April 11th, 2008
The mood in my household became sombre on seeing the news on Page 4 of Today’s The Hindu. It’s a story of Woodlands Drive-in premises being closed down to make way for a botanical garden and research center.
For everyone in our family, the place has had a special spot in our hearts. For my Dad, its a place he remembers going there with my grandfather in the trusty Ambassador Landmaster . Those days, cars were few and it was a place for the privileged to dine in style. For my Mom, it’s a place for her to see her idol, Singer P.B.Srinivas, who is a regular at the restaurant. For my daughters’ its the big swings in the play area, however worn out and unsafe they are. For me, its the oily Chola Bhatura.
However, the area was once a wonderful green space, with dense vegetation. I can imagine well, knowing that on the other side of the road lies the Horticultural Society Garden and its a far better maintained place. A lot more greener place, playing a crucial role in raising saplings.
Ever since the Drive-in was opened in the early 60s, more and more trees have been chopped to make way for the car parking space. Even as a kid, I remember the place used to have a lot more trees.
I’m glad that the Government has taken this bold step to restore an important lung space for the city. I only hope its not a ploy to usurp the 18 acres of prime real estate bang in the middle of the city.
The only reason why heart feels heavy is when I think of the waiters who have been amazingly loyal, some of them for over 30 years, to the place.
10 Responses to “Why I’m Not Sad to See Woodlands Drive-in Restaurant Closed.”
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It is very sad indeed. The Drive-In is a part of the chennai culture for several generations.I have a number of sweet memories and a few forgettable experiences, about the restaurant.
A “sad day” for chennai
Waiters working for 30 years it is
really sad,I hope goverment is not plying dirty GAME.
http://www.material-spiritual.info
It is indeed sad. But I reckon the restaurant is not closed, only the drive-in part of it. Which means u’ll still not miss u’r Chola batura
glad to know I can still get the Chola Bathura when I visit. If there’s one taste that stays with you outside of home cooking, that’s the one for me
Well I am glad it is gone,the standard was just falling,Used to love their Chola Baturas about 10 years back. And the Coffee was really good.
Really was quite dismayed to hear about this bit of news.. inspired to write my own little ode to the place.. Damn, I sure hope it’s not closing down completely and only just the drive-in part as arun sundar suggests..
Looks like they have reopened and resumed operations…
The Corporation has been coming down hard on the hoardings and billboards recently and the usurp of the drive-in may indirectly be related to it.
@venkatesh,
I don’t think the removal of Woodlands drive-in should be a source of sorrow for Chennaiites.What was your reaction when the trees along Gandhi Mandapam road in Kotturpuram and in Sardar Patel Road were cut down to widen the road?
Heya! bu have an amazing blog!!
and woodlands has opened up again now , fully!
For the sales people it would be very sad to miss that place.
As most of them will spend their working hours in woodlands.
Missing a lot.