VGP still remains one of the most popular landmarks of East Coast Road. Started in 1975, it was Chennai’s first theme based resort pioneered by VG Panneerdas and school excursions were felt incomplete without a day trip here. It is also a much preferred location for romancing doves or charming heroes chasing the murderer! Just two days before Pongal, Chennai roads surprisingly saw less traffic, which encouraged me to take a drive down ECR. I really wanted to find out how VGP had transformed. The entrance ticket costs Rs 150 and outside food is prohibited, as it ensures steady business to their three restaurants.
One of them, Golden Chakra, a multi cuisine restaurant is nestled among trees resembling a club house. You can opt to sit either in the A/C or non A/C rooms, but you have to shell out more for the first option. I found the menu uninteresting, which was full of rice dishes like egg fried rice, chicken fried rice, mixed non veg rice, chicken biriyani, mutton biriyani.
The waiter informed looking at my upset expression, “We will be changing the menu card from tomorrow madam.” I ordered for the mixed fried rice and chicken biriyani. As they don’t have fish, I went with waiter’s suggestion - Prawn pepper salt.
But what made me to marvel at was this theme park that has stood the test of time and somehow never failed to attract tourists including those who travel by our government Hop on Hop off tour bus.
My food arrived in 15 minutes and a lady placed clean, white melamine plates in front of me. The size of biriyani was too small, yet the chicken was one massive, tough piece. The mixed fried rice and prawns followed.
I must say the food here is really good and fresh, yet non commercial in taste. I enquired the waiter about the popular six feet family dosa. “It is sold at other cafeteria and the price is revised to Rs 1000” he said as he served the prawns.
Avg Cost for two: Rs 300/- Golden Chakra VGP Golden Beach, ECR Contact: 6571 555