Coffeeza Launches India’s First Thandai-Flavoured Coffee

National, March 2023: Gourmet coffee brand Coffeeza, which is the leader in the coffee capsules and machines space in India has just launched a very unique Thandai flavoured coffee capsule to celebrate the upcoming Holi festival. This flavourful and refreshing blend of 100% Arabica coffee is best enjoyed as a chilled, creamy milk-based coffee and is perfect for summers. Curated with a traditional touch, it features notes of cardamom, almonds and fennel seeds. Experience the captivating play of nutty, sweet and spice notes in this medium-dark roasted blend that has an intensity of 8/10.

With the ultimate goal of offering indulgent coffee blends that make break-time special, Coffeeza launched interesting flavoured coffees like Cinnamon Orange and Dark Chocolate last month. Coffee lovers can choose from a wide variety of blends, and are sure to be spoilt for choice. There are regular blends like Classico, Cremoso, Intenso and Forte which are the brand’s best-sellers. The brand also offers popular flavoured coffees like Hazelnut, Vanilla and Caramel. Specialty Arabica coffee - Mysore Nuggets, and Single-Origin Nicaragua were curated for coffee aficionados looking to expand their coffee horizons. Gingerbread and Peppermint Mocha flavoured coffees were added to their range in December and were a big hit.

Most of these unique blends are offered in the ground coffee format as well. You can choose from different grind sizes to suit a variety of brewing equipment.

 Coffee lovers can transform their coffee breaks and indulge in magical café-like coffee experiences every day with Coffeeza. With a lot more interesting blends and flavours in the pipeline, coffee enthusiasts are in for a treat. Coffeeza’s Finero Next Machine is one of the best capsule espresso machines in the market, and is available in Black, White and limited-edited Red. This compact and vibrant machine will surely to add a splash of colour to your homes. Coffee capsules are priced at INR 500 - 550, for a box of 10 and then there are quantity discounts for regular coffee drinkers. Coffeeza’s products can be purchased at Coffeeza.com, Amazon, Croma, Nature’s Basket and at several other gourmet stores across India.

KOISHII BRINGS COYA DUBAI TO MUMBAI FOR THE FIRST TIME

Acclaimed mixologist and bar manager, Samy Rathnayake of COYA Dubai will visit Koishii  of Penthouse at the St. Regis Mumbai for an exclusive guest bar shift 

March 2023, Mumbai: Koishii is excited to welcome mixology magician, Samy Rathnayake, Bar Manager of COYA Dubai to Mumbai, India for an exclusive two day guest  bar shift. Committed to offering unique and innovative experiences to our guests, we believe it’s not just about having a drink, it is about the journey and the story that any cocktail holds.  This guest bar shift in collaboration with COYA Dubai also gives the talent at Koishii the  opportunity to work alongside Samy from one of the world’s best bars. 

This collaboration aspires to offer guests a remarkable beverage experience that showcases the rich diversity of Peru. To be able to bring a talent like him to the city reinforces our commitment to being able to provide a spectrum of experiences for our guests and members. At Koishii, we are excited to have our mixologists engage with him and learn from his brilliance.  

COYA ranked #13 on MENA & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022. The two-day guest bar shift is the quintessential way to unwind with friends and family, complemented by cocktails crafted by the master of mixologist himself – Samy.  

Guests can enjoy the most popular and superlative concoctions curated specially for the bar  shift such as Refresco De Fresa, Arrepentirse, Aqua De Leche and El Momento as they bring in special ingredients like Spicy Passion Vermouth, Campari and Supasava for authentic experience. 

Brimming with the flavours, colors and energy of Latin America, tastemakers are invited to  savor classic Pisco sours, Latin America’s most famous cocktail, and indulge in flavor-filled ceviches by our expert team of chefs at Koishii.  

For the ones with mixology on their minds, there’s plenty to look forward to at this two-day  bar shift at Koishii, Level 37, Penthouse at The St. Regis Mumbai. 

COYA Dubai X Koishii, Penthouse at the St. Regis Mumbai  

∙ Date: 10th - 11th March, 2023 

∙ Time: 7:00 pm onwards 

∙ Price: On request  

             ∙ For enquires and reservations, dial: +91 2261628070 or +91 8657907732 

Cocktail menu:  

∙ Refresco De Fresa 

The Botanist Gin, Strawberry Mancino Vermouth, Campari, Supasava, Soda 

∙ Arrepentirse 

Peanut Butter Fat Wash Gin, Hazelnut, Plum Liqeuer, Olive Brine 

∙ Aqua De Leche 

Tequila, Mezcal, Rum, Coconut, all spice berries, Ginger beer Fresh Lime juice, Milk 

∙ El Momento 

1800 Coconut Tequila, Spicy Passion Vermouth, Sauvignon Blanc 

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts 

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to  delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses  around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a  century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an  uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests delivered  flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. The ultra-luxury brand is set to expand its  legacy to 50 hotels by 2018. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or  follow Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in the industry’s  award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®, in which members can link  accounts with Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status  matching and unlimited points transfer. 

Hilton Maldives: Escape to Fun and Adventure - How a Family-Friendly Resort Delivers the Ultimate Getaway

Escape to Fun and Adventure: How a Family-Friendly Resort Delivers the Ultimate Getaway 

Planning a long-awaited holiday getaway is no easy feat. Planning one for the entire family? A tad more complicated.  As travel bounces back with a vengeance, travelers all over the world are seeking out the best destinations to venture out to. If traveling with the little ones is on the cards, we’ve got you covered. Hilton Maldives Amangiri Resort & Spa features an array of thoughtful amenities, including well-designed offerings to cater to babies and older children - from a dedicated kids’ club to a teenagers-only rooftop lounge - making it the perfect holiday for the family.  

For the junior explorers: The cornerstone of Hilton Maldive’s kid-friendly amenities is the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the  largest children’s club in the Maldives. It is a purpose-built space equipped with modern multicultural toys, games, and a crafts area with an interactive doodle wall. The club also has a  spacious outdoor area that comprises a small sports ground, a swimming pool, a baby pool and a splash park that is great for children to enjoy some fun in the sun. Other amenities include a multimedia space, a separate toddler room and sleep rooms for your little ones to have a relaxing snooze.  

Something for the teens: Head up to the teens-only rooftop bar Re:Fuel a space exclusively dedicated to teenagers. The young  ones are in for a real treat here with a milkshake barista on hand  to serve up non-alcoholic drinks or help them make their own milkshakes. With all sorts of toppings like whipped cream,  chocolate sauce, and sprinkles, teens can go wild with their  creations. A cute seating area overlooks the sea where teens can  lounge with their drinks and have a little me-time away from  their parents (or vice versa). 

For the water enthusiasts: There are many activities for kids  who just love staying in the water. From swimming in the sea, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling or just going parasailing and jet skiing. The private lagoon offers one of the best diving experiences for the kids too.  

For the sports & art lovers: The club also has a tennis, a basketball and football pitch to play on; join the staff in the evenings for a match, beach volleyball. For the artistic kids, we  have an art studio dedicated to art classes. Throw in ecosystem activities in the kids club, a turtle talk by the resident marine  biologist, kids’ yoga, shell collecting and lots of fun and games  and kids certainly won’t run out of things to do!Family vacations are the best time for quality bonding, and a kid-friendly resort can help facilitate this. What  makes the Hilton Amingiri Resort and Spa a great option is the scrupulous attention to detail that the staff put into  making your stay a memorable one. From personalized guest experience manager’s recommendations on  excursions and dining options, to the endless possibilities of grabbing some much-needed rest and relaxation, be it  at the spa or simply lounging about your private villa’s deck. Or perhaps, having a picnic on the resort’s white  sanded beach, the sky’s the limit here! 

