Matribhumi Samachar English
A landmark evening at Fifth Chennai combines world-class barbecue, community spirit, and philanthropy Chennai, October 2025.
Char City Night at The Fifth Chennai turned into a record-breaking celebration of food, generosity, and purpose. Conceptualized by Dr. Aishwarya Selvaraj and Chef Shriram, the visionary duo behind Fifth, the event seamlessly blended culinary excellence with a heartfelt mission to support pediatric healthcare.
The two-day extravaganza welcomed over 350 guests, each treated to a world-class barbecue experience curated by Chef Chris from Goa. Guests savored signature dishes such as the Wagyu Sando with Katsu Sauce and the Salmon Wellington with Caper Lemon Beurre Blanc & Dill Oil. As the evening set in, guests enjoyed their meals against the scenic Palavakkam beach backdrop.
The highlight of the evening was a live auction of specialty meats, hosted in partnership with MMRT 42, which saw spirited participation from attendees. In a truly historic moment, a single meat board — featuring a curated selection of world-class dishes, spanning from Alaskan King Crab and Norwegian Scallops to Japanese A5 Wagyu and Australian Tomahawk, covering a wide range of dishes from around the world in one exquisite experience — was auctioned for ₹2,00,000, setting a new national record for the highest price ever paid for a meat board in India. The excitement in the room was palpable as the bids climbed higher, reflecting the remarkable success of the initiative. By the end of the auction, total proceeds reached an impressive ₹3,20,000. True to the spirit of the evening, 100% of the funds were donated toward the purchase of a dedicated ambulance for the Pediatric Ward at KMC Hospital, Chennai — turning a celebration of culinary craftsmanship into a heartfelt act of community support.
“When Founder Dr. Aishwarya Selvaraj and Chef Shriram first presented this idea, I was immediately intrigued — it was something truly special. It’s an inspiring concept that not only celebrates food but also uplifts society, and I’m proud to have been part of it,” said Siddarth Shankar, The MMRT 42 Chairman.
“To witness such generosity from our guests and set a record while supporting children’s healthcare makes this moment incredibly meaningful. As a doctor, this cause is deeply personal to me,” shared Dr. Aishwarya Selvaraj, Co- Founder of The Fifth, Chennai.
“This is exactly what we envisioned — a night where exceptional food could also do exceptional good,” said Chef Shriram, Co-Founder of The Fifth Chennai.
Through its distinctive blend of gastronomy, community, and compassion, Char City Night has redefined what a culinary experience can represent. More than just an evening of exceptional food, it became a platform where chefs, guests, and partners came together with a shared purpose — to give back. By transforming the joy of dining into a powerful act of generosity, the event has set a new benchmark for culinary experiences in India, proving that great food can indeed inspire great change.
About The Fifth in Chennai
Founded by Dr. Aishwarya Selvaraj and Chef Shriram, The Fifth Chennai is a coastal dining destination known for its bold culinary vision, inventive menus, and community-driven ethos. With events like Char City Night, Fifth continues to redefine Chennai’s dining culture by bringing people together over memorable experiences that make a difference.
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