05042026-LSTC-01.qxd 4/5/2026 12:26 AM Page 1 c m y b HOT kullu WHAT’S eat ISTOCK TRIBUNE Life ITALIAN FLAVOURS From handcrafted cakes adorned with chocolate eggs to delicate pastries and festive-themed desserts, Tricity bakeries are turning Easter into a celebration of flavour and festivity I N the heart of Shastri Nagar, Kullu, Valentino has emerged as a distinctive culinary destination offering authentic Italian cuisine with a local touch. The restaurant uses locally processed cheese to craft its pizzas, pastas and other delicacies, delivering rich flavours that appeal to both residents and visitors. The heritage-style interiors add to the charm. Popular among locals as well, the eatery has become a lively hotspot for casual dining, conversations, and memorable evenings in town. play A chandigarh ISTOCK love FUN TIME ludhiana D OWNTOWN Market announces a one-of-akind community event, titled For Ludhiana, By Ludhiana, In Ludhiana, scheduled to take place today. The evening will feature an exciting lineup of live band performances, light shows, curated shopping stalls and a diverse food zone, offering visitors a rich and engaging experience. A dedicated kids’ play area will ensure a fun-filled outing for families, making the event inclusive for all age groups. ISTOCK Mezze platter under a mesmerising skyline one8 commune expands to Ludhiana with its 15th outlet in India Shivani Bhakoo one8 commune, one of India’s most recognised all-day dining concepts, has opened its newest outpost in Ludhiana — marking its second location in Punjab and first in the city. Perched atop the 5th floor of Nexus MBD Neopolis Mall, the new space introduces a striking, elevated dining experience to the city. PHOTOS: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Spread across two expansive levels, one8 commune Ludhiana is designed to make the most of its height — offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Rajiv Gandotra, the owner of the restaurant, says the layout balances openness with intimacy, where large-format seating, lounge-style corners, and alfresco elements come together to create a space that CHANDIGARH | SUNDAY | 5 APRIL 2026 Bunnies & hot cross buns Mona A S Easter arrives, the tricity is embracing the spirit of the season with a delightful spread of sweet indulgences — where time-honoured European traditions meet the region’s growing love for artisanal baking. From handcrafted cakes adorned with chocolate eggs to delicate pastries and festivethemed desserts, local bakeries are turning the occasion into a celebration of flavour and festivity. Nik Baker’s, a long-time favourite across the region, continues to draw crowds with its European-style bakes, offering everything from hot cross bun-inspired goodies to creamy cheesecakes and artisanal breads that fit right into Easter traditions. “Over the years we have seen an increase in demand for Easter specials such as Easter eggs, cookies, bunnies and hot cross buns,” says Nikhil Mittal, director, Nik Baker’s. Gayatri Sood, CEO, Monica’s Pudding & Pies reaffirms the rising demand. “Easter is for all things cute, we do loads of pastel colour desserts that fly off the shelf.” Armed with sweet treats, including hot cross buns, bunny-shaped buns, chocolate Easter eggs, eggs filled with candies to bunny carrot cupcakes, they offer a variety of sweet indulgences. Theobroma is another hotspot for ISTOCK MEMORABLE JOURNEY SOLO art exhibition by Archana is being held at The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10. Archana is an art educator for last 25 years with a deep passion for nurturing creativity in children and adults alike. On display are more than 120 vibrant and realistic paintings that showcase the fluidity, transparency and beauty of water colours. On till today. It’s not over Blake Lively has reaffirmed her intent to take legal action against co-star Justin Baldoni, even after a key sexual harassment claim in her lawsuit was dismissed. feels both vibrant and relaxed. “Whether it’s sunset cocktails, long lunches, or high-energy evenings, the setting transitions effortlessly through the day,” he says. The menu continues one8 commune’s philosophy of global comfort food — familiar, shareable and elevated. From mezze platters, truffle-forward small plates and fresh burrata to pizzas, sliders, rice bowls and Asian favourites, the offering is versatile and designed for group dining. Chef Shubhayu says, “The Indian selection adds depth to the experience, making it equally appealing for families and indulgent dinners”. With a focus on balanced, refined cocktails, the menu reinterprets timeless classics with a contemporary approach — clean flavours, thoughtful textures, and an emphasis on drinkability over theatrics. c m y b Easter indulgence. Known for its fudgy, comforting bakes, Theobroma offers a tempting line-up of chocolate cakes, Dutch truffles, cheesecakes, brownies and playful bento cakes that make perfect gifts. Their cupcakes, cookies and dessert boxes also make it easy to assemble a festive Easter spread at home. Avi Sidhu of Emrin Bakes too doles out a variety of treats around this time. For those looking for custom creations, bakeries like The Baker Smith and Flavours by Shivani craft cakes with fondant bunnies, pastel icing and chocolate nests that make perfect centrepieces for Easter brunches. With a growing focus on eggless and vegan options, the tricity’s dessert scene ensures everyone can savour the season’s treats. From classic pastries to playful chocolate creations, Easter in Chandigarh is all about celebrating spring with sweetness, style and a dash of indulgence. Seasonal specials like chocolate pinata cakes filled with candies or Easter-themed cakes topped with mini eggs are also gaining popularity, adding a playful twist to traditional desserts. MAKE YOUR OWN EASTER TRADITION Easter may be rooted in faith, but around the world it has blossomed into a joyful mix of playful traditions —many of which you can recreate anywhere with a little imagination. Here are some fun Easter games you can easily recreate: Egg painting: Start with hard-boiled eggs. Use foodsafe colours, watercolours or natural dyes (like turmeric or beetroot) to decorate them. You can go simple with pastel shades or try intricate patterns. Easter egg hunt: Hide decorated or chocolate eggs around your home or garden and let kids (or even adults) hunt for them. Add clues to make it more exciting. Egg rolling race: Each participant rolls a boiled egg across the ground using a spoon or just gentle pushes. The one who reaches the finish line first without breaking their egg wins. Egg battle: Two players tap their boiled eggs against each other. The egg that doesn’t crack wins.