J&K government, OYO launch homestays project with 75 villages

Encouraging startup entrepreneurship under the 'Crown of Incredible India' project, it has planned 200 homestays planned in a year in the state

Aiming to uplift the lives of local communities and help the youths of the state become startup entrepreneurs, OYO has partnered with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to launch a state-wide initiative – ‘Crown of Incredible India’. Under this collaborative approach, OYO will partner with the government’s ‘Mission Youth’ programme to open homestays across 75 villages to promote entrepreneurship and create self-employment opportunities.

The Mission Youth initiative of the J&K Government provides a platform to local youth under multiple schemes. It offers financial assistance, last-mile infrastructure and accessibility to promote sustainable livelihood.

This initiative includes supporting the provision of Livelihood Generation, Skill Development, Education, Counseling and Rehabilitation, Sports and Recreation etc. In its efforts to promote rural tourism, the ‘Tourist village network’ includes 75 villages identified on scenic beauty, landscape, cultural diversity, and heritage parameters. OYO will provide its tech platform to onboard homestays and boost the local economy. J&K Govt under Mission Youth will support 500 youth for establishing homestay, and INR 50,000 financial assistance per homestay will be provided for refurbishment. The venture will help build a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, inaugurated the ‘Crown of Incredible India’ project. It aims to operationalise upto 200 home stays in Udhampur, Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Doda and other underpenetrated districts in the next year. The company will expand its network across 75 villages under ‘Mission Youth’. OYO will assist in the training of existing and potential homeowners on responsible hosting, hospitality standards, hygiene and basic amenities. OYO will provide a constant stream of guests to these home stays by listing and promoting them on OYO’s customer app.

In addition, the homestays will also be listed on OYO’s website and multiple Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms. The homestays owners will also be able to use OYO’s technology to run the operations and customer service through the company’s simple to use homeowner facing Co-OYO app. This partnership is a part of OYO’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism across India and empower underserved communities in the process.

The homestay owners in Jammu & Kashmir are primarily engaged in agricultural activities, making it a key source of their income. This includes apple, saffron, corn and walnut cultivation, which are the mainstays of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy. In a background where many migrated to towns, OYO’s rural-home-stay initiative will provide a valuable opportunity for these households to generate more income with minimum additional investment.

The concerted efforts made by the government of Jammu and Kashmir have already started showing results, with many private players from India already investing in the Union Territory. The government regularly organises summer and winter festivals, exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts, handloom, cuisine, sanctions for ropeway projects,  and efforts for new cable car projects at Pahalgam, Shiv Khori and Gulmarg are supporting the local economy.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, said, “Rural homestays in MP, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra have started to rival conventional tourism. This partnership marks the start of a new chapter. OYO has made a great start to onboard J&K’s rural homestays on their platform. Our Mission Youth department has identified 75 villages under the Tourist Village Network, each with its distinct identity. They will partner with OYO, not just to generate jobs, but to improve the local economy and infrastructure. I am announcing that for those youth in this program, who want to start their homestays, we will support them through an incentive of INR 50,000 each.”

He further added, “Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, J&K is today the 6th largest tourist destination in India in terms of tourist influx. It has created both jobs and revenue. In Aug-Nov 2021, the state witnessed 52 lakh tourists, growing by the day. With this project, OYO plans to start with 20 homestays, of which ten are already live. I am hoping, as committed, Ritesh will ensure that 200 of our homestays are on their platform by December. This will provide both national and international tourists with the opportunity to experience and live the culture and tradition of JK. We will be able to create the most well developed rural tourism circuit.”

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO, said, “We, at OYO, are thrilled to be a part of the unique tourism opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir, and are excited to welcome travellers visiting the state for unique stay experience at these homestays. We are proud to extend our partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Government to generate economic and employment opportunities in the district. The ‘Crown of Incredible India’ will enable socio-economic development, helping people become Atmanirbhar.”

Since entering Jammu & Kashmir in 2015, OYO has hosted thousands of guests at the hotels on its platform while ensuring higher earnings for 140+ hotels and homeowners. The company has further created direct and indirect economic opportunities for 500+ people. Many such patrons have started multiple hotels since joining the OYO family. According to OYO Travelopedia, a travel trend report, in 2022, 61% of Indians would prefer to go local and explore domestic destinations surrounded by nature which is reassuring to boost rural tourism in India. With revenge travel picking up, especially among millennials and Gen Z, Jammu & Kashmir is among the favorite destinations in the North. The affordable tariffs for rooms at OYO rural homestays will cater to experiential and immersive travelers. These come with all basic room amenities, great views, and an opportunity for travelers to experience Kashmiri life in its truest form. These homestay kitchens and dining spaces are stocked with Kashmiri food, including traditional bread – Khambir, local fruits and Kahwa.

The ITC Hotels app, a one-stop destination for guests, debuted

Gourmet food delivery, room reservations, table reservations and loyalty membership management are enabled through this App

Keeping pace with the dynamically changing consumer preferences, ITC’s Hotel Group have launched an app. Through this guests will be able to access services like room reservations, restaurant reservations, food delivery and takeaway, loyalty membership essentials and much more across ITC Hotels, Welcomhotels and select Fortune Hotels. 

