I am not sure who, but someone somewhere said – “A well-plated and presented dish is a love letter to the palate, capturing the heart with every bite” Food has to be tasty, and that’s the bottom-line but it is no secret that we eat with our eyes first. And that is where plating and presentation comes in. It draws attention to the ingredients and enhances the whole experience of eating. And probably that is why restaurants have started focusing on presentation. Gone are the days of casually putting curries in a bowl with a few sprigs of dhania especially in fine-dine scenarios. The choice of se ..read more

INDIA (June 27, 2024) – Suntory Holdings today announced the establishment of Suntory India Private Limited, which aims to cover corporate functions required to build a firm business foundation and accelerate growth in its existing spirits business and establish opportunities for soft drinks as well as health and wellness businesses in the Indian market. The new company will commence its operations in July. “We are delighted to unveil a new base of Suntory Holdings in India, a country with a large population and a rapidly growing economy,” said Tak Niinami, President & CEO of Suntory Holdi ..read more

Japanese cuisine is winning hearts across the Indian community, and it’s no surprise why. The dishes are light, nutritious, and packed with flavors, thanks to ingredients like seaweed, soy, and seafood. The freshness of these ingredients is crucial, leading to high prices for premium seafood and fruits in Japan and sold in auctions. In India, particularly in the North, seafood isn’t as accessible due to the lack of coastline. However, logistics can ensure a steady, fresh supply. During my recent visit to Shin’ya, the new Japanese restaurant at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, I was impressed by the qual ..read more

A weekend lunch plan with my friend took us to the newly opened ‘The Pit’, a meaty joint at Global Foyer Mall. The restaurant is known for their steaks and meat preparations. The name evokes images of smoking pits one can see in steak houses in the US. We checked into the restaurant that has a lovely, old world charm . The only missing element is the smoke and the smoky aroma. We started with a Philly Cheese Sandwich. The thin meat cuts with mushrooms and cheese paired with coleslaw and topped on a fresh and soft bread was delicious. It was melt-in-the-mouth with a delightful moreish quality ..read more

Reminiscing about my unforgettable dining experience at Jade under the mastery of Chef Vivek Rana, I recently revisited this iconic Chinese restaurant, now under the stewardship of Chef Ankur Gulati. The restaurant has undergone a transformation, now boasting a spacious layout flooded with natural light, offering a refreshing and open ambience. As I settled into one of the three Personal Dining Rooms (PDRs), I pondered if the meal would succeed in replicating my prior experience. Skipping drinks and soup, we dove straight into the Golden Fried Prawns, a new addition to the menu of this class ..read more

In the dynamic world of gastronomy, a fascinating trend is unfolding: the ascent of home chefs transitioning into the professional sphere, offering a taste of home to professionals far from their roots. This trend not only reshapes the culinary landscape but also enriches the dining experience for food enthusiasts globally. Eleven years ago, recognizing the talent of home chefs and bakers, I created a platform through our awards – The Big F Awards. While most awards still focus on restaurants and hotels due to their financial considerations, the role of home-based chefs is gaining recognition ..read more

Goa remains an ever-popular destination, with its property prices soaring post-COVID and a surge in demand for new eateries and nightspots. Each visit to Goa reveals new experiences, making it a perennial favorite. During a brief 3-day break from work, my wife and I opted for a villa stay over a traditional hotel, choosing the relatively new Villa Heliconia in Siolim. Location: Villa Heliconia is conveniently located near the MOPA airport, making it easily accessible from most places in North Goa. Situated close to the buzzing spots in North Goa, it even shares a wall with the popular restaur ..read more

The hustle and bustle of travel can often leave one weary and longing for a moment of respite. Gone are the days when traveling was mundane. We are at a time when journeys at times can as exhilarating as the destination themselves. During my recent trip to Italy, while passing through Terminal 3 (T3) International Airport in New Delhi, I stumbled upon the Encalm Prive Lounge—a sanctuary of luxury and comfort that undoubtedly ranks among the world’s finest. With a staggering capacity of over 550 guests, the Encalm Prive Lounge caters exclusively to business travelers, accessible either through ..read more

After watching Kangana Ranaut’s movie, “Queen,” which includes a scene where she stays in a hostel, I was intrigued and mentally noted to experience it at least once. This opportunity arose when I was traveling alone for work in Milan for a few days. Since my wife isn’t keen on such experiences, I could only do it while traveling solo. I myself was a bit hesitant and booked the hostel room for only 1 night post which I booked a luxury hotel room. Staying in a hostel room with bunk beds shared by eight tourists from different countries and continents was an eye-opening experience. As someone ac ..read more

Nestled between two established dining spots at Two Horizon, Marieta emerges as Gurgaon’s newest culinary contender, overtaking the space vacated by well-regarded Italian eatery Artusi. Although the name “Marieta” which is a popular female name hails from Greece, the restaurant’s global menu lacks prominent Greek offerings. The start was a bit of a let down. Not being served a hard copy of the menu and asking diner to scan a barcode for the digital menu at a fine dine restaurant with an excuse that they are new doesn’t go well with me. May be I am an old timer who doesn’t like reading the men ..read more