REJOICE WITH ‘THE BIG PHOENIX FOOD FESTIVAL’ AND LIVE CONCERTS at Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai this February

THE BIG PHOENIX FOOD FESTIVAL: Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai is one of the city’s most

exciting destinations for food lovers, offering a range of delectable gastronomy and varied

cuisines designed to delight every palette. Food and beverage outlets at the mall welcome

foodies at this month with an exciting offer of 23% off.These delicious offers run from 16th to

28th February, and guests can conveniently make reservations online, by logging on to the

Phoenix website’s special section on the food festival.

DATE: Monday to Sunday through February

VENUE: Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai

BOOK: www.phoenixmarketcity.com/mumbai/foodfest

EXCITING EVENTS AT PHOENIX MARKETCITY MUMBAI:

ODDBALL FESTIVAL:The ODDBALL FESTIVAL opens at Phoenix Marketcity,Mumbai this

month providing yet another exciting event for music lovers. Rock and funk trailblazers The

Aristocrats. The virtuoso trio of guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller and drummer

Marco Minnemann return to India for the first time since the pandemic, and are joined by

YouTube-famous rock act KOIAI ft. Li-Sa-X, jazz fusion supergroup MaMoGi (collaborating

with Lydian Nadhaswaram) and New Delhi-bred rock band Kraken will join the lineup for the

Mumbai show on February 18 th . Book now for a rocking time.

DATE: 17/02/2023

TIME: 3 pm onwards

VENUE: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai

BOOK: www.skillboxes.com/events/oddball-festival-17th-february-mumbai

MEEPLECON INDIA:

India’s pioneering Boardgaming event is coming back and bigger than ever!

MEEPLECON is a delight for every boardgame enthusiast and Phoenix Marketcity

Mumbai’s legendary and sprawling entertainment venue Dublin Square makes space to

include the widest array of interests!

MEEPLECON presents games in every category imaginable - from STEM-based

learning games for kids to family games, party and strategy games for adults to role

playing games to games based on pop culture there’s something for everyone. Enjoy

building a civilisation or try your hand at fantasy and sci-fi-themed games, truly a wide

range makes the cut for this festival.

DATE: 18/02/2023 & 19/02/2023

TIME: 11 am - 7 pm

VENUE: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai

BOOK: insider.in/meeplecon-indias-first-and-only-boardgaming-convention-feb18-2023/event

Bloom Cafea Bandra Introduces an All-New Menu

An amalgamation of healthy and indulgent dishes creates a perfect balance on the cafe’s new menu

Mumbai, FEB 2023: The new year has brought in delicious new additions at Bandra’s beloved all-day cafe - Bloom Cafea. Trying to bridge the gap where every patron who walks through the doors can eat healthy or indulgent meals, beverages, or kombucha, Bloom Cafea has exquisitely revised its menu to offer signature specials along with a variety of innovative new dishes.

Known for its health-forward approach, Bloom Cafea has established its identity in the bustling suburb of Bandra with its simple ideology of ‘making healthy delicious’. While a healthier menu has been of utmost importance, the eatery has not forgotten patrons who enjoy hearty, carb-filled meals. Niketa Sharma, Founder, of Bloom Cafea Bandra says, "Having grown to be a major success of the quarter, Bloom Cafea lines up an extraordinary addition of a new menu by introducing mouth-watering dishes that are not only unique but also refreshing and delicious, so one can indulge at any time of the day. At Bloom Cafea, we strive to make sure that our patrons are able to enjoy some lip-smacking healthy dishes, as well as plant-forward food, to ensure that there is something exciting also for every diet-conscious consumer. Taking it one bite at a time, Bloom Cafea aspires to create awareness about healthy and conscious eating by introducing a healthy aspect in good quality and taste."

The cafe offers a wide variety of options that cater to all kinds of food preferences, and let everyone enjoy a delicious meal together. On the menu Chef Rahul Desai says diners will find “Bloom's new menu is indulgent, decadent and delicious. Our signature french toast range is the perfect thing to have for a Sunday brunch. The Ferrero Nutella french toast and the berry french toast are a must-try. One can have a complete meal here and there are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options too to cater to all dietary needs. Our signatures like the four cheese risotto, pull me up nachos stack, and mains like boneless mackerel with picante and berry sauce and chicken stroganoff are a must try”. The new menu will have vegetarian signatures such as Four Cheese Risotto, creamy arborio rice cooked with mozzarella, goats cheese, gruyere, cheddar, and parmesan; Nachos Stack, ragi crackers layered with guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese sauce, jalapenos, corn, and salsa stacked on top of each other; and Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta. Non-vegetarians will enjoy the Moroccan Lamb with Saffron Pilaf, boneless lamb, Moroccan spices, French beans, carrot, pickled onions, and preserved lemon served with Moroccan pilaf; and Boneless Mackerel with picante and hot berry sauce served with cherry tomato and roasted sweet potato, amongst the wide range of new additions. 

A crowd-favorite breakfast special in sweet and savory ingenious versions, French Toast makes a stellar debut on Bloom’s new menu. Guests can try The Smashed Avocado French Toast, thick brioche, smashed avocado, chili, coriander, mixed seeds, and pesto with a poached egg as an option to add on. Pizza lovers have their dreams come true with the Pizza French Toast, thick brioche, tomato sauce, mozzarella, bell peppers, jalapeños, corn, and feta cheese. Meat lovers will enjoy the Pepperoni French Toast, thick brioche, tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, olive oil, and fresh basil. Dessert lovers, the Ferrero Rocher French Toast will have you dreaming (and drooling) for days! Made with sweet brioche, Nutella, white chocolate sauce, Ferrero Rochers, and chocolate sauce is perfect for your weekend indulgence. The Berry French Toast with brioche, vanilla ice cream, berry coulis, white chocolate sauce, mint, and berries is apt for those who like fresh flavors.

A quaint and sprightly-styled cafe designed by Anikta Sharma, Bloom Cafea accentuates a consoling ambiance of relaxation and rejuvenation by offering authentic cuisines to promote nutrition, health, and comfort. As the saying goes ‘A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place.’ Adhering to that, the intricate interior and environment of Bloom Cafea perfectly resonate with its overall chic and cozy surroundings. Specifically keeping in mind the pleasant ambiance that nature exudes, this picturesque caféa is delightfully instagrammable. 
There’s no reason to wait. Head to Bloom Cafea to experience the cosiest ambiance and a delightful, soul-satisfying meal today. Bon Appetit!

Name of the brand: Bloom Cafea, Bandra

Address: Bloom Cafea, Shop No. 5, Carlton Court, Plot No. 139, Junction of Perry & Pali Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400 050.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomcafebandra/

Time: 8.00 am to 11.00 pm 

Things2do curates Fest-O-Berry, Mumbai's Biggest Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry-themed festival is hosted by R-city Mall and brings unique experiences such as Live Performances, Workshops, Games, Drinks, and Food.

It's Fest-O-Berry Time! Eat, drink, dance, and meet Strawberry lovers from all over the city at the Fest-o-Berry, that's happening on the 18th and 19th of February at R City Mall in Ghatkopar West. Let your passion for strawberries shine through as you engage in fun activities like workshops to make unique strawberry dishes, exciting games to enjoy the night, and music to get your squad grooving. Not only that, but because it's the month of love, you'll be able to indulge in some berry-licious activities with your partner. Plus, a Kids-arena for every junior to have fun with games and activities. Things2do has curated a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones to enjoy the best of the strawberry season near you. If you love strawberries, this will be heaven for you, and if you don't, we're sure you'll change your mind after seeing what we have in store for you!

