New Beginnings

The spiraling fuel prices have indirectly contributed to this trend among other residents of the city. In fact,people from Chandigarh and Mohali are now flocking this town for recreation. “It may sound absurd,but I come all the way from Sector-29,in Chandigarh to Panchkula for a good meal. This place has many new eating options now,” says Adhiraj Mohan,a business man.

This town is gradually shaping up to be a gourmet’s paradise. The swanky new Barryo Fiesta,a sprawling restro-lounge-bar in Sector-8,Panchkula,is one of the coolest hang out spots. Opened five-months ago,this multi-cuisine restaurant is hosting a steady stream of clientele,says Joginder Pathania,the manager. For others with a big appetite,diners like Yellow Chilly,Subway,Peninsula and Hot Millions,have varied selection of cuisine to offer. An excuse to unwind with a chilled beer,forces people to Hops n Grains,in Sector-9. A microbrewery — Hops n Grains is the first chain here. The tempting fresh beer has everyone making a beeline for this place. “Being one of its kind,people from Delhi,Punjab,Chandigarh and Ludhiana come to taste the beer,” says Mohan Panday,the manager,who opened six months back. The nearby Baker’s Lounge in Sector-8,is another upcoming bakery. After the success of Baker’s Oven in the same sector,the idea of another bakery has worked well.

Ranging from nicknacks to occasional cakes made to order,this place offers an eclectic mix of bakery products. “The place has fresh bakery and delicious cakes. I buy my stuff from this place,” says Shallu Sood,a teacher.

Besides this ‘foodie pavilion’,youngsters are being pulled towards the hookah parlours,which are great networking zones. Many restaurants like Arabic infusion,Shisha Cafe,Cuppa Mocha and Smog in Sectors – 9,5 and 8 have a menu of flavoured hookahs. “Cuppa Mocha and Arabic Infusion are places you can find most youngsters trooping in,” says Amitesh Sharma,a college student.

Other than restaurants,there are decent options for health and fitness addicts with different fitness requirements. The oceanic gym in Sector-12,is spread over four floors. It offers workout,aerobics,yoga,salsa dance and dietetics. “I have been going to this gym for a few years. When I shifted to Chandigarh,I could not find any match. So I came back here. Though it’s a 20-minute drive,I don’t mind the extra mile,” says Kirti Guleria. Another gym,The Platinum,offers cardio,spa – sauna and steam,besides a picturesque view of the city. Unisex gym,gets clientele from both Panchkula and Chandigarh. “I like this place because of it’s excellent aerobic instructors,” says Reetika Sharma,a homemaker regular at this gym.