Panchkula
16 January 2020
DIVYA AZAD
A Panchkula based entrepreneur couple, Armaan Mann and her husband Arzoo Dandyan have established tricity’s first European style Boutique Hotel – ‘District 5’ which was formally unveiled at Sector 5, here.
Armaan & Arzoo who are avid travellers have been taking the road less travelled to explore countries in Europe particularly those having sub zero temperatures.
“We made it a point to stay at newly opened boutique hotels during our sojourns. We were inspired by the Scandinavian region in North Europe due to the minimalistic & functional approach of all aspects of hospitality in these. In a way our European travel diaries, experiences and learning have been assimilated in our labour of love – ‘District 5’. Our objective to set up and run the place is to maintain core customer values and the boutique hotel spirit in the truest sense.”
As soon as you step into the hotel, you get a feel of European design aspects. The reception, gardens – there is dining option in the well appointed lawns, and chandeliers are a replica of a typical European style boutique hotel. Scandinavian imprints can be seen all over the place. One can breathe into the natural sunlight because of the use of large-sized glass panes. Adds Armaan who did a lot of study on colour psychology before deciding on the colours to use for adorning the hotel’s interiors, “We have used soothing colours like whites and cool blues which provide one with a calm environment and rejuvenates the soul. As is part of Scandinavian culture, plants, mainly palms, have been placed inside the hotel as these are natural air purifiers.”
Speaking on the occasion Arzoo said, “District 5 thrives on creativity, genuine hospitality and individual experiences. Our vision was that design did not need to be sacrificed for value and that honest pricing would drive loyal guests. We have blended thoughtful design and intuitive service with excellent dining and nightlife in a space that boldly brings together the past with the present.”
Adds Arzoo, “In ‘District 5’ we have experimented with recipes of dishes that we enjoyed eating during our travels.”
The media was also given a preview of District 5’s restaurant ‘Terra’. The interiors of ‘Terra’ stand out as the floor has beautiful marble with inserts of natural wood providing the flooring a classy finish. The dining tables are tiled, giving these a very different look. The restaurant offers delightful and first time in tricity culinary options.
The menu here is elaborate and is multi cuisine. Vegetarian starters like Tandoori Stuffed Mushroom Tikka, Pineapple Tikka, Homemade Nacho, Pulled Cheese Garlic Bread etc. are scrumptious. In vegetarian main course the menu serves gastronomically delightful Pastas. The Mushroom Risotto- which has wild and cultivated exotic mushrooms in a creamy Italian rice dish is flavoursome; to cater to the winters there’s Winter Vegetable Medley; the all time favourite Thai Green/ Red Curry with Steamed Rice is available in a new avatar.
For fitness enthusiasts , ‘Terra’ offers some fresh handmade – healthy salads like Caesar Salad, Broccoli & Walnut Salad, Glass Noodle Salad , Green Salad etc.
The Indian main course serves regular favourites. Non-Vegetarian offerings include Chicken Steak, British Beer Battered Fish n Chips, a must try pasta is the Homemade Chicken Lasagana. Some Pan Asian delicacies include Chicken with Mushroom in Oyster Chili Sauce,’Singapore Chilli Bean Fish/Prawn etc.
Sums up Armaan, “Our signature dishes are Pickled Pear and Arugula Salad with Caramelized Walnuts, Mushroom Risotto and Handmade Pasta. We also use fresh Mozzarella and Burrata cheese in our offerings.”
Meal for two in ‘Terra’ located inside Hotel ‘District 5’: Rs 1200