Festival details: https://things2.do/mumbai/fest-o-berry?utm_source=website&utm_medium=homepage_banner&utm_campaign=festoberry
When: 18th & 19th February, 2023
Timing: 12 pm to 10 pm
Venue: Courtyard, R-city Mall- Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
Entry fee: INR 200/- per person

A Celebration of Togetherness at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur - Amer

It’s the season of love, romance and making memories with the one you cherish. This Valentine’s Day Doubletree by Hilton Jaipur Amer is hosting a decadent 5 course Valentine’s Day menu for dinner at their outlet Aravali Bar and Grill from the 9th to 14th of February 2023 for you to celebrate the season of love with your beloved.  

Food and love are inextricably intertwined. Embark on this culinary journey with a plethora of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies like Crispy rose chicken finger fry, Asian spice bucket, Apple and walnut Salad, Charcoal roasted tomato and basil with feta crisp, Roast lamb with rosemary jus, Cheese & Polenta bites with salsa & sour cream, Motiya mumtaz biryani, among others on the menu curated by the culinary team for the special dinner. To add to the perfect happy ending to your flavoursome story, indulge in sinful desserts like Dark Chocolate Heart, Baked chenna toast and more. For the extra special touch, add a bottle of red or white wine to get into the romantic vibe.

With the perfect romantic setting, with candles, roses and the incredible views of the Aravali, DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer is the perfect place to celebrate this Valentine’s day. 

When: 9th - 14th February 2023

Timings: 7pm - 11pm 

Price: INR 20,000 /- per couple

Create an Indelible Romantic Memory at THE OZEN COLLECTION

This Valentine’s season, paint life in colors of romance at the mesmerizing isles of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, timeless romance is amped up with exquisite gourmet experiences, majestic trysts with the ocean, and enchanting moments against gorgeous Maldivian sunsets. Guests can fully indulge in the resorts’ blissful offerings with the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, as you immerse in a memorable holiday in your own private sanctuary.

To really up the romantic ante, surprise your partner with one of the resort’s specially curated bespoke couples experiences like a dining experience under the stars, a sunset cruise in the Indian Ocean, or staying indoors while enjoying an enticing champagne bubble bath.

A Culinary Journey Under The Stars
If food is your love language, try this absolutely unforgettable romantic dinner. Private bliss is the order of the day, as you woo your beloved with a little help from the moonlit beach, the serenading ocean breeze, and the soft glow of candlelight. Our chefs will curate a personalized menu with gourmet dishes and signature cocktails to make your hearts sing with joy.

Castaway in the Indian Ocean
Set off on a charming sunset cruise. With little but miles of turquoise waters in sight, you and your partner will have almost nothing to distract you from one another. Savour delicious hors d'oeuvres and beverages. For a bit of adventure, you can even try fishing the local way, using a single hook and line.

An Enticing Champagne Bubble Bath
Experience some of the most indulgent pamperings, with a romantic bath setup in your villa or RESERVE. The tailored experience includes relaxing fragrances, rose petals, candles, sweet nibbles, and champagne for an unforgettable date night.

Hyatt Regency Chennai brings authentic Genovese and Sicilian home-style food by Fiammetta Maggio Pereira

FROM ITALY WITH LOVE

CHENNAI (January 2023) – Entrepreneur and Home Chef Fiammetta Mag-gio Pereira are all set to take over the kitchen at Hyatt Regency Chennai where she will be showcasing authentic Genovese and Sicilian home-style food cooked to perfection this February.

Hailing from the town of Sicily, Fiammetta grew up in Rapallo on the Ligurian Riviera. She moved to India in the year 1990 where she fell in love with the country and started working in the textile field along with her husband. Her passion for cooking began at a very early age. She completed a course in Cucina Italiana from Milano and derives most of her cooking from reading various cookbooks and from trial & error methods. Fiammetta also runs cooking classes as well as hosts Al Fresco lunches at her home showcasing the Italian Way of Life.

She has partnered with Hyatt Regency Chennai to create a unique experience for guests to savor Italian heritage focusing on high-quality ingredients and diverse culinary styles in collaboration with Yogita Uchil who is a food evangelist and a travel influencer.

The four weeks of Fiammetta x Focaccia include:

• Week of 4/2: Italian Ala Carte

• Week of 11/2: Home-style Pranzo

• Week of 18/2: Italian Market Place

• Week of 25/2: Italian Wine Dinner

“We are thrilled to partner with Fiammetta Pereira, a home chef we have long admired for her authentic approach to Italian home cooking and charismatic personality,” said Manish Uniyal, Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Chennai. “Together, we are excited to bring Italian home cooked recipes that are sure to delight with special twists on classic meals they know and love.”

Other details:

Day: All Friday, Saturday, Sunday of February (Lunch and Dinner)

Venue – Focaccia, Hyatt Regency Chennai

Call +919884369333 or email us at dining.chennai@hyatt.com to book your table.

Celebrate the little wonders of your life with Ollie's Box Of Treats by Gourmet Couch from ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar.

Ollie’s Club Box of Treats by Gourmet Couch is a curation of best-loved
treats for the little wonders in our lives. From classic, all-time
favorites to ingenious recipes prepared with choicest ingredients, our
selection for children is crafted to please their taste buds with a hint of
fun and excitement.

Ollie’s Club is dedicated to authentic nurturing of the young guests
staying with us through responsible experiences and a range of handpicked
activities carried with complete safety.

A distinctive menu collection showcasing our culinary legacy, Gourmet Couch
brings you authentic recipes crafted with utmost hygiene and care to ensure
your wellbeing and a safe dining experience.

The Ollie’s Box of Treats for the vegetarian selection, which serves, one
includes Ollie’s Veg n’ Cheese Burger ( Veggie patty and cheese, in a
multigrain bun ), Corn and Cheese Bites (Tender corn and cheese nuggets ),
Emoji Fries ( Smiley face potato fries, just like kids love’em ), Ollie’s
Favorite Cupcake ( Filled with the yumminess and goodness of berries ),
Caramel and Chocolate Fudge Brownie ( Gooey dark chocolate and caramel
brownies ), Peanut Butter and Strawberry Cookie ( Crunchy peanut butter
cookie with homemade strawberry jam ).

The Ollie’s Box of Treats for the nonvegetarian selection, which serves,
one includes Ollie’s Chicken and Cheese Burger ( Grilled chicken patty and
cheese in a multigrain bun ), Chicken and Cheese Bites ( Coated chicken and
cheese nuggets ), Emoji Fries( Smiley face potato fries, just like kids
love’em ), Ollie’s Favourite Cupcake ( Filled with the yumminess and
goodness of berries ), Caramel and Chocolate Fudge Brownie ( Gooey dark
chocolate and caramel brownies ), Peanut Butter and Strawberry Cookie
( Crunchy peanut butter cookie with homemade strawberry jam ).

Ollie’s Box of Treats is available on prominent food aggregator’s platform,
Zomato & Swiggy.

Prices:

Vegetarian Selection is INR 350 plus taxes
Non vegetarian selection is INR 395 plus taxes.

In addition, it can be ordered via the ITC F&B App and
direct Takeaway option. ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar has also enabled ‘no
contact’ deliveries on all pre-paid orders and has implemented stringent
measures and protocols, including mandatory temperature checks for all
Chefs and Food & Beverage associates as part of its safe 'WeAssure'
program. A lot of thought has been put in the packaging after the study of
factors such as temperature, distance traveled, mode of transport,
consumption techniques, re-heating norms, and more. The food is packed in
environment-friendly corrugated paper boxes. Easy to have on the go or
order in for a celebration or get together. ITC Hotels is the first hotel
chain in the world to receive a Platinum level Certification from DNV under
its My Care infection risk management program for WeAssure. DNV is one of
the world’s leading certification bodies that helps organizations manage
risk and assure business performance.

For Further Information and to place an order please call 033 44464646.

