Chennai: Taj Connemara, Chennai brought together the many flavours, traditions and artistic expressions of Chennai with The Madras Affair, a memorable evening celebrating the city’s enduring heritage and vibrant cultural spirit. Presented by AU Small Finance Bank, the event was held at the hotel’s Ballroom and brought guests together for an evening of music, dance and gastronomy, with RMKV Wedding Silks as the Showcase Partner.

The evening opened with a captivating Bharatanatyam recital by students of Shri Nrittalaya School of Arts, Chennai, an institution dedicated to preserving tradition, inspiring artistry and creating excellence. The recital brought the timeless beauty of the classical dance form to the evening. This was followed by an engaging live performance by IndoSoul by Karthick Iyer, which infused the celebration with a classical fusion energy.

Commenting on the occasion, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said, “Taj Connemara and Chennai share a relationship shaped by history, heritage and a deep sense of place. Through The Madras Affair, we wanted to bring this connection alive in a way that was both nostalgic and contemporary. The live vintage photography experience by AU Small Finance Bank was one of the most engaging highlights of the evening, allowing guests to experience the charm of Chennai through a different lens, while RMKV’s showcase of its iconic Madras Checks beautifully brought together the city’s textile heritage and contemporary creativity. It was wonderful to see music, dance, art, fashion and food come together to celebrate the many facets of Chennai and the enduring spirit of this remarkable city.”

Guests also embarked on a specially curated culinary journey through the flavours of old Madras, thoughtfully crafted by the chefs at Taj Connemara, Chennai, led by Executive Chef Raj Sekhar Sastry.  The culinary journey brought together an enticing array of familiar flavours and regional favourites, with each dish offering a taste of Chennai’s rich culinary heritage. Highlights at the high tea included the delicious Railway Mutton Mince Turnover, rich Chocolate Fudge infused with aromatic Chettinad spices, and the delicately spiced Uppu Urundai. The feast continued with a lively Marina Beach Sundal Station, hearty Railway Mutton Curry, the tangy Meen Manga Kuzhambu, and freshly prepared dosas and appams.

The spread brought together the bold, aromatic flavours of the South, from the succulent Soft Shell Crab Varuval and fragrant Karuvepillai Yerra to the earthy notes of Uslampatti Kari Sukhha and the unmistakable warmth of Chettinad Flavoured Fried Chicken. Vegetarian offerings added their own character, with Crispy Tofu Yellu Varuval and Kuzhi Ragi Paniyarram stuffed with Gongura and cream cheese offering contemporary interpretations of regional flavours. Rounding off the evening was a selection of indulgent desserts, with the rich Kavuni Arisi Halwa and creamy filter coffee ice cream providing a fittingly nostalgic finish.

The celebration held special significance for Taj Connemara, a landmark that has been part of Chennai’s story for over 170 years. Having witnessed the city’s changing landscape and evolution across generations, the hotel shares a deep and enduring connection with the city and its heritage. Over the decades, Taj Connemara has preserved its many stories and traditions while continuing to evolve with Chennai. The Madras Affair was, therefore, a celebration of a city that embraces its rich past while looking confidently towards the future.