Piping Hot

“It’s the start of a new decade and a promising one indeed,” remarks Taj Chandigarh’s general manager Anil Malhotra as he goes on to add,“While we will innovative with cuisine all through the new year,we shall host as many as three international food festivals and double that number of domestic specials as well.” Also revamping their fine-dining restaurants will be the city’s other star property Hotel Mountview with general manger RP Singla confirming the new plans in the offing.

Speaking of new menus,Orchid Lounge in Sector 34 has already ushered in the New Year with a completely re-done menu that brings in whole new variety. “While we do upgrade and revise menus at all our properties,this time we thought of a new offering with Orchid Lounge keeping the essence of the restaurant intact,” shares owner and restaurateur Priya Jagat as we notice new entrants like ‘Stuffed Egg Plant with Chilly Beans’,‘Phuket Fish’,‘Lemon Sole Yuzu Mayonnaise’,‘Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Wasabi Mayonnaise’,‘Scampi Spicy Mayonnaise Orange Ponzu’,‘Stuffed Chicken Wings Sichimi Salt Pepper’ and ‘Pork Corns with Honey’. “Apart from the new flavours,we have brought in steamed,stir-fried and grilled choices in plenty,” explains Jagat as we run through the plump menu that will need more than a single visit to find new favourites!

Elsewhere,Nikhil Mittal of Nik Bakers is the man to watch. With his bakery brand having taken off ,this year will see Nik spread his wings,literally. “2010 is going to see me with my hands full,” quips the enterprising chef and baker who is currently scouting around for a location for his new cafe. “Once we find the place,we will roll out in two months,” shares Mittal who has recently re-done his factory unit in Industrial Area’s Phase 1. “We have now got HACCP certification that sets the bar on quality and it’s a proud moment for us,” says Nikhil who will be revamping his Sector 35 outlet as well. “While the ground floor would serve as a cosy cafe,we aim to turn the basement into a beer and wine lounge,” he shares his plans. Close on the heels of that,Nik is also looking to start his own food technology institute,but more on that later!

Having served the city (and now the region too) for over three decades with everything ranging from fast food to fine-dining to catering,2010 will see the Hot Millions group shift gears. “While the entire fast food chain menu would undergo a change,two of our restaurants will see re-done menus by April,” mentions Mohanbir Singh of the Hot Millions Group. Also in the offing is a new eatery that will offer “previously unexplored cuisine.” “I don’t want to share details but it would be worth the wait,” Singh signs off saying.

But here’s what you can try in the meantime. It’s Oven Fresh’s all-day long breakfast menu complete with a special omelette station. “The breakfast special is inspired by Norwegian and English fare. We realised that breakfast in Chandigarh is an all-day affair,” points out owner Priya Garg as she mentions mouth-watering options such as egg soldiers,sausages and ham,croissants and omelettes…”Currently,food trails are on and we should be launching very soon,” she adds. Can’t wait to tuck in,eh? 31,2010.