The Lucrative Type of Hotel Booking that is Due for a Comeback

The Lucrative Type of Hotel Booking that is Due for a Comeback

By Ken Shanley, Founder of Vindow

From “secret menus” to “coupon codes” that unlock special savings, today everyone is looking for a deal; however, before the internet made it possible to scour millions of data points to to mine these hidden gems, you really did have to “know a guy, who knew a guy” to get deals at hotels.

That is… unless you qualified for a long-term contract (LTC) or “corporate rate.”

Before, I explain why this type of booking is poised for a comeback, let’s go back to basics: what are long-term contracts?

The concept of long-term contracts is simple; a hotel, or chain, offers a guaranteed room rate to guests from a particular company or agency, in exchange for a negotiated minimum number of rooms, at a discounted rate, within a fixed period.

There are pluses and negatives for this type of booking for hotels. The benefit is obvious: guaranteed income in a challenging market, no matter how COVID affects demand. The downside: when the market is stable and demand is high, room rates increase, but if a property has already locked themselves into long-term contracts, that minimizes the number of rooms that they can sell to leisure travelers who are willing to pay full price for their stay.

To show you why this type of booking is going to be a KEY revenue generator for hotels today (and a money-saver for group buyers, in a time when bottom lines are contracting to unheard-of levels), it’s important to understand the history of long-term contracts…

Back to the Future

Once upon a time, corporate rates were pretty easy for almost any company to negotiate and their use was policed generously, if at all, by hotels. Anyone with the right business card could access deeply discounted room rates for their business or personal use.

That’s because, prior to 2007, hotel occupancy and room rates were predictably cyclical; a pattern of peaks and valleys repeating about every 7 years. As the economy began to recover from the Great Recession in 2008, hotel performance indicators began to rise – and just kept rising; what followed was nearly 15 years of uninterrupted growth in occupancy rates, average daily rates and REVPAR, making it unnecessary for hotels to commit their rooms at discounted corporate rates to remain profitable. As the peaks and valleys disappeared, so did the practice of offering deeply discounted corporate rates.

Even before the recession, there were factors that were causing the practice of granting corporate rates to fall out of favor: first, was a just general overuse, and secondly, hotel consolidation gave owners and management companies improved ability to analyze and predict profitable revenue trends across brands. In addition, the OTAs became a distribution channel that let hotels make short-term discounts available to the masses whenever they needed, which boosted occupancy in the short-term, without committing to hold inventory aside, rather than selling it at full price once the market spiked again.

Years later, this type of booking still exists (they’re still often used by very large corporations, agencies and niche business segments), but most hotels had all but forgotten about the benefits of long-term contracts.

Then Came COVID…

19 months into the global pandemic that shut down the travel industry worldwide, leisure travel is slowly but surely rebounding, but unfortunately, business travel is NOT back – and may not be for years. As such, travel and hospitality suppliers are starting to rethink their business strategies to find new ways to replace the income that they lost from these very profitable channels.

That’s why today is the PERFECT time for long-term contracted rates to make a technology-enabled comeback. Using LTC, hotels can start generating consistent, guaranteed bookings and revenue, no matter how COVID affects the market – especially within the business segments that are most active now: work crews, trainings, military deployments, construction, sales, etc.

So, how do you get your hotel in front of group buyers, looking to book long-term contracts?

Procuring “indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity” accommodations is tricky, requiring specialized expertise and the right tools, as sourcing and managing RFPs from group bookers can be extremely complex.

That’s why the BEST way to get your hotel connected with the group buyers who are already searching for the perfect property to accept their long-term contract, is to use online marketplaces, offered through sophisticated, AI-powered RFP lifecycle management platforms, which bring together buyers and sellers of group accommodations to facilitate the procurement process for both. Ideally, hotels should look for group accommodation booking platforms that support all types of RFPs, including the option to source accommodations based on duration & consumption, rather than only fixed date/room block events.

Finally, hoteliers should be looking for platforms that give both hotels and the group buyers unprecedented visibility into current market demand, using powerful data analysis tools that “level the playing field” to make it easier to build productive relationships, source more efficiently and contract with real transparency.

You’re probably thinking… “That sounds great but how much is that going to cost me? I’m already paying so much to gain access to RFPs originating outside of our sales department; I can’t afford another costly booking channel!”

Here’s the best part: the (good) online RFP lifecycle management and contracting platforms don’t charge commission on group accommodations booked through their site; they are no- or low-cost solution, operating on a monthly subscription model, making it easy to budget for and minimize your cost of acquisition.

So, what are you waiting for? Your hotel + long-term contracts + advanced procurement technology = win/win.

About Vindow

Vindow serves the hospitality and the group travel industry, offering the only cloud-based, SaaS platform that offers a centralized, full lifecycle management of the procurement process – from RFP generation through contract management – empowered by intelligent, AI-based market analytics, which brings unprecedented levels of transparency, efficiency and insight to all parties. Learn more at www.vindow.com.

New Menu | RELISH SPECIAL BENGALI MENU AT SAFFRONSTAYS VILLAS

RELISH SPECIAL BENGALI MENU AT SAFFRONSTAYS VILLAS 

What’s better than a private villa where you do not have to worry about outsiders’ intrusion? Having a piping hot festive menu served right on your table. It’s time for celebrations, and with Navratri and Durga Puja around the corner, you may either be fasting and/or feasting. If you fall in the latter category, SaffronStays brings to you a special Bengali menu for the month of October. 

Indulge in some lip-smacking, authentic Bengali cuisines at select SaffronStays properties near Mumbai and Pune. From Macher Paturi, Chicken Biryani, and Chena Kofta Johl for lunch and to Rasmalai, Mishti Doi among other dessert options. With our home-cooked, authentic delights, Kolkata is simply a 2-3 hours drive from Mumbai. 

Speaking about this month-long food festival, Clyde Castellino, Head, Food & Beverage, SaffronStays, says, “Festivals in India are all about feasting. With Navratri and Pujo, it gets even more special. While Gujarati thalis are tried and tested, it’s not the same with Bengali thalis - they are underrated and not so exposed. Also, very few places in Mumbai serve authentic Bengali cuisine. We wanted our guests to get a taste of this cuisine even at our remotely located villas. We’ve only slightly tweaked it to cater to our clientele, so the menu is a combination of a couple of things. The ingredients are all authentic. We plan to do a special menu every month; apart from festivals, food should be a good excuse to celebrate.” 

Looking at the Bengali menu, we’re doing a ‘feast’y dhunuchi dance in our heads. 

WHAT - Special Bengali Menu

WHERE - Sundowner, Karjat; Constellations Aquila, Khandala; Constellations Orion, Khandala; Odeon, Khandala; Aura, Alibaug

WHEN - Oct 1, 2021 to Oct 31, 2021 

FRATELLI WINES | Fratelli Wines Gets A Design Makeover, Unveils A Fresh New Identity For Its Single Varietal Range

FRATELLI WINES GETS A DESIGN MAKEOVER, UNVEILS A FRESH NEW IDENTITY FOR ITS SINGLE VARIETAL RANGE

The New Label Celebrates the Stories of the Brotherhood behind the Brand

New Delhi, October 2021:

Celebrated for producing some of the finest Indian-origin wines, Fratelli Wines, for the first time since the brand’s inception, introduces a fresh new avatar for their single varietal range of wines.

Fratelli’s new visual identity was envisioned by the late Mr Kapil Sekhri, who is also one of the seven founding brothers of the Fratelli family. Through this re-design and new outlook Fratelli wanted to share the story of love, passion and a shared dream of the three families at the heart of the Fratelli brand.

