Hablife - A new flourish of luxury

As far as rooftop views in Chennai go, this is a great one. On the lower deck of Hablis’ newly developed space, Hablife, the pool glows blue, purple and green alternately. The lights from the traffic on Guindy Bridge twinkle in the distance. There’s a slight chill in the wind, but it’s swept away by the warmth from the teppanyaki grill.

The two-level space focuses on wellness: apart from a Pan-Asian restaurant, it also features an aqua gym (yes, there’s a treadmill inside the aforementioned pool) on the lower level and a spalon, gym and yet-to-be-opened juice bar on the upper level.

As a refreshing welcome mocktail is served, sous chef Senthil Kumar talks about the menu that has been conceptualised for Hablife. “Pan-Asian food in general is quite healthy, so it just took a bit of tweaking with the ingredients we used,” he says. While he promises a 12-page menu in the next couple of weeks, as of now only a few select dishes are available. As on principle, 50 per cent of the menu is vegetarian, he says.

Although the chef is from Karaikudi, which has a rich culinary heritage of its own, his passion for Asian food has been honed over 14 years in the industry. The food is great, and the ambience inviting. There’s no loud music, and just enough lighting to keep the setting romantic.

The meal begins with crispy and delicious Ebi Tempura prawns served with a dipping sauce made of ginger and soya. This is followed by a chicken satay, best eaten with the sambal over the peanut sauce it comes with.

Although the description of the Balinese salad sounds odd, the spicy skewered and grilled prawns served on a bed of shredded raw papaya turns out to be quite good. There’s also a sushi platter with semi-cooked seafood so even the squeamish can sample it.

Thai green curry, heavy on the lemongrass, crispy stir-fried vegetables and vegetable fried rice made of starch-free rice makes up the main course. Even the dessert is healthy — it’s called wasabi and green tea cheesecake, made of hung curd instead of cheese.

The meal is filling, but light on the stomach. Chef Senthil says, “That is the aim. We want it to be an enjoyable meal, not one that you will regret indulging in.”

Hablife is located at the rooftop of Hablis, 19, GST Road, Guindy. A meal for two costs Rs 1200. Tel: 4023 5555

Source : thehindu.com