DAHLIA

'Itadakimasu'. This Japanese refrain, uttered before they do just about anything, means 'let it be good'. In all probability, this is one refrain that need not be uttered at Dahlia - an exclusive restaurant for Japanese cuisine.

The bamboo, rice paper decorations, low tatami' type tables and Japanese background music recreate the ambience of a Japanese household. The restaurant has its regular patrons who are mostly American and Japanese expatriates working in multinational companies in the city. The feedback from them has been phenomenal, which explains for the restaurant's popularity even without much of publicity.

According to Revathy, the Director of the restaurant, Danburi, Sashimi, Sushi, Tempura, Teriyaki, Yaki Niku, Udon / Soba are the most popular dishes here.

Danburi is rice topped with raw tuna, kupura, deep fried beef / pork, boiled beef, chicken and egg and is quite sumptuous. Sashimi is sliced raw fish while Sushi is raw fish topped with flavoured rice. Teri Yaki is roasted fish or chicken marinated in Soya sauce.

Don't forget to check out Yaki Niku (roasted Beef) and Totu Dishes (soya bean curd). And when you are through, don't be surprised if you find yourself declaring in Japanese - 'Gochiso sam deshita', which means 'that was a good meal'.

Surprsingly for the quality of food the pricing is quite economical. Revathy, adds that apart from the quality of service, patrons have always appreciated the value for money that they get. The average cost of a meal for two is around Rs.500/- to Rs.600/-.

The restaurant, which seats 34, has advanced tele-reservation and ordering facility. What are you waiting for - 'Itadakimasu'.

Address: # 37, Kaveri Complex, # 96, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034
Phone: 826 5240
Fax: 826 3342.