Student-Operated Restaurant Le Bellevue awarded 16 Gault Millau Points

Bakery chain L’Opéra ended the year 2022 on a delightful note, as it launched the latest addition to its collection of French Cafés and Patisseries in the city.

Located in an oasis right in the hustle of Delhi, at the hub of culture, this newest outlet is present at the iconic Bikaner House with a most stunning view.

Overseeing the lush green gardens and the French vibe which L’Opéra has always been known to spread, this Café is the perfect spot for any purpose ranging from a lavish business or leisure breakfast to a full authentic menu of French dishes or just for a tea or coffee, or an evening get together with loved ones.

Staying true to its name, The Art Café is designed with French aesthetics and beauty. On its walls are magnificent pieces of art which instantly draw on to the Café. Accompanied by a generous menu consisting of Soups including the world-famous Onion Soup, French classics such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, Salads, Quiches, Crêpes, savoury meals such as Risotto, Pasta, and Pizza just to name a few, along with its exclusive menu of drinks and desserts, this place is definitely a must visit for all.

Brainchild of Frenchman Laurent Samandari, who envisioned the demand for authentic, high-quality French bakery & pastry products while on an internship in India. Later, Laurent’s parents, Kazem & Christine Samandari also joined him to help make his vision a reality. The family is actively involved in running the business & maintaining the high standards of service and excellence that it has set for itself. 

India’s fastest-growing hospitality chain, V&RO Hospitality won honours at the latest ‘Restaurant Awards 2023’ Bengaluru Edition with Taki Taki and Mirage winning multiple awards and CEO & Co-Founder Dawn Thomas being recognised as the Young Restaurateur Of The Year 2023.  

V&RO’s popular Japanese Restaurant - Taki Taki was recognised as the Best Foreign Cuisine Stand–Alone/Chain Restaurant of the Year (Pan-Asian/Chinese/Italian/Mexican/American). Their crown jewel brand, Mirage, was also recognised as the Best Gastro-Pub/Restro-Bar with Outstanding Ambience and Interiors Awards.

“The year couldn’t have started on a better note for us than this. Any recognition by industry peers is special and a testament to our efforts in offering food connoisseurs the best in different cuisines. These recognitions will inspire us to offer the best experience to our patrons as we move into newer markets across the country and abroad.” said Dawn Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of V&RO Hospitality

Taki Taki has become synonymous with Pan-Asian cuisine in Bengaluru and Mumbai. It has become the go-to place for food lovers to celebrate the finest Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine. Known for its opulent ambiance, bespoke cocktails, and world-class cuisine.

V&RO hospitality owns some upscale bars and restaurants across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ooty.

Some of their brands include Badmaash Lounge, Mirage, Plan B, Taki Taki & Cafe Noir. V&RO is on an expansion drive nationally and internationally, with brands such as Badmaash, Cafe Noir, and Taki Taki being the pioneers in pitching the V&RO flag in uncharted territories. 

India’s only Registered Restaurant Award Show – “Restaurant Awards 2023” Bengaluru Edition, is one of the most prestigious awards for the Food & Beverage sector organised by Franchise India and www.restaurantindia.in in media partnership with Retailer Magazine and Charity Partner Feeding India Zomato.

The ‘Restaurant Awards’ premium focus is to create recognition for various industry experts who are a part of this affluent industry. The awards create a platform for Indian players to showcase their expertise and gain prominence by acknowledging outstanding creativity, customer service, and top-quality dining in India.

A one-of-its-kind Indian restaurant in Mumbai, Taftoon Bar & Kitchen engenders a gastronomic journey from Kabul to the ancient site of Chittagong and is an ode to the flavours of the Grand Trunk Road, Asia's oldest and most fascinating highway, is all set to bring its unique flavours to the people of Powai.

The restaurant with its raw and simple experiential concept is a culinary journey that spans not just geographical regions, but time ranging from BCE to a period 100 years ago.

Located in the cool and always bustling Hiranandani Gardens locality, the restaurant will level up Powai like never before. The kitchen of the one-of-its-kind Indian restaurant is helmed by not one but three master chefs hailing from different regions of India, bringing a variety of cultures, authenticity, and uniqueness to the menu. Being one of the few Indian restaurants, Taftoon gave Mumbaikars the chance, and now its time for the residents of Powai, to sample unexplored dishes and savour the sublime experience that highlights the ceaseless stream from Kabul and Peshawar in the West through the heart and hinterlands of northern India, to Kolkata in the East.

