#BloggerContest: Chronicles of an Evening at the Taj Club House

Bruised and battered post an industrial visit under the unforgiving relentless Chennai sun, I really had a meager hope for redemption, to fabricate memories that would stay in my urban-wired soul.
 
The back lanes of the Club House road redolent of a Vintage British-era town, were a certain dichotomy from the populace traffic laden City known to me thus far. At its doors a few assisting hands came and grabbed every bit of my chattels, and once unveiled, The Taj Club House embraced me with its gleaming white veined marble floors. Floating Lotus Flowers atop an impressive centerpiece, twisted-glass dangling chandeliers, fragrant essential oils smoked in candle-lit ceramic burners, black-suited men cossetting me with rolled cold towels to wipe the drudge of my face and freshly squeezed watermelon juice to bring some zest in my beat body; and gradually without any menacing effort, a smile appeared on my withdrawn visage! An entourage of two suited men, holding my luggage and hobnobbing with utmost zeal, escorted me to a princely abode that had me besotted at first sight. With a day spare and business done, the suited men formulated an ingenious evening plan! 

A hot shower with the fragrant ‘Aloe & Neem’ toiletries by Forest Essentials, and certain euphoria was beginning to set in. A ‘Subz Biryani’ from the in-house Beyond Indus restaurant followed. Freshly pounded homemade masalas, caramelized onions of the right kind and the fragrant saffron rice; enough to captivate my senses, let alone the mesmerizing effect they had on my palate! 

Prelude to the roof-top evening: a tramp on the treadmill with the glass walls of the gymnasium overlooking the turquoise lit inviting waters of the pool, and the aqua-magnet was strong enough, for moments later I was stroking its waters. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc on the poolside recliner, uplifting Mediterranean music, cool breeze caressing my soul, more than half a moon rendering a perfect hue to a regaling evening, and I was in no mood to call it a night. With my lone date impending, I found myself seated under a white cabana of the Mediterranean Kefi restaurant, a mere 200 yards saunter from the pool. Spanakopita, the spinach and feta cheese filled savory pastry and crispy house breads with pickled olive gave company to another round of Sauvignon, whilst I starred at the gleaming sky, oh yes the stars have still not forgotten to twinkle above the 7th floor of Taj Club House. Minutes later I had my ‘Paella De Verdure’, mélange of Spanish rice, tomato and asparagus, seared in cast iron skillet, served hot. Every dig into this sumptuous portion was a transcending heavenly trip! People-watching delayed my intent to retire, as gazing at a quirky group smoking flavored ‘Sheeshah’ was inexplicably amusing, until I gave up and found myself tucked in a cozy white duvet, and the next I knew it was time to feast again on the princely breakfast. A mammoth wire-mesh globe (lighting fixture) dangled above the hardwood flooring of the vibrant Club House, where the scene was ripe with a massive spread of exotic fruits & dry fruits, freshly squeezed juice, cold cuts, cereals, live food counters, home made breads and snacks; and I did lay my hands on a bit of it all! 

My penchant for the rooftop pulled me back again, this time to the fragrant Jasmine-adorned doors of the Jiva Spa. A homemade basil leaf tea infused with lemon & jaggery, served with love, is how things began. Trupti, a Jiva exclusive signature treatment, designed to quash the drudge of the urban life, had me seated on a princely throne, with my feet washed in rose petal water and smeared with an ashwagandha potion. An Indian head massage done with utmost dexterity, and an hour long nurture of the shoulders & back bearing the maximum brunt of urbanism, rendered taut muscles supple once again. The best was yet to come, a half hour thumb massage on the aching soles of my feet, and a tender Face rub with a sublime Jasmine extract , and that’s when I felt that the heaven dwellers might just have to wait, for a king is at service now. Well what do I say, the least bit can: these two hours were beyond the realms of the earthly life that I have traversed thus far! 
       
It was about time to relinquish the Taj goodness, with my entourage leading me to the Club House Restaurant once again. Nothing from the menu this time, I wanted my bespoke Risotto in red sauce; no cheese, no cream, generous garden vegetables & broth, sparse oil; instructions too many, but not so much for the Taj men, well I did almost rule the roost at the Taj Club House.    

Moments later, I met the suited man again at the checkout, and he asked me the needless rhetoric “Did you have a good time sir”, well what do I say, two things will stay with me for a fairly long time, The Taj Club house and the twinkle in his eye.  

Book Your Stay at Taj Club House, Chennai!