Summer Freeze

Choco Delight

Can there be anything as too much chocolate? A look at JW Marriott Chandigarh’s promotion “Chocolate around the world” seems to suggest so. Setting up a journey of sorts from Ecuador to Madagascar,the hotel’s deli and patisserie,Chandigarh Baking Company is offering a variety of single origin chocolates from six different areas of the world as well as complex pralines. The cocoa content ranges from 70 per cent to 30 per cent. We like the fact that the line-up of chocolates isn’t too sweet and there are interesting flavours to savour. Do try the spicy twist with cinnamon and nutmeg as well as the mint chocolate that has been made with fresh mint leaves. Other varieties include hazelnut and pecan nut,fruit flavours like strawberries,orange,raspberry,and banana to list a few. The chocolate comes in slabs or boxes,with prices starting at Rs 150 (taxes extra) for four pieces. To keep with the chocolate trail,there are drinks like chocolicious frappe and chocochill shake on offer. The latter is definitely not for dieters as it has lots of cream,but will appeal to children. The chocolate festival is on till May 10.

Location: JW Marriott Chandigarh,Sector 35-B,Dakshin Marg,Chandigarh

Italian by Nature

The gelato,frozen Italian dessert,has been around in the city for a while now with many versions. Offering a “traditional” take is Squista (pronounced Squeezta),the all-new Italian gelato cafe in Sector 10. Promoted by an Italian company that has partnered with city-based entrepreneur Pushi Chowdhry to introduce Indians to the “real” dessert,Squista offers a petite selection,for starters,of flavours like hazelnut,pistachio,vanilla,mango,chocolate and strawberry. But it’s gelato served in an unusual way on a stick,like popsicles and is referred to as “biteables”,that really works. It’s quite a fun way to eat gelato,which doesn’t drip like conventional ice cream and has a coating on top. There are variations in the style of popsicles and a selection of granitas are on offer as well. As far as prices go,it’s a standard Rs 50 each.

Location: SCO ,Sector 16,Sector 10,Chandigarh

Traditional tastes

It’s the newest “ice-cream parlour” in the city and arrives in the middle of the busy food lane of Sector 35. Gianis offers popular ice-cream flavours with lots of additional toppings but we would recommend their regional specials like rabri and kulfi faluda. A new arrival is the royal faluda (Rs 50 per scoop) that’s rich in taste and perfect for a hot summer’s day. But if it’s a full size sundae you would want to indulge in,opt for ‘kuch nai sundae’ (Rs 145) that packs in triple scoops and lots of nuts.

Location: 329-A,Sector 35B,Chandigarh