
While the hotel has changed names (amongst many others) from ITC’s Park Sheraton to now, the Crowne Plaza Chennai - nothing seems to affect the immovable Dakshin. Arguably, the godfather of South Indian fine dining in India, Dakshin remains a jewel in the crown of ITC’s signature dining brands (no pun intended). The food, the concept, the décor (almost) and even the staff have remained seemingly unchanged at this icon, since it opened its doors in 1989, as Chef Praveen Anand’s labour of love. Accolades and legends aside, perhaps the most endearing aspect of Dakshin is seeing it sold out weekend after weekend, bustling with chirpy Chennai families eating to their hearts content, under the smiles of their venerable (and quite formidable) Tamil matriarchs. This is that kind of place.