'Marhaba Ma'am were the 1st words i heard as i hopped off the elevator and walked through the door into Azulia... This is the Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant in GRT, T Nagar. I have visited Copper Point in the ground floor numerous times, but this was the 1st time i was at Azulia. The grand entrance.... The ambiance seemed like it had come out from a movie based in Egypt or Turkey, there were beautiful light fittings and so were the other pieces on the walls. After being shown to our table, Chef Ethem Aydemir came over to say hellow and give us a brief into the cuisine and the dishes he served at the restaurant. Following this, we also got a bit of insight from the Restaurant Manager Ricardo and PR man Marc. The menu card, is more like a coffee table book, so elaborate- filled with pictures from the 10 countries [They serve the cuisines from Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Greek among others] spread across the elaborate menu, with nearly 160 dishes- from Soup, starters to desserts. The arrangement in the table- bottle of water, olive oil+balsamic vinegar and the pepper mill which had light at the bottom Lost between the pages, we decided to give the task of choosing dishes to the Chef and we were not disappointed. I have had Lebanese/Greek/Arabic food earlier, and so i was prepared for what was being brought to our table. The waiters and waitresses quietly went about putting an Apron on each of us, going with the custom of savouring this particular cuisine with ones hands. [Wish i had taken a picture in the Apron, felt like i was on Masterchef ;o)] The Turkish magic- a small pill when water is poured expands to a hand towel.. The lunch opened with the Cold Mezze platter- Pita bread, Hummu [Chick peas], Mutabal [Babaganoush-made with Brinjal, sesame paste, garlic and olive oil], Tzatziki [thick yoghurt with cucumber, onion and herbs] ,Tashi[ sesame paste dip].. followed by a plate of Dolmades .. Before we were done sampling these, an array of Hot Mezze dishes made their way to our table- Falafel [chick peas, broad beans, red pepper, dill, coriander, garlic & chilies, served with tartar Sauce], Bourak Bel Jibneh [Cigar like rolls with 3 different kinds of cheeses that was simply sinful], Fatayer [a kind of samosa with Spinach and pomegranate sauce filling ], Kebbe Laktine [a dish made with broken wheat yellow pumpkin and herbs] Read more http://aromasofkitchens.blogspot.in/2011/11/azulia-grt-chennai.html

No disappointments whatsoever Mediterranean restaurants are springing up here and there in the city. Azulia has been there for a quite a while and has good reviews too and so that was the place of choice when we wanted to have some Mediterranean desperately for dinner. Now GRT Grand is never a let down and an all-time favorite so no questions asked anyways. The place was surprisingly small accommodating just a few tables and an open kitchen. There is also a small stage of sorts where a (Russian blode?) lady was dancing for the joy of a few guests who were appreciating her. The crowd was a mixed sort, mostly international. The decor is nothing unique but the ambiance is dim-lit, calm and romantic to start with. An awesome place to have a quiet dinner with your partner. Coming to the menu, it wasn't disappointing either. It was small and sufficient just like the place. The vegetarian options were shockingly less for a Mediterranean place even though it was more Greek/ Italian less Turkish/Lebanese. The Pita and Hummus for starters were a delight. Absolutely authentic and refilled until main course arrived. The Moussaka is one of the best I have add in any restaurant in the world. They do have a lot of Italian-ish options on the menu for those who are not accustomed to Med food. And the dessert choice is Baklava of course. There is also Tiramisu. Absolute delight, as always. The service is very polite and sweet. The chef himself makes sure he talks to the guests once or twice to explain the dishes on the menu or to know if they liked it. There is a bar menu that's exhaustive with domestic and imported wines being available. Of course, its a lil bit expensive but totally worth the price. PS: Impossible to take good pics in such a dim-lit setting.

Unique foods from around the Mediterranean. Must Visit at least once!! http://http://www.chennaifoodie.com/2011/11/azuliagrt.html