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Journalism of Courage
Cloud 9,the new roof-top restaurant by CITCO,offers an unmatched view of the city
One of Chandigarhs older hotels Shivalikview has so far been known for its banqueting facilities,courtesy the super-sized hall Majlis. Perhaps the only other dining high one has experienced at the CITCO-owned Hotel has been their all-Chinese eatery,Yangste. The landmark of Sector 17,the hotel has needed a revamp for a long time now and has finally made full use of its until-now vacant rooftop with Cloud 9 a multi-cuisine fine diner on the sixth floor.
As for the menu,it is a balanced mix of popular cuisines Indian,Continental and Frontier. The management calls it fusion and we tried one of their star dishes,kale channe ki cappuccino. A strongly flavoured black chick peas broth,it actually resembled a cup of coffee. Full credit to Chef Vineet Chopra for turning an everyday recipe on its head. Another interestingly-named and sumptuous snack here is ganderi kabab minced chicken kebabs on sugarcane sticks. These were dipped in a sauce served in shot glasses. We enjoyed the Baluchi salmon,a fillet of blush pink salmon grilled in the tandoor,that was moist and well done.
Though the food has always been the high point at the hotels banquet,at Cloud 9,one is continuously distracted by the view. Building an appetite,we headed for the days buffet spread and here too,fusion meals were on offer. The Greek salad with fresh feta cheese was crisp and filling. The main course offered a potpourri with the likes of honey and orange glaze chicken,martabaan ka meat,bhartha three ways a mash made of brinjals,pumpkins and tomato mash and Kabargah an adaptation of a popular Kashmiri recipe. The desserts bring in usual fare like khajur rabri,apple pie with ice cream and banana split. Our only grouse was the piped music,which played out oft-heard and now old piano rendition of Hollywood tunes by Brian Silas. The restaurant promises live bands/ ghazal singers soon,given contemporary leanings of the restaurant,new age sounds will go a long way in making the Cloud 9 experience complete.
Meal for two: Rs 1,000 ,
Location: Level Six,Hotel Shivalikview,
Sector 17,Chandigarh
Contact: 0172-2700001