The ITC Hotels App enables guests to book their stay at over 55 hotels and resorts through a simple process giving them access to the best rates. 

Club ITC members can also save up to 10% on room reservations through Club ITC exclusive member rates and earn and redeem Club ITC Green Points for their stays booked directly. 

Club ITC members can earn 500 bonus Green Points for materialized room reservations as an exclusive limited time offer. Business travellers can book their stays at their organisations contracted corporate rates via the App, making the whole reservation process hassle-free and easily accessible at all times. 

Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, stated, “The new ITC Hotels mobile app is a natural progression for the brand that prides itself on moving with the times and serving its customers in the most modern and efficient way possible. We are living in a digital world and want our guests to enjoy the ITC Hotels experience with the convenience, efficacy, innovative and interactive interface that the new ITC Hotels app offers, along with multiple benefits and privileges.”

The App enables food delivery and takeaway across 14 cities — Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Agra, Jaipur, Vadodara, Amritsar, Coimbatore, (Bhubaneswar and Guntur coming soon). Whether you are planning a leisurely lunch, coffee with friends or a celebratory dinner, scores of options are available on the App, just a click away. 

Guests can now order home their favourites from the iconic cuisine brands through Gourmet Couch – ITC Hotels pan India food delivery initiative via the App. Guests can order through a Common Cart where they can place an order from multiple signature menus in one order, order combos or curated set menus. 

To add to guests’ gourmet experience is the ease of table reservations at 75 plus restaurants at ITC Hotels & Welcomhotels at just one touch on the App. 

Members of Club ITC and those who hold the Club ITC Culinaire membership have reason to celebrate the new App as it manages the account on their phones and keeps track of member’s points, transactions, tier status and much more. Guests can earn and redeem Club ITC points on eligible orders, gift a meal, or schedule using the new App. For those who want a new Club ITC membership, the App enables easy and free registrations instantly, welcoming them to enjoy the membership benefits. 

BOSS Burger creates first-of-its-kind Bolly-inspired Reel Campaign #HitHaiBOSS

BOSS Burger creates first-of-its-kind Bolly-inspired Reel Campaign #HitHaiBOSS

#HitHaiBOSS combines the quirkiness of BOSS Burger with the drama of Bollywood 

February 2022: BOSS Burger pays homage to some of the timeless boss moments and boss people from Bollywood. When you hear the words 'BOSS Burger', you know that you are going to get a burger that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. Inspired by the over-the-top Bollywood persona that we all know and love, BOSS Burger brings that irresistible drama to life in the form of delicious burgers, sides and more. Their #HitHaiBOSS campaign captures exactly that with fun, bite-sized, Bollywood-inspired Instagram reels.

Taking a leaf out of iconic Bollywood movies, BOSS Burger adds a foodie twist to unforgettable dialogues through the #HitHaiBOSS campaign. Each reel is dedicated to one of BOSS's delicious, dramatic burgers. 'Sara sheher mujhe Loin ke naam se janta hai - Tenderloin' is for the BOSS Signature Tenderloin Burger, 'Mona tum zara side hona, ab hamari zindagi main Lucy aa gayi hai' highlighted the Juicy Lucy Mutton Burger, while the Holy Guacamole Burger was linked to Gabbar’s iconic dialogue ‘Holi Kab Hai?’. BOSS Burger even got legendary actor Ajit Khan’s son Shehzad Khan to feature in a quirky reel, co-starring the Tenderloin Burger. The campaign turned out to be so popular (reaching 10Mn+ Instagram users) that BOSS decided to go regional, and capture the fancy of Sandalwood audiences with famous Kannada dialogues. Combining the spontaneity of Instagram reels with boss dialogues, the #HitHaiBOSS campaign engaged audiences in a fun, quirky and entertaining manner. 

Some of the prominent Reels are:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4JqPVB7My/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY_EzQchmIf/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYq7FpJB-MX/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLyIn4F8kH/

Alexander Valladares, Chief Marketing Officer, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, says, “BOSS Burger has always been a dramatic, over-the-top burger, bundled with a lot of quirk. Right from its corrugated hard box packaging with fun messaging to the unique flavours, our burgers come fully loaded with crispy patties, flavourful sauces and more - they are generous and messy in the best way possible. The campaign came alive, paying an ode to renowned bollywood dialogues through Instagram reels. Reels have currently got people hooked so we thought - why not leverage that?”

Roshni Kavina, National Creative Head, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, says, "Reels are a part of our everyday reality.  They are addictive and are curated entertainment shorties at our thumb tips. Merging entertainment with hospitality is what we ace here at Impresario, so promoting BOSS BURGERS on the most engaging platform was an obvious choice. Reels might not have the reach of television commercials but they certainly have no spill overs, engage the exact audience we want to tartare, are cost effective and with a little bit of planning they can be extremely effective for brand growth. Our fresh approach for the BOSS BURGER campaign not only spiralled into thousands of engaging and personalised approaches to our brave story but our customers took ownership of it. Exactly what we wanted. Reels are the new commercials and we are happy to be one of the first ones to ride that wave in the Indian markets.”