Flour, saffron, and cardamom infuse freshly leavened bread in the small bakeries scattered across Kabul to Kolkata: Taftoon, is a place wherein culture, traditions, and cuisines are brought together through an exploration of authentic recipes recreated for the modern-day audience. A meal at Taftoon is to experience an overland journey of the northern axis of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th Century- warm, filling, an aromatic flatbread that binds disparate regions, a gourmet experience that transports you back in time!

After a successful stint with The Urban Foundry, Meraki Hospitality is back with another unique F&B venue, Bharat Bhavan that reflects the heritahe of ‘Bharat’ in its menu.

"We are excited to begin this new journey. The concept of Bharat Bhavan comes from a genuine place in our hearts that wants to honour our heritage. We are attempting to revisit our roots with some old-school techniques, local sourcing from the farms of Bharat, and highlighting some underrepresented regional cuisine,” shared Sangram Shirole and Hrishikesh Shinde from Meraki Hospitality.

Bharat Bhavan offers a wide range of Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian dishes from across the country.

The Restaurant puts forth a beverage menu that focuses on ‘rasa’ or taste while staying true to the core concept of Bharat Bhavan inspired by the native ingredients, flavours and stories from different regions of India.

Understanding the vibe and culture of Pune while maintaining the brand value, Bharat Bhavan is here to provide Pune with a wholesome Indian dining experience.

Kolkata-based legacy restaurant chain Aminia is all gearing up for expansion.

Known for their Awadhi Style biryani and kebabs, it is opening a new outlet at Siliguri. Spread across 3,000 sqft, it aims to spread the Kolkata-style biryani in other cities.

The brand is also aiming at opening 12 outlets in eastern India by 2024 and has Guwahati, Jamshedpur and Chandennagore outlets in the pipeline.

The first outlet was brought into existence in 1929 in Zakaria Street serving the famous Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow. Today, Aminia, is being run by its third and fourth generation.

“All our restaurants are company-owned and operated. Even for our outlets outside of Kolkata, we will stick to this in order to maintain the quality of our products and prevent the dilution of our heritage brand,” shared a spokesperson who is targeting a turnover of Rs 55-60 crore in FY 2022-23.

Aminia, being a legacy of 90 years, has been profoundly emphasizing on its taste and aromatic chemistry of the spices that blend in perfectly. Besides this, Aminia has its butchery to make sure that only fresh and hand-picked meat is being consumed by our clientele.

Hilton expands its DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio in India with the recent conversion of Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square to DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square.

With this addition, there are now nine DoubleTree by Hilton properties in India. Guests will continue to experience exceptional hospitality, now with the DoubleTree signature warm welcome and the brand’s caring service from July 11^th, 2021.

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is owned by Baani Technology Services Pvt. Ltd. and managed by Hilton.

“As we continue to find opportunities to deliver the light and warmth of hospitality in India, we remain committed to bringing the right brands to the right markets at the right time. With its ideal location, popular restaurants and bars and backed by an experienced Hilton team, we are confident this hotel will achieve even greater heights in offering exceptional guest experiences,” shared Navjit Ahluwalia, senior vice president and country head, Hilton India.    

Over the past eight years, the hotel has established itself as an ideal destination amongst business and leisure guests with its central location close to Baani Square's shopping boutiques and restaurants, and steps away from Good Earth City Center.

The hotel underwent a series of renovations and upgrades, including a reconfiguration of the lobby to provide more spaciousness and seamless access to the café and all-day dining restaurant Glasshouse, which has been upgraded with new flooring and ambient lighting. Vibe: The Skybar, known for its iconic panoramic views and fashionable edge, now offers handcrafted cocktails to be enjoyed alongside international bar bites with a local twist, such as Blue Cheese MalaiTikka, Boti Sliders and more.

The 201 guest rooms now feature 55-inch SMART TV and updated contemporary design touches in line with the DoubleTree brand.

“We are committed to providing outstanding service to our guests and will continue to do so,” added Virendra K Bhatia of Baani Group.