A literal representation of Fratelli, meaning ‘brothers’ in Italian, the new labels for the brand’s single varietal range of wines feature a stylised illustration of a family portrait of the brothers of Fratelli – the Secci brothers from Italy, the Sekhri and Mohite-Patil brothers from India – all bonding over a glass of wine.

With vibrant colour palettes and a silhouette change in the shape of the bottle, the new label designs are also aimed at appealing to a wider audience of new-age wine enthusiasts. The design reinforces Fratelli’s brand ethos of forging bonds through every glass of exquisite wine, turning friends into family. The range features stunning new key elements such as gold foiling typography along with an abstract Fratelli family portrait of the seven founding brother in a unique and memorable illustration style. 

The redesigned single varietal range focuses on an everyday elegance while carefully retaining the colours from its pre-existing selection in the efforts to create brand recall and incorporating additional features such as tasting notes to help consumers in making it easier to pick the wine of their choice.

Speaking about the new brand identity, Gaurav Sekhri, Partner & Director – Fratelli Wines, says, “The new label is an homage to our brother and reinforces our brand ethos and values. Brought together by love and driven forward by passion, Fratelli is symbolic of a vision manifested by three families who aspired to tell stories through the art of winemaking and we hope to continue providing the finest and the most prominent home-grown range of wines to our customers.”

Puja Sekhri, Marketing Head – Fratelli Wines, adds,” We are excited for our patrons to experience this new and fresh identity of our single varietal range of wines that was envisioned by Kapil. We hope that this will help us successfully continue down the path to achieve our goals and carry forward Kapil’s dream of revolutionising Indian-origin wines and taking them to new heights, both nationally and internationally.”

The Fratelli single varietal portfolio of wines consists of 10 different distinct variants,  namely, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc-Shiraz, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sangiovese Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chennin Blanc, Shiraz Rosé.

The new packaging for the Fratelli single varietal has already started to hit the shelves and will soon be available with retailers nationwide from October onwards.

ABOUT FRATELLI WINES:

Fratelli – Italian for ‘brothers’ – is a story in the making of the most prestigious winemaker in India. Of pristine wine and passion for making a mark in the young, evolving Indian winemaking industry.  Fratelli represents a new India that wants to produce a product based purely on excellence and in the faith that India can deliver the best from its soil. Since its inception in 2007, Fratelli’s mantra has been to ‘let the wine speak for itself. 

JW Marriott | Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Bespoke Luxury Hampers by JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Bespoke Luxury Hampers by JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar 

Mumbai, October 2021: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is all set to liven up the vibrancy of the festive season with an array of elegant, sophisticated and delectable gourmet hampers and an exclusive gift voucher, crafted to elevate your festivities. Celebrate Diwali and spread the light of love as you surprise your dear ones with delightful treats curated by our team of passionate and innovative culinary masters.

To infuse your celebration with a glow of festivity, we have a collection of Diwali hampers that are sure to elevate the festival of eternal radiance. Be it a treasure trove of delicacies, a decadent festive box, global treats or an artisanal sweet box with a twist of authentic traditional delights, there is something for everyone. 

 Each hamper is made with a perfect combination of handcrafted sweets and savouries, making it a tasteful gift option for this occasion. This year JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is also offering Pan India deliveries of the hampers on pre orders. 

Select from a range of bespoke hampers custom made to fit every guest’s taste. One can pick from Bundle of Joy, Sweet Tryst, Crafted Euphoria, Tasteful Splendor, Effervescence, Epicurean Feast, Seasonal Treasures, Festive Extravagance. 

Surprise your loved ones with our “Gift of Love” experience voucher that can be redeemed for a luxurious stay at our hotel, a global dining experience at our award-winning restaurants, or on signature treatments at Spa By JW.

This season, celebrate love and light with our intricately curated Luxury Hampers by JW Sahar. 

Bundle of Joy - INR 500 plus taxes per hamper

(A selection of little treats to elevate your festive fervour)

Roasted Almonds, Roasted Cashew Nuts, Raisins, Mithai Box (4pc), Diya. 

Sweet Tryst - INR 1000 plus taxes per hamper

(This festive season, surprise your dear ones with sweet moments of happiness as we present a delightful hamper, curated with love)

Assorted Nuts (100 g), Healthy Bar (100 g), Mithai Box (4 pcs), Chocolate Chip Cookies (5 pcs) , Diya, Toran

Crafted Euphoria - INR 1500 plus taxes per hamper

(Craft memorable festive moments with an array of treats, brought together to rekindle camaraderie.)

Roasted Almonds, Roasted Cashew Nuts, Raisins, Chef Crafted Bonbons (4 pcs.), Jar of Parmesan, Palmiers (5 pcs.), Cashew Nut Baklava (4 pcs.), Nourish Organic Tomato Crackers, Diya, Toran.

Tasteful Splendor - INR 2000 plus taxes per hamper

(Expertly curated treats, thoughtfully designed hampers, wrapped in signature JW style await your indulgence)

For Deliveries within Mumbai: Assorted Nuts, Mithai Box (4 pcs.) , Jar of Nankhatai (4pcs.), Home-made Chocolate Bar, Jar of Parmesan Palmiers (5 pcs.), Almond Coconut Cake Loaf ,Almond Rock (9 pcs.), Diya, Toran

Effervescence - INR 2500 plus taxes per hamper

(Experience meaningful moments together and celebrate the festive season with

Effervescence - our gorgeous hamper featuring treats to replenish your spirit.)

 Assorted Nuts, Mithai Box (4 pcs.), Chef Crafted Bonbons (9 pcs.), Eat Natural Granola Bar, Macaroons (5 pcs.), Nourish Organic Buckwheat Cookies, Quinoa Puffs, Diya, Toran

Epicurean Feast - INR 3000 plus taxes per hamper

(Share more than just sweets when you present our epicurean hamper, complete with handpicked delights from around the world)

Assorted Go Nuts, Mithai Box (9 pcs.) , Almond Rocks (9 pcs.), Granola Bar, Travel Cake, Redondo Wafers (200 g), Assorted Cookies Jar (5 pcs.), Diya, Toran

Seasonal Treasures - INR 4000 plus taxes per hamper

(Enrich your dear ones with the tradition of sharing as we present a panoply of avourful delights) 

Pistachios, Mithai Box (9 pcs.), Chef Crafted Bonbons (9pcs.), Nankhatai (5 pcs.), TGL Coffee, TGL Tea, Assorted Macaroons (5 pcs.), Diya, Toran

Festive Extravagance - INR 5000 plus taxes per hamper

(Elevate your festivities with an extravagant hamper lled with the goodness of the festive spirit.)

Assorted Go Nuts, Indian Mithai Box (9 pcs.), Almond Rocks in Jar (9 pcs.), Assorted Macaroons (5 pcs.), TGL Tea, Cashew Baklava (4 pcs.), Reed Diffuser Set Chocolate Chip Cookies (5 pcs.),  Diya, Toran.

An Opulent Affair - INR 6000 plus taxes per hamper

(Express love with Indian as well as global treats, thoughtfully curated and wrapped in the warmth of festivities.)

Indian Mithai Box (9pcs.),Almond Rocks (9 pcs.), Nourish Organic Flax Seeds, Fig, Honey and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers, Nankhatai (5 pcs.), TGL Morning Motivation Coffee, Crafted Celebration TGL Tea Set, Petricor Reed Diffuser Oil, Diya, Toran

Festive Grandiose - INR 7000 plus taxes per hamper

(Immerse yourself in the grandiose of festivities when you share the most luxurious hamper with your loved ones.)