For the legendary campaign, BOSS Burger engaged creators from various fields such as food, fashion and even fitness. Everyone from celebrities to VJs to Youtubers to nano and micro influencers came together to give their own unique twist to BOSS Burger's quirky, humourous custom dialogues.  The traction of the campaign resulted in an immediate uptake in orders. #HitHaiBOSS brought the charm of Bollywood to the new age Instagram reels and did a bun-derful job. 

About BOSS Burger

Launched by the same company behind SOCIAL and Smoke House Deli, BOSS Burger is a new cloud kitchen brand that ensures the same attention to detail via exceptional flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a superior brand experience that consumers expect from Impresario Handmade Restaurants. Currently operational in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chandigarh, Indore, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi and Bangalore, these burgers aren't just great, they’re BOSS.

About Impresario Handmade Restaurants

Impresario Handmade Restaurants was founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha - Coffees & Conversations. Today, Impresario boasts of a network of 59 restaurants across 16 Indian cities and multiple brands. Its umbrella of brands includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Goodness to Go, Salt Water Cafe, Ishaara, Slink & Bardot, Souffle S’il Vous Plait, Prithvi Cafe, and Mocha. The company’s core strength lies in understanding the changing dining habits of young India and delivering quality experiences tailored to delight its patrons.

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts introduces refreshed brand identity and plans expansion

New Delhi,  January, 2022: Country Inn Hotels & Resorts that own and operate mid-market hotels and resorts in well-established locations like Jim Corbett, Haridwar and Bhimtal, is all set to expand its footprint in more than 12 other locations in 2022, including Goa, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Varanasi and Vrindavan. The company recently launched a brand new logo and identity, and plan to have 20 hotels in the portfolio by the end of 2023. The most recent introduction to the portfolio was Country Inn Tarika Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett, brand’s second resort in the location.

The new logo representation with a lotus symbolizes warmth and hospitality which is the core ideology of the brand. Each Country Inn hotel display lush green nature in its unique backdrop and is set in natural junction flanked by great Himalayan Mountains, alongside tranquil lakes, in the midst of virgin forests or bordering wildlife sanctuaries to offer friendly experiences and for redefining family holidays. The new logo and identity also resonates with the brand’s vision of having hotels in serene destinations.

The brand’s recently launched Country Inn Tarika Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett is set in the natural surroundings, only 25 meters away from the Kosi River. With proximity to the forest and areas of interest, views of the scenic mountains, inspirational architecture and landscaped gardens, the resort offers a fusion of nature and adventure. It features an outdoor swimming pool, play area, a unique bonfire set-up and two dining outlets including The Courtyard, multi-cuisine restaurant and The Kebab Factory where one can relish an unlimited feast of the most celebrated Indian kebabs and curries.

Commenting on these developments for Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand, Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality said “We are excited about our brand’s fresh vision, identity and the expansion plans. It’s a crucial time for the tourism industry and with the unwavering increase in domestic travel in last few years, we see an enormous potential for our Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand. We plan to grow our portfolio exponentially, making it a leading mid-market resort brand known for its quality of service.”

About Country Inn Hotels & Resorts

Country Inn Hotels and Resorts brand is a part of Espire Group, the owning company of the recently opened Six Senses Fort Barwara in Ranthambore. The resorts are strategically located in destinations that are best suited for adventure, discovery, and at the places that inspire the soul. Each resort display lush green nature in its unique backdrop and is set in natural junction flanked by great Himalayan mountains, alongside tranquil lakes, in the midst of virgin forests or bordering wildlife sanctuaries to offer friendly experiences and for redefining family holidays.

About Espire Hospitality

Espire Hospitality is the owning company of India’s newest luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and are progressing towards the launch of a new brand which will be a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. There are 20 hotels and resorts in the pipeline, due to open in next 2 to 3 years.

ITC Grand Central now available through ITC App

ITC Grand Central now available through ITC App

Signature menu delights are now delivered to the doorsteps of our beloved guests through various delivery platforms available. To ensure the experience of our guests is put together with the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and speed; ITC hotels app is definitely one best choice to make.

Explore an epicurean Sojourn at home, showcasing exclusive delicacies through the ITC app. A variety of menu is available in the ITC app, to which one can decide picking from the option they want to treat their taste buds to. Few names to list from the widely loved dark kitchen options available in the ITC app are Gourmet Couch by ITC Grand Central, Biryani & Pulao collection by ITC hotels, Tiffin Tales~ South Indian Stories, Nutmeg ~ the gourmet shop and much more.

If one would love to tease their palates with wide varieties of Asian & Frontier flavours ‘Gourmet Couch’ can definitely be the right option, ‘Local love’ and ‘Indian cuisine classics’ are available in the Flavours curated by ITC Grand Central menu. As the name suggests the online restaurant ‘Biryani & Pulao collection by ITC hotels, flavourful options of vegetarian and chicken offerings in the signature biryanis are available. To name a few we have Bibi ka murgh pulao, Kale moti pulao, Nimona mirch pulao and much more.

Nutmeg is the gourmet shop available through the ITC app, which highlights cake collection, treats for one, nostalgic bakes, classic tea cakes and jars of indulgence. If you ae in a mood to take a bite of the delightfully handcrafted vanilla pistachio rolls, hazelnut and Dark chocolate cream rolls, lemon meringue tart. Tropical fruit pastry, gateau and much more, do not think twice; Nutmeg is the right go to option.