As part of the Hilton’s Travel with Purpose initiative, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is committed to reducing its environmental impact through green practices in maintenance, services and products.

“While we have achieved a great new look, our values and beliefs have not changed. Our commitment to service and a culture of care is what sets DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square apart. Our guests can enjoy a memorable experience with DoubleTree’s celebrated approach to hospitality, starting with the brand’s signature, warm DoubleTree cookie,” added Jai Chugh,General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square.

Ankur Bhatia, the Executive Director of Bird Group, that own and operate Roseate Hotel group passed away on Friday, 4th June because of the cardiac arrest.

A pioneer in hospitality, travel tech, aviation, retail and education industries for his visionary approach and myriad businesses- he was a man of perfection in all the business he did- the most celebrated Roseate Hotel Group.

"It is with profound grief that we inform you about the sudden demise of our beloved Dr Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group. Dr. Bhatia (48) suffered a massive cardiac arrest this morning and succumbed to it," shared a official statement from Bird Group.

Bhatia is also known for bringing the Amadeus brand to India in 1994, which celebrates 27 successful years of operations in India this year. Bird Hospitality Services owns and operates six luxury properties in India and the UK, apart from many other ventures – including the country’s first natural and perennial indoor ice-skating rink, iSKATE (Gurugram).

With the passing of Bhatia, the industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest minds and warmest hearts. Sharing on his Instagram post, Newyork-based Michelin-Starred Indian chef Suvir Saran who is among one of Bhatia’s close friends who went to school together at Modern School Vasant Vihar shared, “What a man Ankur was. What a wonderful friend. What a visionary mind and businessman. What a doting husband. What a loving father. Shocking, the news of his sudden passing. Horrid at best.”

Remembering him on the sudden demise, Chef Nishant Choubey who worked very closely with Bhatia by being the chef at his hotel few years ago added, “I have worked with Mr. Bhatia for more than 8 years, he was a visionary and very energetic, he always welcomed new ideas and always believed to invest in the team!! Every time we interacted it was for a reason. As much as he was flamboyant there is a humour factor that was inherent. I miss him forever and I am deeply hurt with the demise.”

As the coronavirus cases are on rise, the Maharashtra government on Monday issued an order re-stressing the need for hotels, restaurants, and other public places to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

Also Read: Restaurants in Pune to close by 10 pm, no delivery post 11

The order issued by the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Sitaram Kunte said that social, political and religious gatherings will not be allowed. He also limited the number of people in any such gatherings including hotels and restaurants.

The statement also mentioned that violation of the rules would result in closure of the premises.

Last week, the government announced restaurants and hotels to operate till 10 PM, whereas allowing deliveries to be made by 11 at the night.

Amidst all the chaos and surprises that 2020 had in store for restaurants, Ardor 2.1 is coming back in the market and they are bringing with them something super delicious and amazingly healthy.

Since keeping safe and immune from the virus is everyone’s top priority right now, Ardor 2.1 is coming up with their Vedic Thali that is made using natural immunity boosters like Haldi, Amla, Tulsi, Bharangi, Echinacea , Mulethi, Shankhapushpi and so many more.

Natural Ayurvedic Ingredients, are best known to man since the last 5000 years as the best Immunity Boosters and hence this thali is prepared keeping that in mind.

Also Read: Healthy food start-up Salad Days sees huge potential in Delhi-NCR

Not just the ingredients, but this thali has been more safe and healthy by preparing it in clay pots, the traditional method of cooking, which makes the food so digestive that all of it will be digested in not more than 3-4 hours. 

In addition to the food, Ardor 2.1 is keeping a strict check on the overall safety and health precautions. Every guest, along with their belongings is sanitised, and all the tables are cleaned and re-sanitised after the guests leave.

Also, to maintain safe distance between the tables, they have been placed at a considerable distance with transparent acrylic partitions between tables. 

Must Read: 

They are also providing contactless ordering and payment options, along with camera access to their kitchen on your phones (optional).

And the best part is that these cuties are giving a complimentary starter and a 100% cash back gift voucher against the bill to their first 1,000 customers and a 100% cash back voucher to their next 9,000 guests. Aren’t they the best?!

Delhi’s one of the favourite Pure Vegetarian Restaurant,  Imly- A Chatpata Stopover, has opened its gates for dine-in guests at Karol Bagh.