Assorted Go Nuts, Indian Mithai Box (9 pcs.), Chocolate Bonbons (9 pcs.), Assorted Macaroons (5 pcs.), Go Nuts Pistachios, TGL Assorted Aspirations Tea Gi Box, TGL Morning Motivation Coffee, Cashew Nut Baklava (4 pcs.), Protein Bakeshop Peanut Butter Truffles, Chocolate Chip Cookies (5 pcs.), Diya, Toran

Diwali With Marriott Bonvoy - Box of 18/36 pieces: INR 1250/2500 plus taxes respectively per hamper 

(Unravel an artisanal hamper of traditional sweets, handcrafted individually by our chefs for exclusive gifting.)

Hamper includes sweets in flavurs: Le Pistache, Figgy Almond, Silver Cashew, Wheaty Bar, Gur Mewa: Rosette Del Leche

The Gift Of Love - Gift Card Voucher Denominations start from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000

PLEASE NOTE 

• Hampers will be delivered from 9 am to 10 pm 

• All hamper orders need to be placed 48 hours in advance 

• Bulk orders need to be placed 5 days in advance

• The delivery fee will be applied to orders beyond a 10-kilometer radius

• Customize your Hamper by calling 022 6882 8888 or WhatsApp on +91 9136981955

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers effortless elegance and sophistication. Just a short drive from Mumbai's international and domestic airports, the luxury hotel makes for an ideal destination for business and stay. Our 5-star hotel accommodation features 588 spacious rooms with pillow top beds, marble bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as generous work desks and 24-hour room service. Our Hotel’s dining options reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. Romano’s, JW Café, JW Lounge and JW Baking Co. showcase the gastronomic prowess of the talent we have at JW Sahar.  Our 29,837 sq.ft. of indoor conventional and meeting spaces are a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality and world-class audio visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends its host of therapies so one can experience holistic wellness. Visit us online on www.jwmumbai.com. For social media updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on @JWSahar. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus. 

Design | Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia South Goa Gets A Ballroom So Grand, It Can Accommodate Your Most Exquisite Dreams

South Goa Gets A Ballroom So Grand, It Can Accommodate Your Most Exquisite Dreams

Whether its lavish weddings, glitzy galas or even team-building conferences, ballrooms provide the perfect setting to host the most glamorous and talked-about occasions of our lifetimes. And now, those looking to make the Sunshine State, Goa, their destination of choice for a social or professional can opt for the Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, one of Goa’s finest hotels, which is all set to launch South Goa’s largest ballroom – The Grand Ballroom. Spread across 7,000 sq ft., the ballroom is Goa’s grandest, which has the capacity to accommodate in excess of 1000 guests.

The capacious hotel is home to a ballroom with sparkling crystal chandeliers, priceless fresco paintings, and gilded ceilings – creating a statement of grandeur and luxury. Being the largest convention space in South Goa, this palatial venue is a perfect blend of modern and contemporary sensibilities making it the preferred address for destination weddings.

The Grand Ballroom offers an unmatched experience, in sync with the luxury style statement made by the Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia. Featuring 181 rooms spread over 20 acres of lush gardens and swaying palm trees, the hotel is decked out with Mediterranean-theme-styled villas that reflect Goan Portuguese architecture.

Dennis D’Costa, General Manager of Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia, is both excited and proud of the new expansive inclusion to the hotel. “It’s with great pride that Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia announces the biggest, most luxurious ballroom in all of South Goa. Every feature has been mindfully planned, so as to create memorable experiences for our guests.”

For those looking to tie the knot in the midst of a calming oasis, there are a handful of things as magical as saying “I Do” with a picturesque coastline as the backdrop, the waves crashing and    swelling in the distance, and a slight breeze in your hair. With Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia, your idea of a wedding in the great outdoors is bolstered by the combination of casual and intimate, which can be an appealing draw for your guests.

The venue’s private beach, and numerous event venues of all sizes will meet your needs, whether you’re hosting a wedding of 25 guests or 500. The exquisite resort is guaranteed to give you memories that will last for a lifetime to come.

Navratra Special Menu | Celebrate nine days of bliss with special navratri thali at infinity, crowne plaza new delhi mayur vihar noida

CELEBRATE NINE DAYS OF BLISS WITH SPECIAL NAVRATRI THALI AT INFINITY, CROWNE PLAZA NEW DELHI MAYUR VIHAR NOIDA

Navratri is the season of fasting and feasting is here, and there's no better place to celebrate it, but at Infinity! Feasting on vrat-friendly food during Navratri was never this interesting, as we bring you a satvik cuisine in a traditional thali for a satiating dining experience.

The chefs have put together many delightful offerings in their special vrat thali like Sabudana Tikki, Khas Khas Aloo, Shahi Jeera Paneer, Makhane Churmur Chat, for you to devour a wholesome meal. This thali is going to be everything you need to make this Navratri special and a memorable one.

So just drop in at the Infinity restaurant and be a part of their gastronomic affair by yourself.

Venue: Infinity, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida

Date: October 07th- 14th, 2021 Timings: 12pm -11pm

Price: Rs 999 plus taxes per person

Josh launches ‘Club Josh’ @ SOCIAL, bringing together India’s top bands and content creators

Josh launches ‘Club Josh’ @ SOCIAL, bringing together India’s top bands and content creators under one roof

~First edition kicks off at antiSOCIAL, Mumbai on 8th October~

Mumbai, October, 2021: Josh, India’s fastest-growing and most engaged short-video app, has announced the launch of its third IP ‘Club Josh’ @ SOCIAL. In collaboration with SOCIAL, Josh and path-breaking urban hangout and collaborative workspace – SOCIAL, a part of India’s leading food & experiences company Impresario Handmade Restaurants would host exclusive musical evenings at various cities across the country, wherein top creators from Josh and leading Indian musicians come together for a never-seen-before collaboration in music. The first edition of Club Josh at SOCIAL kickstarts at antiSOCIAL, Mumbai on 8th October. Headlining the main act would be hip-hop rapper duo Seedhe Maut who also plan on dropping their new album to the audience this Friday evening. Other leading artists performing would be Tienas and BLUnt. 

Club Josh will feature artists from across the country showcasing the best of the Indian music landscape at SOCIAL outposts across India in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh and Indore. Artists across languages and genres such as Indie, Pop, Hip Hop, Bollywood & Electronic will be seen performing month on month, celebrating the diversity across genres. Some of the artists that are part of the lineup include Ankur Tewari, Raghu Dixit, When Chai Met Toast, Shalmali Kholgade, Prabh Deep, Benny Dayal, Papon, to name a few.

With the exclusivity provided by Josh, content creators will get a chance to meet, greet and learn from India’s best performers, while getting a platform to showcase their talent and creativity to a bunch of enthusiastic youngsters. Aimed at bringing together India’s leading musicians and entertainers under the same roof, Club Josh @ SOCIAL would create synergies between creators and bands to rock the local party scene.

Speaking on the collaboration, Seher Bedi, Head of Josh Studios said, “We are very excited to launch our newest IP ‘Club Josh’ @ SOCIAL in a first and exclusive collaboration with a hospitality brand, where we look at bringing together the best bands and creators to jazz up weekend scenes. Music-based content is diverse in possibilities, from singing and dancing to catchy fashion trends and travel videos –music forms the backdrop and enhances the entire experience of content consumption. In this sense, we are thrilled to be working with SOCIAL to bring together the best creators and musicians from across the country, for evenings of good music, content creation, and exciting collaborations.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Alexander Valladares, Chief Marketing Officer, Impresario Handmade Restaurants says, “SOCIAL always puts a premium on bringing communities together. And as allies of the Indian indie music industry, it was natural for us to join hands with Josh to showcase homegrown talent across our outposts. The idea behind Club Josh @ SOCIAL is to engage the full spectrum of the music ecosystem by giving a platform to popular and grass-root talent. It has been interesting for our team to work together and curate a line-up that is not just refreshing but also forward-thinking. This collaboration brings together the three cohorts of our community - artists, content creators and our patrons - providing all of them a great opportunity to engage, collaborate and enjoy.” 