At ITC Grand Central we just don’t deliver food but, we bring signature experiences to ones’ doorsteps. Indulge in a gourmet food affair, right in the comfort of your home through the easy ITC app.
Download now and order from the ITC hotels app, and taste the finest culinary experiences put together with the highest standards of food safety.

McDonald’s India - North & East introduces new Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer Grilled Burgers, inspired by local Indian flavours

December 2021, New Delhi: Inspired by India’s popular casual dining dishes, McDonald’s India – North and East has added a makhani twist to the menu with the introduction of two new grilled burgers - Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer. These new burgers perfectly blend authentic Indian taste with international burger style that is sure to delight the hearts and tastebuds of customers across North and East India.

Both the burgers come with grilled patties oozing with deliciousness in every bite. The Butter chicken grilled burger is a sumptuous treat for chicken lovers. This burger comes with a premium, juicy grilled chicken patty topped with rich makhani sauce, layered with shredded onions and placed between freshly toasted premium buns with black and white sesame seeds.

The Butter paneer grilled burger has a mildly spiced grilled paneer patty topped with makhani sauce, sprinkled with shredded onions for the perfect crunch and placed between freshly toasted premium buns with black and white sesame seeds. The makhani sauce is made with butter, tomato, onion, garlic with a hint of fenugreek and a blend of carefully selected high quality, locally sourced ingredients, giving the burgers a truly makhani flavour.

“We have a proud legacy of bringing in authentic local flavours to meet the needs of our customers. Our new burger line-up is tastefully crafted, delicious culinary that will tickle the palates and provide gastronomic pleasure to our guests looking for authentic Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer tastes”, said Rajeev Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer, McDonald’s India – North and East.

Butter chicken grilled and butter paneer grilled burgers will be available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India* through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, McDonald’s app and through McDelivery (including Swiggy, Zomato and Magic Pin).

With Food safety and quality always at the core, all McDonald’s products go through comprehensive quality checks, from farm to table, so that the customers can enjoy safe and delicious food every time they choose McDonald’s. As a commitment to quality and safety in the current times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced the Global ‘Safety+’ program that includes nearly 50-plus process changes in the restaurant operations. Safety+ is a Global system of enhanced hygiene and safety practices that help ensure that every part of the McDonald’s experience is safe for its customers and employees. It builds on more than six decades of safety-first leadership in McDonald’s restaurants.

*Some locations in North and East India may not be serving the Butter Paneer and Butter Chicken grilled burgers due to some limitations. Please check with the restaurant staff for availability.

About McDonald’s India - North and East: McDonald’s restaurants in North and East of India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. McDonald’s is committed to delivering the highest quality restaurant experience to its customers in India and serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients sourced locally. McDonald’s serves millions of customers annually at its 150 restaurants across North and East of India and provides direct employment to more than 5,000 people. With a customer-centric approach, McDonald’s operates through a variety of formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, Drive-thru’s, 24/7 restaurants, McDelivery for customer convenience and experience.

Drools collaborates with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Chef Vikas Khanna to introduce Gourmet Bites for Pets

New Delhi, December 2021: Drools, India's leading pet food brand collaborates with celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Chef Vikas Khanna to launch Drools Gourmet Bites. To address the predicament pet parents constantly face of having to serve mundane and tasteless food to their pets, the brand has dished out two new super food varieties in association with these World Class Chefs. Very Veggie Chicken is a recipe of chicken chunks flavored with a healthy serving of pumpkin, brussel sprouts and french beans to make sure taste and health conjoin and Very Berry Chicken, a meal of chicken chunks flavored with a nutritious mix of blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries, giving it a tropical fruity twist.

Drools has witnessed a tremendous change, where families now consider canines not just as mere guard dogs but as a member of the family. People are now becoming more affectionate, sensitive and considerate towards their dogs. Catering to the dogs' health as much as their own, they understand how dietary changes can make an impact on their pets' health. These internationally acclaimed chefs known to make gourmet food for people are now entering the pet-food industry to provide the same nourishment, nutrition and love that goes into preparing meals. Drools aim to blend taste with innovation while also factoring in nutritional content as they launch these gourmet meals for pets. Prioritizing pets’ health the two variants contain super ingredients rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids-Omega 3 & 6, which promote skin and coat health, maintain pets joint health, and control tartar build-up.

Drools is committed to the betterment of pets' health and is synonymous in the pet-food industry for 100% real and clean ingredients and revolutionary recipes that ensure complete nutrition. The brand has spread its footprint internationally and is available in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Nigeria, UAE, and Tanzania.

Sharing his views on the innovative new recipes for Gourmet Bites, Dr. Shashank Sinha, National Sales Director, Drools said, “Drools objective is to provide unique solutions for those nurturing pets with new and healthy recipes. We are exhilarated to announce the launch of these two new formulas of taste and health mashed into one with the help of world renowned chefs, Sanjeev Kapoor and Vikas Khanna. This collaboration is anticipated to create tides of growth.”