The restaurant is giving whooping 33% discount on dine-in at its outlet.

Located below the Karol bagh metro station, Imly's elegant ambience, warm family vibe and friendly service makes Imly Cafe a foodie’s destination.  

The outlet has made new standard operating procedures to ensure safety and well-being of their customers and its restaurant staff.

The restaurant also practices social distancing between tables, thermal screenings during entrance, frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitisers for employees and customers as per the WHO guidelines.

The Journey of Culinary Train that started from Rajendra Place in 2015 took Delhites by Storm. The vision was always to serve authentic street food with some quirky presentation from all across India under one roof, in a pleasant ambiance.

So, if you wish to have the most delectable street food with safety & hygiene, visit Imly Karol Bagh or you can also order at home through delivery numbers 8743874370 & 9718971867.

The restaurant is doing delivery from their Rajinder Place, Rajouri Garden, Karol Bagh, Ashok Vihar and Jail Road via Zomato, Swiggy.

Corona virus Pandemic has hit Restaurant business at large. We have seen many popular restaurants and bar feeling the hit of the Pandemic resulting in closure of their outlets due to some or the other reasons.

SquareMealFoods that owns popular restaurants Mirchi & Mime and Madeira & Mime has announced the permanent closure of both the restaurants at their current location.

Mirchi & Mime posted this on their social media pages.

The restaurant served its patron for almost 5 years and earned great laurels. These restaurants, first of their kind in India, served exclusively by speech & hearing impaired staff have earned several fans and will be remembered for their uniqueness & warmth.

“With great sadness, we announce the permanent closure of both our restaurants owing to Covid, and subsequent breakdown with our landlord toward amicable lease terms,” said the statement.

Squaremeal Foods opened their first restaurant, Mirchi & Mime in May 2015, serving modern-Indian cuisine and their second, Madeira & Mime in October 2016, a pub with world cuisine comfort food.

“Thank you all, we shall see you again, in a new form, a new date, a new location, to serve you again,” it added.

Hilton Garden Inn reopens their first All-Day-Dining outlet, Glasshouse recently in accordance with the norms put forth by WHO along with the all new menu for a brighter and better experience to each guest.

“We are ready to welcome our esteemed guests with extreme care and precautions and we are confident to enhance the guest experience with the warmth of Hilton hospitality,” said Jai Chugh, the General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn, Gurgaon Baani Square.

The rise of COVID-19 cases in the region has led to stricter measures on hotel food-health safety where Hilton sets a new standard of hotel cleanliness and disinfection.

The cleanliness is not restricted to rooms only, but extends across the entire hotel experience – from arrival to departure. With increased cleaning frequency in public areas, increased focus on high touch points like light switches, elevator push button, remote etc. and evaluation of using new technologies we are sure to stay abreast with the changes and provide a safe experience to all our guests.

Glasshouse is a multi-cuisine outlet serving a selection of hearty meals from local to international cuisines.

The restaurant has also changed its seating rearrangement to maintain a distance of minimum 2 meters, physical menus are replaced with contactless menus with the barcode scanning code at each table, high quality wipes are provided instead of cloth napkins and the tables shall not be preset like before are amongst the few changes that the outlet embraced.

“We have designed an elaborate global menu where we have everything for everyone and that we are sourcing the best and freshest ingredients possible following all hygiene protocols,” added Chef Manoj Rawat.

Almost 70% of hotels and restaurants in India are staring at closure within the next 30 to 45 days, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) warned on Monday after hospitality sector  that is one of the worst sector hit by the corona pandemic failed to get any relief from the government.

India has about 53,000 hotels and 70 lakh restaurants in organised category and 2.3 crore restaurants in unorganised sector, said FHRAI.

“With not even the slightest reassurance, let alone any stimulus or relief package, from the government, the industry is looking at a major catastrophe including massive job loss, bankrupt enterprises and definite closure of at least 70% of hospitality establishments across the country,” shared FHRAI in a statement while urgently seeking a stimulus package to avoid such large scale shutdowns.

“The entire industry is confused, hysterical and in disbelief after listening to the FM’s speech. There was no mention of hospitality and tourism at all. The hospitality and tourism industry generates close to Rs 17 lakh crore contributing roughly 10% of India's GDP and supports over 4.3 crore jobs translating to almost 9% of total employment. The government has chosen to completely ignore us yet again,” pointed Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, FHRAI VP and president of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI).

