Monday, August 19, 2024 Madras Week commemorates the origins of c and its vibrant cultural heritage, inviting both locals and history enthusiasts to explore the city’s transformation from Madras to Chennai. Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel with over a century of history, proudly represents this legacy, embodying the city’s colonial past and its journey through time. In celebration of Madras Week, Taj Connemara is offering two special experiences as part of its Connemara Chronicles at The Verandah, its all-day dining restaurant, and the elegant Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge, from August 19-25, 2024.
The Verandah, an all-day dining restaurant with a view of the swimming pool, renowned for its global cuisine, is celebrating Madras Week with a special menu that pays homage to the colonial era. This Anglo-Indian menu, steeped in history, features a selection of timeless dishes such as Mulligatawny, Cocktail Chicken Cutlets, Railway Lamb/Mutton Curry, Lamb Mince Potato Chops, Classic Liver and Onions on Toast, Country Captain Chicken, Classic Anglo-Indian Chicken Vindaloo, Anglo-Indian Mince Ball (Kofta) Curry, Gentleman’s Toes (Ivy Gourd) and Potato Vindaloo, Railway Vegetable Curry, Chicken Irish Stew, Coconut Rice with Ball Curry, Mutton Roast, Pepper Water, Fish Moilee, and delightful desserts like Classic Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding and Steamed Apple and Apricot Pudding. For those looking to indulge in a taste of the past, the Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge offers exclusive Madras Week Cocktails – a collection of Madras Week Connemara Classic Cocktails.
The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge, named in honor of Lady Connemara, carries a fascinating story linked to the hotel’s history. Lord Connemara, the then-Governor of Madras, was well-regarded for his contributions to the city, yet his reputation was tarnished by personal scandals that became widely known. Upon discovering her husband’s indiscretions, Lady Connemara left the Governor’s residence and stayed at the hotel for nearly a year before returning to Ireland.
The bar stands as a tribute to her final year in Madras and her resilience during that challenging time. As part of the Madras Week celebrations, the hotel will revive signature cocktails from the historic Connemara Bar, offering a nostalgic journey through the rich heritage of both the bar and the city of Madras. Guests can savor the Connemara Classics, such as the Lemon Basil Martini, a refreshing blend of vodka, basil, sweet vermouth, sugar, and lime juice; the Ginpolitan, a delightful mix of gin, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice; the Breakfast Martini, a unique combination of gin, Earl Grey tea, orange marmalade, and lime juice; the Connemara Stinger, a zesty concoction of gin, grapefruit juice, thyme, and tonic water; the Lady’s Buff, an enticing mix of gin, pomegranate juice, kaffir leaf, sugar, and lime juice; the Gossip, an intriguing blend of gin, zucchini juice, lemongrass, sugar, and lime juice; the Flirtini, a playful mix of gin, fresh pineapple juice, homemade rosemary syrup, sugar, and lime juice; and the Connemara Sparkler, a sparkling treat featuring Jacob’s Creek sparkling wine, vodka, rosemary, ginger, sugar, and lime juice.
In addition to these, guests can also enjoy the Lady Connemara Signatures, such as Since 1891 and Madras No.1, which are staples of the current menu. These cocktails embody the essence of classic Madras, crafted in memory of the bar and the hotel.
Since 1891 pays homage to Lady Connemara, marking her final year in Madras. The carefully chosen ingredients not only delight the palate with a unique blend of flavors but also represent her time at the hotel in 1891. The bold notes of sweet vermouth and orange bitters symbolize her decisive departure, while ginger adds a hint of spice and intensity.
The sweetness of cherry liqueur and honey signifies a new beginning and an era of strength and independence. Madras No.1, meanwhile, tells the story of Madras’ first bar, which opened as ‘The Cocktail Bar’ and became famous for its iced drinks at a time when the city’s residents primarily drank hot beverages despite the warm climate.
The hotel was among the first to introduce the concept of drinks chilled with ice cubes. The signature cocktail, Madras No.1, represents this era with a large, clear ice cube as its key ingredient.
As the ice slowly melts, the unique blend of gin and martini rosso reveals its flavors, enhanced by the distinct taste of basil, cucumber, and pear, which were popular during the British era. Join us at the iconic Taj Connemara during Madras Week to experience timeless Anglo-Indian classics and indulge in the exquisite Connemara Classic Cocktails created especially for this celebration..
