Mamagoto in Oyster Building is the glittering and vivacious decors of INK 303. A well-designed place; and it's meant for nightlife and to experience the best of ambience I would suggest one to visit at night.

This place would do full justice once the bar starts to function. And saying no to any dish from their menu would be tough; droolicious collection of dishes. With mocktails and soup left to our choice, the Chef made the job easier by presenting us with their best food.

More of a milkshake than smoothie, but the 'Banana Smoothie' is the best. With Strawberry Mint Mocktail being a personal favorite. I as well enjoyed sipping through Kiwi Mint Mocktail. The Refreshner proved to be refreshing but overpowering mint acted as a spoiler.

 

Resembling a strawberry milkshake, the Colada tasted decent. The left-out and letdown was Watermelon & Lychee Mocktail, which hardly had any freshness or flavor stuck to them.

                

Tasted delicious with heaps of flavours from the broth is the White Bean and Veg Broth soup. Light and less heavy is how I like my soup, the Mushroom Cream with Pesto Drizzle matched the best with my preference. They serve toasted bread sticks along with the soup.

It radiates and cleanses your palate with freshness when you eat that Watermelon, Lettuce and Bocconcini salad with drizzle of Balsamic Vinaigrette. 
Happened to be the best course of the entire meal, the Starters were bang-on. The best hummus I have taste in Chennai, a must order is the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus that comes with bread. Crispy Fried Water Chestnut tossed in Hunan Style Sauce and Honey and Chilly tossed Chicken, is deliciousness in a plate; the veg and non-veg version with same gravy that won the hearts.

Lotus Stem

Chicken

'How did they beat the bitterness?' is the ultimate question as I was munching the Tempura Batter Fried Zucchini tossed with Chipotle Chilly Seasoning. The chilly seasoning could be milder else they shall warn the spice level as it really hit us hard. Sausage Bajji is the new mantra; the Batter Fried Chicken Sausages dusted with Sweet and Sour mix is "Yum, Yum, Yumm!!".

Sausage

Zucchini

The Cheese Nachos were Okay, it missed the cheesiness and crispness from nachos. Moving to the Mains, the Taichin Chicken and Peppers with Rice and Salad is the unanimous winner - killer dish; taste was so perfect.

Paneer, Taichin Chicken, Penne

Cheesy, creamy and pumpkin(y) but it was bland, not sure what it lacked but essence of herbs or spices would make the Penne with Roasted Pumpkin and Cream perfect. Breathing the flavours of Indian spices, the Cottage Cheese and Mixed Peppers with Buttered Rice is another delicious meal plate. Thai curries is a favorite but the unbearable bitterness in Thai Green Vegetable Curry and blow of sweetness in Thai Red Vegetable Curry failed to impress.

Rice & Red Curry

The desserts did the magic for everything that went wrong; the Lychee Caramel Custard was out-of-world with wobbly and silky custard texture and tasty caramel sauce. Cheesecake was another delight and the strawberry couli went along so well. Though the Kulfi ice-cream with dry fruits tasted good the flavour didn't taste like kulfi.

Custard

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: Positive. Posh food destination with valet parking.

Ambience: Positive. Fun and pulsating decor.

Food Variety: Positive. More to non-vegetarians but ample choices.

Taste: Good. Taste is good but consistency is what they need to focus.

Quality: Good. Presentation, food quality and flavors is great.

Quantity: Good. Portioned perfectly for one; sharing is ideal if you order more.

Service: Good. No complaints.

Price: NA. Cost for two without alcohol is Rs.1500-1800 INR (approx.). On par with similar restaurants so the price seems reasonable, but yes - costly.

So my Verdict!

INK 303! This place would potentially grab people once they are completely set. Food variety, price and ambience are big positives. Tweaking the glitches in food and drinks would do wonders. New addition to Chennai's partying scene.  

P.S. This write-up is based my food palate and dining experience during my restaurant visit. On-the-house invite for tasting session. Remember, no two person’s palate can be same.