The tourism and hospitality industry has no cash inflow and does not expect any change in fortunes at leats till mid-2021, depending on the treatment of the pandemic. “Apprehension in people’s minds coupled with a weakened economy will make getting back on our feet without government intervention impossible. Migrants constitute about 65% of hotel industry’s employment and roughly 60% of hotels in the country are in the economy or mid-market segments. With migrants making their way back home, if and when we do resume business, we won’t have the same kind of manpower we had. Our projections indicate that within the next 30 to 45 days as many as 70 per cent of hotels and restaurants put together will close down. The FHRAI calls upon the government for its urgent attention and plead to bail us from this eventuality,” Kohli said

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced today the  opening of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, a free-spirited tropical escape that offers sun, sea, style and sustainability, creating a playful getaway for groups of fun-seeking friends, couples and families. Nestled within the idyllic Emboodhoo Lagoon, SAii Lagoon Maldives forms part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first and only integrated resort and game-changing retreat.

The opening of SAii Lagoon Maldives also marks the debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in South East Asia, and the fifth Curio Collection by Hilton property in Asia Pacific. With a total of 198 rooms and villas, the resort will be Hilton’s third property in the Maldives, making the global hospitality company the largest and longest-running international hotel operator in the Maldives.

“For over 20 years, through the many firsts that Hilton has introduced in the Maldives, we have been sparking travelers’ imagination of waking up right above the Indian Ocean, or dining and even sleeping beneath the crystal-blue sea. In addition to putting the Maldives on the global map, we have brought meaningful opportunities for employment and we continue to make positive contributions to the livelihood and well-being of local communities said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

Just 15 minutes by boat from Malé International Airport, SAii Lagoon Maldives will be an outstanding option for island vacation-seekers on all occasions – from exotic weekend breaks to immersive extended vacations.

Every room at SAii Lagoon Maldives is adorned with a bright, contemporarily eclectic design that reflects the archipelago’s maritime heritage, complete with natural textures, driftwood décor and marine-inspired hues and views. Guests can choose from a series of rooms and villas, including overwater pool villas.

The resort’s innovation is also showcased at its restaurants and bars. Miss Olive Oyl is a vibrant poolside Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, while Mr. Tomyam is an exciting Thai fusion eatery with an open kitchen and alfresco dining areas. bean/Co serves fresh coffee, premium tea and grab and go snacks, including healthy wraps and signature ice cream sticks. Guests will also have access to Café del Mar, the world-famous beach club, which will bring Balearic beats, beach parties and international DJs to the Maldives for the first time.

RI Bureau

Old World Hospitality, which owns award winning restaurant Indian Accent, is planning to open its first restaurant in New York City later this year.

Owned by Rohit Khattar, India's leading hospitality and entertainment professional, Indian Accent has become the top restaurant in the global diaspora.

 "We have been evaluating multiple opportunities and invitations to open in major world cities, but none as exciting as New York. After two years of looking for the right space, our search ends at the beautiful Le Parker Meridien, which will be home to Indian Accent later this year," said Rohit Khattar, Chairman of Old World Hospitality, said. 

Not only this, Old World Hospitality was the first food company to open a restaurant overseas by opening Chor Bizarre in Mayfair, London way back in 1997.

“The decision to open Indian Accent restaurant in New York comes after the success of Indian Accent at The Manor, New Delhi,” added Khattar.

Indian Accent serves Indian food for the 21st century with a unique marriage of global ingredients and techniques with the flavours and traditions of India.

And its path-breaking contemporary Indian menu has been designed by Corporate Chef Manish Mehrotra who is a globally acclaimed and celebrity chef.

"Manish’s creativity is showcased by the unique amalgamation of the freshest local produce combining home style nostalgic tastes with unusual ingredients from across the world", added the release issued by the company.

Indian Accent has won several awards including Saint Pellegrino Best Restaurant in India by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2015.

Meanwhile, Old World Hospitality also operates the hospitality and cultural facilities at Habitat World, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi as well as at Epicentre, Gurgaon.

The company also operates Hotel Broadway and The Manor and over 40 restaurants in India.