Jagmeeta Thind Joy

The winter sun might be playing peek-a-boo but that hasn’t deterred the spirits of entrepreneurs to host outdoor events. And giving the city’s foodies and fashionistas good reason to step out and enjoy the winter chill, hopefully with some sun, is the first edition of ‘The Travelling Kitchen’ (TTK).

True to its name, this unique food and lifestyle festival comes to the city after a successful debut in Jaipur last year. Founded by Bharat Atwal, the event is styled like an interactive culinary platform which will showcase different restaurants from Tier I cities as well as host select retail brands. “The main focus is on food and the aim is to present to Chandigarh and its foodies menus and meals especially curated for them,” explained Atwal at the curtain raiser event held on Monday.

Called the ‘The Winter Garden’, the Chandigarh edition of TTK will roll out on the well manicured lawns of the Chandigarh Golf Academy (CGA) from January 18. The three-day event will host visiting chefs and some from the city as well who will dish out specials across cuisines. “It would have made little sense if we were to offer food options that are already available in Chandigarh or menus that foodies here are familiar with,” emphasised Atwal.

At the heart of the endeavour is the concept of ‘culinary tourism’, he adds. While the restaurants showcasing their specials will be able to reach out to a brand new audience, visitors will get an opportunity to relish cuisines like Persian, Japanese, Rajasthani, Asian, to list a few, all at one venue. Anamika Singh, India’s celebrated tea sommelier, who has introduced new infusions with a mix of natural flowers and herbs to the Indian market, will also present her selection of teas. The event, which has the support of Haryana Tourism, will also bring in musical performances in sync with the tone of the event. Expect the likes of jazz and Sufi, Atwal assures. “Five best students from various hotel management institutes of Haryana would set up their own stall at TTK, Chandigarh,” informed Atwal.

To make sure it’s a fun affair for a family, TTK to make space for some retail therapy and a health workshop for children too. “We have handpicked the retailers who will showcase the season’s specials,” said Atwal who would be sharing the final list of participants closer to date.

TTK will roll out at 4 pm on January 18 and will be open till 10:30 pm. On January 19 and 20, the timings will be 11 am to 10:30 pm. The entry to the fest is priced at Rs 200.