Club Josh at SOCIAL that kicks off in Mumbai this Friday, will travel to several other SOCIAL outposts across India over the next few months, giving creators and musicians a platform to create and curate incredible Live music experiences for the audience.

ABOUT JOSH

Josh is a made-in-India, short-video app launched in August 2020 by VerSe Innovation. It represents a confluence of India's top 1000+ best creators, 20000 strong managed community of creators, the 10 biggest music labels, 15+ million UGC creators, best in class content creation tools, the hottest entertainment formats, and formidable user demographics. Josh has been consistently rated as the leading Indian short-video app in India on the Play store with 100 million+ downloads. Josh is currently the fastest growing and most engaged short-video app in India with 115+ million MAUs (Monthly Active Users) and 56+ million DAUs (Daily Active Users).

ABOUT SOCIAL

SOCIAL is a path-breaking urban hangout that’s designed to take you offline while still keeping you connected. From an all-day café serving great food, coffee, and cocktails, SOCIAL transforms from this creatively charged collaborative space into a high energy bar when work hours end, striking the perfect balance between work x play. Each outpost is a representation of the neighbourhood it resides in, from the pincode to the people. It’s a second home, workplace, and hangout, all wrapped up in one mind-blowing experience.

ABOUT IMPRESARIO HANDMADE RESTAURANTS

Impresario Handmade Restaurants was founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha – Coffees & Conversations. Today, Impresario boasts a network of 58 restaurants across 16 Indian cities and multiple brands. Its umbrella of brands includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Goodness to Go, Salt Water Café, BOSS Burger, Hung-Li, Lucknowee, Ishaara, Slink & Bardot, Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît, Prithvi Cafe, and Mocha. The company’s core strength lies in understanding the changing dining out habits of young India and delivering quality experiences tailored to delight its patrons.

Glenmorangie | Glenmorangie captures the joy of cake in a whisky

CakeTails by pastry chef Dominique Ansel bring its indulgent taste alive in cake form ---

National, October 2021: Glenmorangie today celebrates the joy of a cake moment in a sweet and indulgent single malt Scotch whisky. Inspired by favorite memories of baking, birthdays and more, Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake celebrates all that is good about cake. And so delicious is this limited-edition whisky’s flavours of honey, white chocolate and fruit, that award-winning pastry chef Dominique Ansel has dreamt up a cake and cocktail pairing – a “CakeTail” – in its honour.

Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake began when Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, found himself musing over how some of his most joyful memories involved cake – from baking with his granny, to the pineapple upside down cake his daughter made him for his birthday. Dreaming of encapsulating cake’s magic in a single malt whisky, he experimented by finishing Glenmorangie in Tokaji dessert wine casks. Skilfully layering their sweet, honeyed notes with Glenmorangie’s smooth, fruity character, Dr Bill created Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake. 

Of course, this single malt tastes particularly delicious alongside real cake, which is why Glenmorangie has paired up with Dominique Ansel. Like Dr Bill, the pastry chef hailed as “the Willy Wonka of New York”, has a passion for exploring new tastes (take for example his world-famous Cronut® – a donut-croissant hybrid). Imagining how he could bring cake and whisky together; he created a unique twist on a pineapple boat cake inspired by Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake. Paired with a pineapple Old Fashioned cocktail by expert mixologist Jeremy Le Blanche, it makes a deliciously indulgent CakeTail. What is more, Dominique and Jeremy have also invented CakeTail pairings to celebrate three of Glenmorangie’s most-loved whiskies: The Original, The Lasanta and The Quinta Ruban. 

Glenmorangie’s CakeTail pairings will be available to a lucky few from his bakery in New York. But to make sure everyone can indulge, Dominique and Jeremy will also share versions that are easy to recreate at home, in a series of short films released on Glenmorangie’s social channels.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation, The Glenmorangie Company said, “Like so many of us, some of my favourite memories come from cake, whether it be helping my granny in her kitchen, or the pineapple birthday cake my daughter surprised me with one year. By finishing whisky in Tokaji wine casks, I’ve captured the joy of those indulgent cake moments in Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake. The liquid is a rich copper, but the taste is pure technicolour, luscious, sweet and complex with multi-layered bursts of honey, white chocolate and fruits with a hint of mint. As you might expect, it tastes incredible when enjoyed with actual cake, so it’s fantastic to see Dominique bring it to life in his CakeTails.”

Dominique said, “When I first tried Glenmorangie, it opened my senses to this amazing world of colour, texture, taste, and aroma ̶ it’s a new adventure each time. I never guessed I could enjoy whisky this much, but there is friendliness to the way Glenmorangie tastes. Baking and whisky making are different worlds but they have a lot in common. If you stir Dr. Bill’s passion for single malt with my love for cake, you get the best of both our worlds!”

Glenmorangie's A Tale of Cake is available from October 2021 in select cities across the country. Visit Glenmorangie on Instagram to see Dominique Ansel’s creations come to life. 

Product Price: 

Mumbai: INR 12500

Gurgaon:  INR  6500 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake is bottled at 46% ABV

Colour: Rich copper

Nose: Complex, rich and multi-layered, with a burst of passion fruit, peach, pear, mango. More savory notes like baking bread, gentle sappy oak, and a curious, flinty minerality emerge. This is then followed by classic Glenmorangie notes like a honeycomb, vanilla, and almond, with a hint of milk chocolate. With a splash of water, more zesty notes emerge, like apricot, elderflower, flowering currents, honey pollen, and peach syrup. 

Taste: The mouthfeel is surprisingly luscious and tart at the same time, leading into a burst of sweet, candy-like flavors – honey, white chocolate, apricot, almond, vanilla, and pear. This is balanced by a hint of tangy orange and menthol, both classic Glenmorangie flavors.

Finish: The lingering aftertaste again reminds you of a delicious combination of honeycomb, chocolate almond and pecan nuts. 

About Glenmorangie: 

Glenmorangie’s Highland whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast, and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. Known as the Distillers of Tain, they’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. In Scotland’s tallest stills, whose necks are as high as a giraffe, they produce a delicate and fruity spirit, ripe for experimentation. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew is on a mission to bring new flavors and possibilities to the world of single malt.

About Dr. Bill Lumsden:

Dr. Bill Lumsden’s favorite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout his 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the magic of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), a long balmy day in Madeira (Glenmorangie Bacalta), a beautiful barley field near the Distillery (Glenmorangie Allta) and more. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr. Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he is a new entry in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice. 

About the creation of Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake:

Tokaji wines are highly prized dessert wines from the Hungarian region of Tokaj, created using noble-rot grapes. Noble rot fungus ((Botrytis cinerea)) grows in moist conditions, making grapes shrivel up and concentrating their sugars, to create unique flavors. Many years ago, Dr Bill Lumsden, who is fascinated by wine, became intrigued by the cult status of Tokaji wines, with their sweet and distinctively honeyed notes. Sourcing a few casks, he began experimenting and discovered the extraordinarily mellow tastes they could bring to Glenmorangie. Inspired by those early experiments, he revisited Royal Tokaji casks for Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake. He began with the fruity, fragrant spirit distilled in Glenmorangie’s towering copper stills, the tallest in Scotland. With necks the same height as a giraffe, they take Glenmorangie’s whisky on a longer excursion, for a more delicate spirit with more space for taste and aroma. He first aged this spirit in bourbon casks, for Glenmorangie’s signature citrus complexity. Then he transferred the whisky into Tokaji casks to create this limited edition’s wonderful balance of sweet, fruity flavours. 