Sanjeev Kapoor a celebrated face of Indian Cuisine currently runs a very successful TV show in FoodFood. He has hosted Khana Khazana for more than 17 years, has sold more than 150 cookbooks and is the winner of several culinary awards. Commenting on the new collaboration, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “Having contributed to the food industry all these years, it is an honour to also be able to add to the pet-food sector and introduce a completely new recipe for dogs. Amalgamating health and taste at the helm of innovation with super vegetables and chicken, I am proud to present Gourmet Bites with Drools and look forward to strengthening this bond further. ”

A Michelin star chef for the last six consecutive years, Vikas Khanna specialises in Indian cuisine. His major accomplishments include being a judge on Star Plus and Masterchef India. He has gained respect in the industry as a top-tier restaurateur and a cookbook writer. He is currently based out of New York and is making an impact across the globe. Providing his insight on this opportunity to associate with Drools, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “I’ve always had a soft spot for dogs and have realised over time that they get bored by their usual meal routines. My dog, Plum, is also very picky and choosy on certain days and just doesn’t eat. This new Gourmet Bites recipe has been inspired by a special mix of berries and chicken that I make for her at home and I am thrilled to bring it to the market with Drools.”

About Drools

Drools, one of India’s leading pet food brands established in 2010 by Fahim Sultan is the flagship brand of DROOLS PET FOOD PRIVATE LIMITED. Over the last decade, the brand has successfully become the second-largest company in the sector of pet nutrition in India. With the strength of 700+ employees, Drools has over 20,000 outlets pan India. As part of the IB Group, Drools has over 35 years of extensive experience in the field of animal nutrition.

As a leading manufacturer of specialised pet food, it aims at providing a complete and balanced diet which delivers all the essential nutrients. All products contain Real and Clean ingredients with no by-products or fillers, no artificial colours or flavours and undergo rigorous quality checks. The raw materials and ingredients used in the products are of the highest quality. The production facilities are ISO 9001:2000 certified and in sync with global standards. The plant uses German machinery and a vacuum coating process to ensure the highest quality of food.

Drools consistently endeavours to provide the best quality nutrition and products to pets. The brand understands the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet for a pet’s growth hence their in-house team of vets and nutritionists formulate the product which then undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure superior quality food, specific to the growing needs of pets. Owing to the time invested in extensive research, Drools ensures in all its products a consistent taste, better digestibility and absorption. Furthermore, the products promote muscle development, improve immunity, strengthen bones and maintain joint health.

Indulge in Root to Shoot at Hornby’s Pavilion- ITC Grand Central

Indulge in Root to Shoot at Hornby’s Pavilion- ITC Grand Central.

Hornby’s Pavilion at ITC Grand Central introduces unique dishes based on the concept of Root to

shoot where every part of ingredient is utilized to create a dish and nothing goes to waste from the

plant. These dishes shall be featured on the dinner buffet along with the communique specifically

developed for the programme.

The Root to Shoot explains the need of the nutrients from every bit of the vegetables. This exactly

means the usage of every part of the sapling produce. On the other hand, this also contributes to the

zero wastage of the vegetables like potato peels which are rich in fiber, Broccoli stalks which are rich

in calcium and iron, etc.

We are growing lots of perfectly edible food, then wasting most of it. Most disturbingly, the practice

is so ingrained in us that we do not even notice it. When it comes to fruit, vegetables, and herbs, we

desperately need to revise our perspective of edibility. So many edible parts of common plants are

needlessly discarded. It is easy to become focused on the primary growth of our plants at the

expense of everything else, but as growers and consumers, it only takes a small aperture in our

thinking to open up a world of culinary possibilities.

For this reason, we want to bring back root-to-shoot eating. A very simple initiative, eat more of it.

Every lovely leaf, precious peel, and the nutrient-packed stem has a wealth of valuable nutrients to

enjoy.

Experience few Root to Shoot delicacies that can be usually spotted during dinner at Hornby’s

Pavilion citrus fruits’ zests over cookies or muffins, enhanced cocktails with an extra twist by infusing

the spirits with fresh fruit or vegetable peels and skins, in soups and stocks, in slaws, fried or pickled.

Shoots ; leaves are usually used in handcrafting Chips, sauces and much more

Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma launches ‘Jhakaas’a new delivery brand in London

Jhakaas, a modern Indian delivery brand created during lockdown, has launched its first bricks and mortar site on Brockley Rise in London.

Rajasthan born Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma recently launched a new delivery service and Home dining experience with his new brand Jhakaas in London that brings fine Indian food.

The kitchen is led and owned by Chef Dayashankar Sharma who brings his Michelin-starred experience and gives a contemporary twist to some popular classics. Jhakaas, a modern Indian delivery brand created during lockdown, has launched its first bricks and mortar site on Brockley Rise in London.

Trained from honing an impeccable reputation right from the beginning across 32 years of culinary experience, Chef Dayashankar Sharma has become recognized for pairing time-honored tradition with contemporary ideas and creating his food with full commitment and passion for every occasion. Opening nine months to the day after Heritage, Jhakaas offers a food menu that takes its inspiration from India’s four major cities – Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Chennai. The site is described by the brand as designed “in the style of the myriad urban cafes that line the streets of India’s major cities.” 

