Every year when I return to Chennai, things seem to be getting bigger, flashier and more and more in excess. The brand new Leela Palace now seems to have become the new go to destination for the young and the restless in the city.

I have to say that the property is located in a fabulous location – the view of the Bay of Bengal and the Adyar River is really unbeatable.

Spectra is Leela’s informal all day dining multi –cuisine restaurant. On Sundays they serve a brunch that tenders more food than one can imagine or get through in one sitting.

 There are tables and tables of dishes from all around the world – Europe, Japan, India, South East Asia and the Middle East. There are 7 live counters and honestly it’s all a bit too overwhelming.

 The food I have to say was good – I thought the Thai food was the best and their South Indian selections were the poorest (sad given the location). The desserts were more on the disappointing end but overall the meal was definitely a very satisfying one.

 The price point is high but that doesn’t seem to deter the teeming crowds of locals that fill this spot and slurp up every bit of grandeur this space bestows.

 To me, this is just a sign of things to come in the new and “improved” Chennai and a fraying of things as they were….

Here is some of what we ate: