Forno,the new multi-cuisine restro-lounge in Panchkula is Italian at the core. Given how watertight food zones in Chandigarh have become,the foodie action is fast shifting to the suburbs. Panchkula is making the most of it,with many new restaurants opening here in the last couple of months. The latest to arrive is Forno. Unlike its cubby hole-in-the-wall branch in Chandigarhs Sector 35 that opened more than a year back and is now popular for its wood-fired oven pizzas,Forno in Panchkula is spread over three levels. One can choose to host a meal at the private party room (clearly,the target is the active kitty party circle of Panchkula) housed in the basement or lounge around on the open rooftop area which also hosts live singing sessions. We preferred the first floor that houses the main restaurant with 60 covers. The interiors are inviting and the seating is casual with sink-in sofas. The menu is quick to arrive and as you ponder over it,you realise that music the pop rock of the 80s and 90s is intrinsic to Forno. Owner Vivek Bhasin admits hes around to make sure it stays that way. This casual fun approach filters through the menu. There are the Forno specials Italian thin crust pizzas that the wood-fired oven pizza on the ground floor dishes out. Italian salads and pastas along with Mediterranean fare like Turkish kebab platters,and Indian and Oriental cuisine find space in the menu that,at some places,falters with spellings. We start with a portion of freshly baked garlic bread (Rs 75) and Pizza Lucifero (Rs 329 for medium size). The garlic bread is a must try,even if you are not ordering Italian. The pizza topped with chicken salami,chilli pepper,onion and Napolitana sauce was a winner too. The crust was lean and the amount of toppings are just right for one to relish the flavours. Theres no doughy feel to the pizza and for those who watch calories,this is a good choice. Although the menu also offers popular favourites like Manchurian and Dal Tadka,we would recommend you stick to the Italian course. We also ordered the Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab (Rs 309) that came in with pita bread,hummus and salad on the side. A meal in itself the kebabs werent chewy and the portion is good for two. For desserts,Forno offers Italian specials like Tiramisu as well as ice-creams from the brand Gianis. The mango sorbet we tried was refreshing and the same can be said for our experience at Forno. Meal for two: Rs 800 (including tax)Location: DSS 313,Sector 9,PanchkulaContact: 0172-5010555
