Oct 14-16: Elephant Room from Singapore pops up at Origin Bar Chennai this weekend

CHANNAI: Yugnes Uthaykumar and Navajeeivan Chandra of Elephant Room, arrive in Chennai this October to put together a one-of-a-kind menu at Origin – the craft cocktail and Tapas Bar. This sustainable cocktail tavern is home to some of the finest concoctions in town and a chic drinking haven in the midst of the bustling city of Chennai—will play host to the visiting Bar Mixologist on October 14th, 15th & 16th.

At The ELEPHANT ROOM IN SINGAPORE, each cocktail has a tale to tell. They reimagine the roots of their heritage with the spirit of innovation, experimentation, and purpose. That’s why it was important for them to illuminate the shelves with uncommon spirits strictly from India, so one can be transported to another place and time.

As a Singaporean growing up with the sights, sounds and flavours of Little India, it was Yugnes’s goal to share this rich heritage with the culture-curious. Little India was, and still is, the backdrop of what they have to offer and that’s where their story begins. Along the journey, they looked to the humble yet majestic elephant for inspiration. It’s a symbol of loyalty, companionship and unity, while also being a reminder to stay true to their identity and never falter.

With each passing year, The Elephant Room stands strong, and their dreams have only gotten bigger. Wider menu, larger collaborations and deeper dives into India and its rich culinary tales. Each journey into discovery ends simply–with a vibrant exchange of view, warm kinship and the joys of a good drink, savoured together. Their ambition is simple: To take an often-under-documented culture and spread it to the world in all of its richness, colour and delight. That’s why they are a Culture Forward Cocktail Bar inspired by Singapore’s Little India–and are not afraid to show it. The spirit of Tekka flows through their space and inspires their menu. Elephant Room aims to bring the culture forward, celebrate its rich history and tell their story, all in good spirits.

ORIGIN is the unflawed balance of contentment with class. The menu features a good mix of garden-fresh ingredients, inhouse mixers as well as syrups. The cocktails here are super innovative and delectable at the same time. The best part about this stylish bar is that the mixologists under the guidance of Anandha Krishnan, beverage manager, spotlights on keeping its bar techniques up to date. It is safe to say that craft cocktails are at the soul of at Origin Bar. Food plays an important part too, the small plates here are reminiscent of your classic tapas bites. Chef Peter along with his team aims to present global tapas by combining them with modern elements. A popular example of this would be the “butter chicken pav” which comprises of butter chicken cutlets, methi pav, garlic dust and mint chutney. The menu features dishes from all across the globe, making this a hotspot for the foodies and tipplers alike.

The Singapore-based mixologists arrive in Chennai on October 10th, and will spend some time visiting the city’s produce markets while putting together a menu that highlights each of their strengths. The Origin team is particularly excited about working with Elephant Room. With the Drinks they intend to create, they seem to perfectly fit the bill.

The real clincher: The chefs and Elephant room mixologists will be hosting the collabs on both their home turfs. In November/December, Savya Rasa (a part of the Pricol Gourmet family) will travel to Elephant Room itself for another three-day collaboration in Singapore.

#Originshakeup a series of collaborations started in 2022, invites mixologists from around the world for a unique cultural exchange, pushing the teams to explore flavours beyond their spectrum.

#SavyaRasaTravels a series of collaborations started in 2022, Savya Rasa pops up and invites chefs from around the world for a unique cultural exchange, an amalgamation between the both, is put together to create a one of a kind tasting menu cooked with the best of local produce, showcasing the diner what the best of South Indian cuisine has to offer and vice versa.

When: October 14 to 16

Where: ORIGIN BAR, Green Meadows Resort (a 20-room boutique resort), 4, 364 A, Anna Salai Rd, Palavakkam Kuppam, Palavakkam, Chennai.

THE CATALYSTS:

AKANKSHA DEAN, Food & Travel writer and culinary researcher, Independent Chef & Events Specialist

A trained hospitality professional from the Institute of Hotel Management Aurangabad, Akanksha Dean is the first Indian chef to train with Massimo Bottura at Modena, Italy; the top chef’s three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana is still considered the best restaurant in the world. Travelling for local food and culture has taught her to develop a completely original perspective on everything, by rewarding innovation and fresh thinking.

RUPALI DEAN, Award-winning Journalist; Food & Travel Photographer; A Catalyst and an Events specialist.

Awarded as the ‘Best food writer in the country’ by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Dean is a familiar name in Travel & Food writing. Her passion and work take her on various travels within India and across the world and her by-line is familiar to discerning readers of newspapers and magazines.