It’s raining food!

Nizam’s treat

— At Taj, Chandigarh, July 8-17

Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is known for its dignified culture and sweet melodious language, but there is no denying the fact that the lavish, rich and delectable cuisine that the city offers is what makes it most popular, all across the world. Biryani is a term that is almost synonymous with Hyderabad, while the famous Haleem from this city is flown out every day in kilos to the Middle Eastern countries. Taj, Chandigarh, brings all these flavours and more to City Beautiful at the Hyderabad food festival, Dawat–e-Nizaam, from July 8-17, at Dera, their Indian restaurant.

Chef Jabrail, who has flown in all the way from Hyderabad and carried his special ingredients with him, lays out many delicacies for the festival. Having come from a long line of Hyderabadi cooks, Chef Jabrail’s passion for cooking is evident in his creations.

While specialties like Hyderabadi Kachhe Gosht ki Biryani and Nalli Gosht are indeed heavenly, there is no overlooking the perfect Haleem that he has mastered in his seven-year career. The Tala Hua Gosht and Kebabay Firdaus seem straight out of the Nizam’s kitchen for they are perfect not just in their flavour, but also in their presentation.

His menu breaks the misconception that Hyderabadi food is all about non-vegetarians. He brings in delicacies like the Nazami Handi, Kaddu ka Dalcha and the popular Hyderabadi Khatti Daal and Salan. The two famous Hyderabadi desserts, Double ka Meetha and Khubani ka Meetha, can turn anyone into a sweet-lover. However, the show is stolen by the Sheer Khurma, which is rarely seen in these parts of the country.

Pizza pleasure 

— At JW Marriott, Chandigarh, July 7-17

Oregano, the fine dining Italian restaurant at JW Marriott, Chandigarh, is holding a Pizza fest, which began on July 7 and will continue up to July 17, where patrons of the hotel will get the opportunity to relish especially hand-made ‘gourmet pizzas’. The festival is looking to enhance the romance in this love affair with pizzas by introducing to the region an assortment of gourmet pizzas, the likes of which are not common. These handmade gourmet pizzas are made after elaborate preparation; every dough is made of a unique blend of flour, yeasts, sugar and oil to give it a refined taste that matches the sauce and ingredients placed on top of it. An interesting aspect is that the ‘gourmet pizzas’ being served will be in different shapes. A meal for two will cost Rs 3000 onwards, inclusive of taxes. The pizzas will be available a la carte, every evening between 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

Street delight

— At James Hotel, Sector 17, Chandigarh

The Sadak Chaap food festival, which began at the James Hotel (earlier Park Plaza), Sector 17, Chandigarh, on July 1, will continue till July 17. It is all about street-side food prepared in a hygienic manner. It includes food from all over the country. Welcome drinks, starters, soups, main course and dishes like Keema kaleji, Papri chaat, Pani puri, Bhatti ka murg, Amritsari fish, Pav bhaji, Litti chookha, Ambi panna, Thandai, Ketli wali chai, Macher jhol, Beans poriyal, Kothembeeer chicken, Haleem, Hyderabadi biryani, Aloo katle, Railway riad mutton. Balushai, Shakerpare, Jalebi, Ghevar, Gujia; there is a lot that can be savoured at the festival. Chef Ashish Bali has brought these delicacies especially for the people of City Beautiful. A dinner would cost Rs 1,050 plus taxes. One can also enjoy live music. — TNS