About Dominique Ansel:

Hailed as the “Willy Wonka of New York”, Dominque Ansel is a ground-breaking pastry chef, who consistently delights cake fans with his innovations. As chef and owner of eponymous bakeries in New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, Dominique has been responsible for creating some of the most fêted pastries in the world, including the croissant-doughnut hybrid known as the Cronut® (named one of TIME Magazine’s “25 Best inventions of 2013”) and many more. A winner of a James Beard award (the James Beard Foundation honours America’s food culture), he was named the World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Food & Wine magazine has called him a “Culinary Van Gogh” while the New York Post dubbed him “Willy Wonka”. He was also named among Business Insider’s Most Innovative People Under 40, one of Crain’s New York Business magazine’s 40 Under 40, and was awarded the prestigious l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, France’s second-highest honour. 

About Jeremy Le Blanche:

With an inventive career in mixology behind him, Jeremy Le Blanche hails from one of the world’s best bars in the UK—German Gymnasium—and is now bringing his world-class libations to New York’s Thyme Bar. Jeremy is passionate about creating cocktails which appeal to all the senses – and making a masterpiece out of each drink. 

About CakeTails:

CakeTails are cocktail and cake pairings inspired by and featuring Glenmorangie’s single malt, to be enjoyed by whisky lovers old and new. Collaborating with Jeremy, Dominique has masterminded four CakeTails, celebrating Glenmorangie's A Tale of Cake and three more of Glenmorangie’s exceptional single malts: Glenmorangie Original, Glenmorangie Lasanta, and Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. The four pairings are detailed below.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers
savor Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines
for alcohol consumption.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangie 

New Outlet | Radisson Hotel Group adds to the festive fervor with the expansion of ‘Meetha’; Introduces premium retail outlet in Mumbai

Following the successful launch of Meetha, a premium offering of curated Indian sweets by Radisson Hotels in Delhi-NCR last year, the Group today announced its expansion in Mumbai where it welcomed its first premium retail outlet at Radisson Mumbai Goregaon. Further launch plans for Meetha include cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Amritsar, Guwahati, and Pune. A medley of special, premium-quality treats curated to add sweetness to festivities, celebrations, and auspicious new beginnings, Meetha is the perfect giveaway for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons.

With the expansion of Meetha, the Group aims to strategically strengthen its Food and Beverages (F&B) portfolio and pioneer innovation in the lucrative branded mithai (sweets) industry in India. The high-quality mithais are freshly made using the finest, handpicked ingredients and are currently available for takeaway or home delivery in Mumbai and Delhi NCR.

“We are pleased to strengthen our F&B portfolio by introducing Meetha. India’s ever-growing branded mithai industry offers a significant opportunity in the premium space and we are ready to unlock this potential with Meetha. We are encouraged by the response to our first retail outlet and will continue to expand the offering across India while evolving it into a strong revenue stream for enhancing the Group’s market positioning in the country. Meetha is a significant enabler that’s steering us ahead in this direction,” said Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

The first Meetha retail outlet at Radisson Mumbai Goregaon embodies the festive spirit of India with state-of-the-art design and premium look and feel. The outlet is managed by a passionate team of all-women professionals, who are called Meetha Ambassadors and this practice would be carried on to future Meetha outlets. Guests have the option to select from a wide variety of 60 mithais, including vegan and sugar-free options, made à la minute using the finest ingredients. The orders can be personalized depending on the requirements and occasion. The outlet offers over 15 packaging options of Meetha suitable for various occasions like weddings, festivities, social and corporate gifting with an exclusive Classic Rose Gold packaging for liquid Bengali mithais. The orders are available for take away or door-step delivery which is facilitated keeping all safety protocols in mind.

“We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group for launching India’s first Meetha outlet. We are pleased with how the concept has taken shape and the overwhelming response from the guests during the first 10 days of its opening. We are positive that the Group’s operational expertise and brand reputation would establish Meetha as the go-to choice for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons,” said Mr. Rafiq Balwa, Director, Balwa Group.

The Meetha menu and its signature recipes are curated by Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia. Guests can choose from an assortment of collections, including Premium, Classic, Festive, Baby Shower, Corporate, and Weddings which are priced between INR 700 – 2,500 per box.

“Meetha is really close to our hearts. While traditional mithais will always be the core of Meetha, through consumer insights, we recognized that our guests also want to experiment with the classics. Keeping the upcoming festivities and wedding season in mind, we have given an innovative twist to classic mithais and introduced Mocha Milk cake and Red Velvet Cheese Laddoo to the menu along with an artisanal range which includes options like Rose Petal Gulkand Laddoo and Mewa Gur Laddoo,” said, Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia..

Special Menu | ‘Bong Connection’ food festival at Edesia this Durga Pujo at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

Get transported to the City Of Joy with ‘Bong Connection’ food festival at Edesia this Durga Pujo

New Delhi: Keeping up with its strong culinary game and bringing home flavours from across the world, the culinary team at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is gearing up for a Bengali Food Festival called “Bong Connection” at the hotel’s all-day diner Edesia from 9th October to 15th October, 2021.

The highly-anticipated Bengali food festival during Durga Puja will enable the diners to revel in the celebrations as it will feature signature specialties of the award winning guest chef – Chef Rangonath Mukherjee who has travelled all the way from Kolkata to ensure that quintessential authentic Bengali cuisine is prepared and plated to perfection for this festival.

Chef Mukherjee will team up with Pradipt Sinha, Director of Food and Beverage at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla and his talented team at Edesia to create a special bespoke Bengali Buffet dinner & Delivery – complete with special live counters, a dedicated dessert section and an ambience that will surely transport you to the City of Joy. 

Throwing light on the idea behind hosting the food festival, Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla says, “Durga Pujo festivities are incomplete without quintessential Bengali delicacies. With Pandal celebrations going low key for yet another year, we decided to curate an experiential culinary event that celebrates the culture of Bengal, the essence of Pujo festivities and authentic food in the safe and hygienic environment. A replica of a Pandal in the hues of crimson red and white with beats of Dhak in the background will add to the charm of the festival. We will ensure that you don’t miss the festivities of Durga Pujo during such times.”

The cyclic menu will offer more that 70 mouth-watering Bengali delicacies on a rotational basis with signature dishes such as Chicken Kabiraji, Gandharaj Betki Fry, Mochar Chop, Chingri Malai Curry, Mutton Dak Bunglow, Chanar Dalna, Bhapa Illish. Sukhtoni, Kathi Rolls, Puchkas, Vegetable Chop, Doi Begun, Phulkopir Sunihari, Gondhoraj Ghol, Posto Murgi, Bhaja Mosladiye Aloor Dum, Ghee Bhat, Basanti Pulao, Mishti Doi and many more to satiate the cravings of both vegetarian and non vegetarian guests.

According to Pradipt Sinha, Director of Food & Beverage, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, “The charm of Bengali cooking lies in its exquisite blend of traditional spices and delicately timed processes of cooking. The delicacies will be prepared with staple ingredients from Bengali households such as mustard paste, panch phoran, gondhoraj lebu, poppy seeds and mustard oil to retain the aromas and nutty flavours of the region. I am sure the Probashi Bengalis will love this spread as much as I enjoyed curating this menu.“

Apart from the Pandal hopping experience, a special ‘Coffee House’ has been set up at one corner of the restaurant as an ode to iconic Coffee House in College street- the flag bearer of modern India’s intellectual and literary movements.  What’s more? – A dedication to Bengali cinema, few instagrammable moments around Yellow Taxis and Trams and traditional Alpona motifs and Chandmalas.

Celebrating the authentic food of Bengal, the indulgent menu will be available as part of the dinner buffet at Edesia daily from 7.00 pm until 11.30pm at a special price of INR 1745+ taxes. The menu is also available for Takeaway and for Home Delivery via Swiggy and Zomato.