With the opening of Jhakaas, Chef Sharma also announces hiring new and young talent from hospitality sector in India for his London projects. He is collaborating with hospitality institutes across India to give them a great experience platform in UK. Chef Sharma will soon be starting a organic lentils and fruit brand in India through which he wants to offer employment to many other.  Chef has been closely associated with various hospitality insitutions in India and have been tirelessly educating students about hospitality skills. Chef Sharma believes that Indian Students have a bright future in F&B sector across globe if given right guidance and platforms.

Executive Chef Dayashankar Sharma says, “Jhakaas means ‘epic’ or ‘superb’ in Hindi, which is a pretty accurate description of its epic street food-style menu if you ask us. Everthing tastes authentic and home-cooked, not too heavy and heavy with spice. This food is very close to my heart – I have spent many years developing dishes that my mother taught me as a child, and taken inspiration from my early career at some of the finishe establishments in India”.

The Rajputana and Rajputana Grill both offer plenty of meaty offerings, such as Punjabi butter chicken and Varhadi poussin saag aloo, while vegan bundle includes tofu saag, lasooni tadka dal, mini nutty samosas, warm rotis and a fantastic spiced tomato and fried aubergine dish.

New Launch | SOCIAL launches a brand new outpost in Malad

SOCIAL launches a brand new outpost in Malad

The 29th outpost of the iconic brand is an ode to the cultural cocktail of the suburb.

Mumbai, December 2021: The Mumbai that you see today has gone through the motions. What started out as a sleepy fishing colony with multiple islands is now a megacity that never sleeps. Where bustling villages reside, tall buildings also thrive. Although commerce has been the backbone of the city, culture has been the soul. 

The North Mumbai suburb of Malad is no different; a suburb which the ethnic communities of Kolis, Bhandaris and East Indians call home. Beaches like Aksa and Manori are go-to spots for the residents. Close to the shore and the sky, the IT boom in the late 90’s saw Malad become the base for IT and call centre boom Mindspace, while the iconic Inorbit Mall became the first mall of the suburbs. 

Malad is thus a melting pot that represents Mumbai itself, where the old and new not just meet each other, but blend together seamlessly. 

It’s of little wonder then that SOCIAL’s 29th outlet in the country and 13th in Mumbai happens to be in the manic yet measured suburb of Malad. Paying homage to the duality of the suburb and bringing alive the topography of the region, the interiors of the outpost are broken into levels to promise guests a sense of privacy while still feeling one with the crowd. The outlet décor reflects a birds-eye view of the city – this design experience gives an illusion of space like never seen before. “We’re exploring the materiality of the outpost through signature cod-ten steel and natural stone inlays that embellish the classic SOCIAL vibe. The raw feel is balanced through a massive green wall on the other side, with bold graphics flanking the ceiling and metal, talking of the context of Malads's evolution.” say architects Faizan Khatri and Samir Raut of studio eight twentythree, who helmed the project.

SOCIAL and its parent company Impresario have always kept hyperlocal culture at the heart of what they do. Speaking of the launch, Riyaaz Amlani, CEO & MD, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, says, “SOCIAL’s unique identity has been solidified over the last eight years as a community space, where culture, creativity, and community collide, and we’re very excited to bring it to the modern yet diverse neighbourhood of Malad. The neighbourhood will be pumped to have a collaborative space which is not only functional but also fun at its very core! Whether it’s for a work meeting over a cup of coffee or a weekend wind-down with the gang, SOCIAL is everything an all-day café needs it to be.”

Over the years, SOCIAL has also become synonymous with trailblazing experiences that have made it one of the most exciting F&B brands in the country. “SOCIAL is all about creating an engaging offline experience, and that thought is taken forward even in our food and drinks menu. Whether it’s our inventive cocktails of the legendary 1,000ml Longest Long Island Iced Tea (L.L.I.I.T), or our quirky dishes like the Black Label Butter Chicken or Tandoori Pizzas, the offerings try to involve diners in an experience that's more immersive. Malad SOCIAL is all set to become the neighbourhood’s go-to community space and we’re thrilled for the neighbourhood to experience everything India loves about SOCIAL - the food, the drinks, the workspace, the community, and the gigs,” says Mayank Bhatt, Business Head, SOCIAL.

Famous for putting an experimental spin on classic dishes, going through the SOCIAL menu is no less than going on a culinary adventure. Malad SOCIAL will serve the iconic Breakfast Trays, Munchies, China Boxes, and legendary Biryanis, along with cocktails like Asia Sour, Gin Julep, The Pink Pound, Mars Attack and more that make patrons keep coming back for round 2! 

Entering the buzzing heart of Malad at Inorbit Mall, it’s about time that #MaladGetsSOCIAL, with the outpost opening to the public from xx onwards on December 10, 2021. 

We’ll #SeeYouAtsSOCIAL then?

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 60 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.

Chandiwala Launches Scholarship Scheme For Hospitality

Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology launch Shri Rajindera Kumar Memorial Scholarship for hospitality students. This scholarship aims to provide financial support to one of the deserving meritorious and underprivileged students every year.  This Memorial Scholarship Fund will offer renewable, four-year scholarships to students with financial needs who display academic achievement.  

