Villa Maya - an enchanting dining experience

Villa Maya, a fine dining place in Trivandrum, envelopes you with tranquility as you enter.  This place has spoiled me with its aesthetic ambience, classical architecture, fountains, excellent food and service. Every nook and corner, especially the outdoor area is mesmerizing. The stone archway, outdoor pavilions surrounded by pond, ancient lamps and stone sculptures are just a few highlights of this beautiful restaurant. As you enter you are cut off from the city chaos and you are welcomed by the serenity of this place. This three-storeyed restaurant is converted from a residence of a Kerala queen which was originally called the Amma Veedu and it has managed to restore its finesse, comfort and elegance. I had a feast with my camera as I was given a guided tour of this enchanting property...

The menu is carefully crafted …. They have a range of authentic Kerala cuisine twisted with a contemporary touch with excellent presentation.  And the menu also includes international cuisine and drool worthy desserts!

Sit back, have a cup of coffee and have a look at these pictures that gives you a royal era Zen feel to this place...  Enjoy the virtual tour!

Grand Entrance

Courtyard as you enter

Three storeyed mansion

The reception area

Love the wall art

Outdoor Pavilion surrounded by a pond

a beautiful sculpture near the pavilions

Mural art

Upstairs area where the bedrooms are converted into lounge and dining area

The outdoor reception area where the décor is minimalistic and ethnic

Will definitely go back to try out their other signature dishes

If you ever visit Trivandrum, please make sure you visit Villa Maya to experience the food and the serenity of this place.

All Images are copyright Tickled by Inspirations

Copper Restaurant Review

Besides good food, you get the crowd to a restaurant through a great décor and design concept. Copper Restaurant is one such destination where the design, décor and food work in perfect harmony. It is new in town and I have heard mixed reviews so I had to check it out myself. Its décor is very impressive…  It is urban industrial and minimally decorated with large spot lights with a fairly large expansive layout. Their seating plan is divided into two – one with an open area of tables and chairs and also with fairly big booths… and the second area has high tables and chairs which is closer to the chef’s open kitchen. I personally love the artwork on the wall… the display of motorbikes and bicycles… and the strips of neon lights on the ceiling… and of course the kid’s play table. My 5 year old was happy to have that table all to herself!

We – I, my family and friends… sat down at the booth, where the seating was comfortable and I had a good view of the chef’s kitchen as well. The menu is not very extensive as expected therefore we were not spoilt for choice. As starters we ordered honey glazed prawn popcorn and potato poppers and both were an absolute delight. For drinks we ordered Grape iced tea and Vanilla shake…. But I have to say that the Vanilla shake ordered by our friends topped my iced tea. As for main, we ordered straight to their signature dish, copper burger along with seafood chowder soup. I totally loved the presentation and plating… the food looked so photogenic! But I wasn’t impressed with the soup… it was runny and not thick like it is supposed to be…. And the burger was not very juicy and flavorsome as expected… maybe our expectations were way too high….  And to add the service of the waiters was quick but not engaging and warm enough. It is of my opinion that the staff’s infectious positive attitude has a huge role in meeting up a customer’s expectation. Therefore we didn’t really venture into ordering desserts.

 

 

But I will definitely go back to try out their breakfast menu and hope to have a better experience! And I have to say again that I totally loved the ambience there!

Here is their location

Copper Restaurant
Sayh Al Malih Street, Qurum
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8am-10pm; 

                             Thursday-Saturday, 8am-11pm
Tel: +968 - 2456 4292

 

All images are clicked by me 

 

 

 

Friday Lunch

Hanging out with a bunch of non-judgmental friends makes life so blissful…. No comparisons, no jealousy, no barriers or pretence of any kind…. Just happy with themselves… and more importantly you are on the same page with them! All this makes life less complicated! And I have to say they bring out the best in me…there are very few who has that effect on me!! So a big muaah to this bunch!! We decided to make use of the fabulous weather here and hit different restaurants, cafes and taste different cuisines or just have coffee or tea somewhere just to unwind.

Last Friday’s impromptu lunch at Mani’s Cafe was good, not too heavy … it’s a small cozy place just to relax and unwind, minimalistic décor, good service .… and not a crowded place. We had the hot and sour soup, Penne Carbonara that has turkey bacon and extra creamy Alfredo sauce (I will definitely go again to have this), Grilled Chicken Pesto and chicken sandwich with mozzarella, wasabi & mayo. And I give a thumbs-up for all the dishes and their portions are huge! Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of our main food as I was so famished. They have a great breakfast menu as well but not extensive!! Indulging in dessert after lunch is a ritual for me, at least on Fridays… But we skipped dessert at Mani’s and decided to stroll along the beach nearby and head to Slider Station to devour Oreo crusted fondant and their Lotus Biscoff Pancakes with home made vanilla pod ice-cream drizzled with caramel and paired it with coffee!!! I went to heaven and landed right back… it was the best! So head there if you feel like indulging in some dessert… totally worth it!

All pictures are clicked by me