Madras Week, an annual celebration honoring the origins and vibrant cultural heritage of Chennai (formerly Madras), is a time for locals and history enthusiasts alike to delve into the city’s fascinating transformation. Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel with over a century of history, proudly stands as a testament to this legacy, embodying Chennai’s colonial past and its journey through time.
In celebration of Madras Week, from August 19-25, 2024, Taj Connemara is presenting two special experiences as part of its Connemara Chronicles. The Verandah, their all-day dining restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, is renowned for its global cuisine. For Madras Week, The Verandah is offering 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 soup, Cocktail Chicken Cutlets, Railway Lamb/Mutton Curry, and classic desserts like Bread Pudding and Steamed Apple and Apricot Pudding.
For those seeking a taste of the past, the Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge offers an exclusive selection of Madras Week Cocktails – a collection of Connemara Classic Cocktails. The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge carries a fascinating story linked to the hotel’s history. Lord Connemara, the then-Governor of Madras, was known for his contributions to the city, yet his reputation was tarnished by personal scandals that became public knowledge. 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 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; and the Breakfast Martini, a unique combination of gin, Earl Grey tea, orange marmalade, and lime juice.
In addition to these classics, guests can also enjoy the Lady Connemara Signatures, such as Since 1891 and Madras No.1, 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’s 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.