With the launch of this scholarship scheme, BCIHMCT has now taken a giant stride to promote hospitality education in the nation and to promote the academic journey of budding hoteliers. 

The scholarship scheme is one of the biggest philanthropic acts and pioneering efforts by Late Shri Rajindera Kumar’s family along with the management of Banarsidas Chandiwala Hotel Management Institute. 

The special scholarship scheme is in the name of Late Shri Rajindera Kumar, The Director, Ambassador Hotel New Delhi, who was the greatest doyen and legend of the hospitality industry and a prominent figure in the national capital’s hospitality industry for many decades now.  

He was elected President for FHRAI as President in 2009-10. His leadership style and thoughtful advocacy and PR were admired by one and all. He was truly an ambassador for the entire hospitality industry and the nation. He was an advocate of knowledge-sharing and an accomplished groundbreaker. Shri Kumar was a man ahead of his time, very disciplined and straightforward during his lifetime. 

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts successfully launches COLORS OF OBLU in India

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts successfully launches COLORS OF OBLU in India

The group’s Chief Commercial Officer Stephane Laguette and Vice President of Communications Sarah Walker Kerr spearheaded the operations in the country with a series of roadshows in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai

To give joyfully, you must give with your heart and soul. And with that sentiment, Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, a thriving hospitality group from the Maldives enters India to launch their sub-brand COLORS OF OBLU. With a strong portfolio in the archipelago destination, the group’s Chief Commercial Officer Stephane Laguette and Vice President of Communications Sarah Walker Kerr ecstatically indulged in a series of roadshows in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai recently. 

Stephane and Sarah were in the country to launch the upcoming two new resorts under the sub-brand ‘COLOURS OF OBLU’ that promises a holistic experience par excellence to the guests. Their odyssey through the metro cities echoed with promises of more to come. The group’s intuitive expanse currently indulges in their ‘Joy of Giving’ philosophy through six resorts within the Maldives and is now extending their hospitality in the azure waters with the launch of two new resorts - OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi in February and March 2022 respectively.

This Indian Ocean hospitality brand comes with a vision to embody the true essence of hospitality through its human-centric approach. On spreading their horizons to the Indian market, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts will soon be announcing their India development plans that further strengthen the inbound tourism from India.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Launches New Family Jungle Bubble Lodge

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Launches New Family Jungle Bubble Lodge

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand introduced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travellers to spend the night observing majestic elephants in their natural habitat while staying in unique transparent Jungle Bubbles. Now the luxury resort is giving families and small groups of friends the inimitable opportunity to revel in this bucket list experience together, from the comfort of a brand-new two-bedroom Jungle Bubble Lodge.

Located in a lush jungle on the banks of the Ruak River, the Jungle Bubble Lodge accommodates up to four guests in 150 square metres of indoors and outdoors living space and is perched on a raised wooden deck offering uninterrupted views of rescued elephants and stargazing at night.

At a glance:

• Guests at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort can purchase the Jungle Bubble Lodge experience as an optional activity and spend the night from dusk till dawn, returning to the hotel in the morning.

• The fully climate-controlled Jungle Bubble Lodge consists of two bedrooms under a transparent roof, each with a king bed and an enclosed nontransparent en-suite shower and vanity; and a living room under a transparent roof with comfortable lounge furnishings, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. Outside an 80 square meters wooden deck offers ample space for quality family and elephant viewing times with separate al fresco lounging and dining areas and plunge pool.

• Guests spending the night in the Jungle Bubble Lodge can participate in unique optional elephant experiences, including waking up in the early morning mist and joining the elephants on their morning walk through the jungle to the banks of the Ruak River, where the frolics and fun of a river bath demonstrate just how cheeky these graceful animals can be.

Gordon Ramsay opens pizza restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm

Gordon Ramsay has opened his third restaurant in Dubai – Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza. Envisioned as a more relaxed venue, Street Pizza offers unlimited pizza by the slice and will host live DJ performances every night of the week.

The new outlet will be next to his existing Bread Street Kitchen in Atlantis, The Palm. Made in the showcase central pizza oven, guests can choose from five pizza combinations. Signatures include Margherita, pepperoni, charred aubergine, and corn and chorizo, along with a daily special, with options including pulled lamb or wild mushroom.

Ramsay said: “Pizza doesn’t need to be complicated, and I’m ready to introduce Dubai to simple, delicious bottomless pizza – served by the slice so guests can enjoy as much of our signature toppings as they like. I believe in supporting growth, and more importantly, opening really great places for people to eat and have fun. I invite everyone to come and enjoy fantastic pizza, listen to the best DJs, and have an amazing time.”

His other Dubai restaurant – Hell’s Kitchen – is at Caesar’s Palace on Bluewater’s Island and is at a different price point to his two Atlantis outposts. His new outlet offers bottomless pizza for AED95.

Atlantis has 35 individual restaurants, bars and a beach club, with venues from Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Locatelli. The resort serves 4.4 million dining guests every year and, with the addition of Atlantis, The Royal in 2021, Atlantis Dubai will be home to more celebrity chef outposts than any hotel in the world. 

