Youths to frequent favourite hangouts

Love fills the air as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day today, but Punekars will always feel a little sombre on this day, as it comes a day after the anniversary of the German Bakery bombing.

The eatery was a hot spot for friends and couples on V-Day, but since February 13, 2010, it has shut down, leaving its regular customers to seek another place to celebrate the day. DNA spoke to some city folks to know where they will be spending Valentine’s Day this year.

“For me, Firangi Pani in Koregaon Park and Curve at ABC Farms is the hot favourite. People love to hang out at these places as it not only serves good food but also plays live music,’’ says Sanchita Prashar, who plans to spend the day at either of these places on the eve of Valentine’s.

Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) in Koregaon Park, where every Thursday, a band performs live, is also one place which people love to visit on Valentine’s. On February 14, the cafe plans to turn off all lights, offering a candlelit experience to their customers.

Tanuj Arora, a software professional, loves making a trip across the town from his residence in Baner to the cafe to binge on the Legendary Burger.

Thousand Oaks located on East Street, is known for its Barman’s Pitcher especially one in rose flavour.

If you are looking for tempting Mediterranean and Mexican food with light music against the background along the poolside, head straight to Smoke On The Water at the Central Park Hotel. “This poolside fusion grill restaurant at the Central Park Hotel offers some delectable cuisines from the Mediterranean region. Apart from that Baan Tao at Ista Hotel serves amazing Thai cuisine on a platter in a true Thai style ambiance, which is my personal favourite,’’ says Karishma Karnik who works with a telecom company.

Meenakshi Savant, a freelance photographer, loves going to Sheesha cafe at ABC Farms at any time of the day. “This provides a perfect ambience for youngsters along with some really good jazz music. It is surrounded by trees which kind of makes you feel a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I love going there, especially to have Chello kebabas along with Irani chai,’’ says Meenakshi.

According to her, Hard Rock Cafe, Shisha, Barbeque Nation, Terttulia and Prem’s are five hotspots of Pune.