VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH, 11/10/2018:.The recently opened One Too Many is the latest addition to the growing popularity of food courts and drive-ins in the city. --Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam
The dining area of the newly opened food court One Too Many is pulsing with energy. Families discussing their orders, friends sharing a laugh over milkshakes and couples enjoy quality time on their tables-for-two. The dining area that can occupy over 160 people, has not many empty seats.
One Too Many is the latest addition to the food courts and drive-in joints in the city. These are growing in popularity and allow several food outlets to function under one roof, giving people a variety of cuisines to choose from.
Not too long ago, Visakhapatnam’s food scene was rather limited with just a handful of players. Over the past three years, there has been a sea change with open food courts, drive-ins and and food that can be had on the go.
More than just food
‘I am on a seafood diet. I see food and eat it’, announces a wooden plank on a pillar. There are pithy quotes on each of the many pillars in the dining area of One Too Many, located near HP Petrol Pump, 4th Town Police Station. Vibrant murals on the walls add colours to the quirky interiors. There are over 14 outlets offering a variety of cuisines - North Indian, South Indian and Chinese.
“This place is the result of over one-and-a-half year of research. We studied the cuisines and the background of every vendor who approached us. Only after a tasting session with each one of them, did we make our decision. From biryanis, mojitos, ice-creams and Maggie to dosa, idli and kebabs, we have managed to gather them all under one roof,” says Radhika Mattapalli, owner of One Too Many. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants find a place here like Maa Nethi Vindhu, Laddu Gopal, Paleta House and Madurai Inn. And then there are chains like The Chocolate Heaven and Dr Ice Cream.
VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH, 11/10/2018:.The recently opened One Too Many is the latest addition to the growing popularity of food courts and drive-ins in the city. --Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam
The multi-kitchen space is maintained by a single management. The customers will be given a card which can be topped-up from ₹100 to ₹1,200 and swiped at the multiple outlets.
“I am so glad that new food trends like these are catching up in the city. They are convenient when you are out with a large group and everyone can enjoy their preference. Also, no one really cares what you are wearing, which is not the case with fine-dine restaurants,” says P Sarjana, an engineering student who was there with her friends. Apart from the dining area, the place also has a party hall that can accommodate over 40 people. Radhika says that she has been approached by many entrepreneurs to host art and apparel exhibitions.
Drive-ins are also catching the attention of foodies in the city.. The city welcomed its first drive-in last year with the Vizag Drive-In at Lawsons Bay Colony. With over 10 restaurants under one roof and a space to accommodate 40 cars, the concept was an instant hit. “These days people are very particular about food quality and look for an experience that offers them a space to enjoy with their near and dear ones. We started the drive-in keeping the American concept in mind,” says P Naga Rajesh of Vizag Drive-In. One of the best things of the drive-in is that it caters to late night diners who want to grab a bite after work or simply assuage late night hunger pangs. Here, you can come in your casuals or even your nightwear — nobody bothers much. Vizag Drive-In is under renovation at present and will soon open doors with a fresh look by the end of October.
Drive in for fun
The other popular drive-in is the Beenz Drive-In. With a parking space of over 20 cars, the drive-in offers Mexican, Chinese and Indian food among others. Located on MVP Double Road, it has major food outlets like Ramu Kaka, Makers Of Milkshake, Tex-Mex, China House, Habibi Shawarma, Made in India and The Thickshake Factory working in it. You can drive in and enjoy the delicacies in your car from the comfort of your own private space or relax in their outdoor sitting area. A huge volleyball court is an added attraction.
