Sparky's Diner, Chennai

Whenever we have a chance to eat out, I prefer to go to places which offer something other than Indian cuisine. So that I can try something new, something really different. And Sparky’s matches the ‘different’ attribute really well. From a good distance you can spot the Sparky’s Diner because of a big arrow, pointing downwards to the direction of entrance of the restaurant with the words “ Never Trust A Skinny Chef” ! Isn’t that amazing and isn’t that different. Wait till I take you inside. It’s not a huge place, but it is always bustling with people (lots of expats). The entire décor is full of pieces which can symbolize America. It’s got baseballs; it’s got the statue of the Beetles, a miniature replica of the white house, statue of liberty. Oh! there is also a saddle lying on the column to represent the cowboys(but i think represents Mexico). The entire place is decked with American memorabilia; car number plates, Black beard’s statue with skulls and cross bones, red Indians’ posters, maps, etc.

This place is run by Mr. Thom Petit (not petite; not skinny) and his sons I believe. You would find the very jolly Thom walking around and chatting and joking with all his guests and assuring that everybody is feeling at home and enjoying. The place gets very noisy as it is thronged by the young crowd of Chennai and at times lots of kids.

Some of the buffet items-you can spot coleslaw salad; chicken wings;beef curry (in centre); a fried sausage roll; a soft ginger flavored bread piece; buffalo wings; a piece of mutton lasagna and a rice salad. Apologies for the bad qlty. of pic.

Now let’s get to business- FOOD. The variety of cuisines offered here are American, Southern Cuisine (Cajun), Tex-Mex, Mexican, Hawaiian and Italian. They also offer a separate menu for kids. Vegetarian is also served. Alcohol is not served, you can opt for aerated drinks or the likes of iced tea etc. The menu describes almost all the items so its easier for you to select. I’ll just list a few of the items from the menu card. Starting with the American dishes- there is the BBQ chicken wings, the country fried chicken, breaded chicken strips, breaded zucchini, poutine (which is actually Canadian dish-it’s got these French fries smothered in mozerella cheese and dipped in white gravy) ; Mexican includes the burritos and tortillas etc; the Italian side of menu reads – Mama Rita’s Lasagna (very very filling) a little too much cheese for my taste but quite tasty, Cream Basil Penne Pesto (Veg & Chicken) –the chicken version is good ; the Hawaiin dishes are Chicken Katsu (breaded chicken with wasabi), hula style teriyakis. Apart from all this a few Spanish, Korean, French dishes and a wide variety of sandwiches are also offered.

I have been there a couple of times and have loved their country fried chicken with honey mustard sauce, BBQ chicken, Chicken burgers, the rice salad is too bland and cold for my taste, but the lasagna’s are very tasty. Tasty brownies and banana pudding too. Really smooth and soft.

We spotted a different dish called Cajun-cocoa cola chicken. We tried the Cajun one and well it was not very much uh..liked. And in the words of the Chef this dish is weird as it can’t decide if it wants to be sweet or spicy and he added that there is one more dish which is quite weird which is Mole. So, don’t complain saying that I didn’t warn.

Dining at Sparky’s would cost one Rs.300 per head . Fridays are buffet day from 7 p.m. onwards when you would find it be the noisiest and most crowded but that doesn’t compromise the service standards although you might have to wait for some 20 minutes if YOU HAVE reservation! Yes, it is that crowded. The buffet is steep, it costs around 350/- per head, was Rs.250/- in 2006.

All in all a nice place to hang out, specially if you have a big group. And want to go to a place which is not hum-drum and has a different feel- almost unique in fact.