NEW LAUNCH | Cocoberry soon to announce FMCG products, to open 200 outlets

10 outlets are already in line and will be opened soon, covering Srinagar, Dimapur, Nagaland, Kolkata, and Faridabad.

The frozen yoghurt chain Cocoberry is expanding into the FMCG sector. The products are right now in stealth mode and will be launched in Q3 2022. The company wants to expand to 200 outlets in India, mostly company-owned. The company is expanding after a decade of operations in Delhi NCR while having a very strong and retained customer base. There are 10 outlets that are already in line and will be opened soon, covering Srinagar, Dimapur, Nagaland, Kolkata, and Faridabad. Launched in 2009, Cocoberry specialises in frozen fresh yoghurts and also offers beverages, sandwiches, and more.

“An acquired taste strategy is adopted and the outlet is opened to its customers. Once they begin to flow, a basic market activation and a successful launch are undertaken. Month on month, growth is recorded,” Laksh Yadav, CEO, Cocoberry India commented.

Yadav informed that the brand is showing better response in tier 2 cities as well. “If I compare to Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, for a brand that resides in South Delhi and in a niche area of Delhi, Gurgaon, or Noida, we have been further working in Srinagar, Kanpur, and Jamshedpur, and right now we are opening in Dimapur and Kolkata as well” he added. The company is working with a lot of tier 2 cities, and they are showing a good response.

India's frozen dessert market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 19 percent by 2023, on the back of rising GDP per capita and growing demand from expanding middle-class population.

While choosing locations, Yadav stated that with a vision for each outlet to perform for a longer time, the company purposely give up on the mall location because of the management changes, the rental changes etc. “I would say the first thing we look for is a good high street in a good residential area, and that is how we get good retention. For example, I would prefer GK1 market over Saket mall,” he added.

For each outlet to reach its break-even point it takes roughly around 18 to 24 months, rentals being the major factor. “For a franchise to break even, since our capex is quite low compared to the other brands, I have to compare them with any other brand. That is the only way a franchise would understand,” he commented.

New Launch | Chef Vicky Ratnani launches gourmet burger brand

Ratnani and his team plan to expand Speak Burgers, an online delivery brand, across Mumbai and then India.

Chef Vicky Ratnani along with actor Kashishh Rajput, and entrepreneur Alberto Bestonso has announced the launch of a new burger brand, Speak Burgers. Currently operating out of Pali Hill in Bandra, Mumbai, Ratnani and his team plan to expand this delivery brand across the city and then across the country.

Speak Burgers is presently equipped to handle about 200-300 orders per day, and the brand plans to have a company-owned central kitchen in every city and franchise at least 10 outlets in each city. “We will supply the franchise outlets with our products to ensure quality and consistency,’ Ratnani informed.

Ratnani feels that burgers have tremendous potential in India. “Looking at the growth of the other international burger brands in India which have shown that this is a over a billion-dollar industry and I think burgers are the future vada pav,” he added.

The Indian market is expanding now more than ever and global brands are finding this to be the perfect time to tap into the market. As of now, there are only a few burger chains that have made their presence felt. With Speak Burgers, the team aims to give the consumers an authentic premium gourmet burgers experience.

“The most important aspect for the burgers to reach the customers in perfect condition is the bun. At Speak Burgers, we have put in lots of research and efforts to create a perfect bun that has the perfect blend of taste, texture and consistency, which can hold the sauces and toppings without breaking, becoming soggy like most other burgers. The patties and the cooking process were developed to ensure that they stay crisp and retain flavour till they are eaten,” Ratnani added.

Their menu includes a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The non-vegetarian burger menu consists of some of Ratnani’s signature personal favourites such as the Harissa Lamb Burger, Baja Style Beer Batter Fish Burger and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger served in freshly baked Brioche Buns. For vegetarians, Chef has crafted a special menu consisting of Italian Grilled Veg Burger, Mother Earth Mushroom Burger, Pesto Paneer Burger, to name a few, which are served in a unique light, Peppered Potato Bun.

New Launch | The Leela Gandhinagar introduces bespoke staycation packages

The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced three bespoke staycation packages for families of all kinds, that are sure to create memories during this festive time.

For a family that enjoys spending time together and yet loves individual spaces, the hotel offers the ‘Togetherness’ package. This includes a family stay in interconnecting rooms and more space for a memorable time together.

To add a luxurious indulgence to your stay, book the ‘Suite Life’ package. This offers families with children a lavish stay - a Royal Suite for parents and Premier Club Room for the children. The stay is complemented with a special high tea and a delectable spread.

Rekindle romance with your special one while staying at this luxurious hotel. Book the ‘Intimate Escape’ package for a extravagant stay, including a seven-course dining experience, exclusive access to Royal Club Lounge and afternoon tea / coffee.

All three packages come inclusive of meals, advantage of early check-in and late check-out and a host of other services.

“Following the successful opening of the hotel, we have been receiving great feedback and a lot of warmth from our guests. Our special inaugural package drove very good response with staycations for guests from the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. We are sure that our festive-special packages will serve as great options for our guests to enjoy a festive indulgence while staying with us.” said Jaideep Anand, Vice President and General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar.

The Leela Gandhinagar is the first luxury hotel in India to be built on the airspace of a conventional railway station, 22 metres above the ground. The 318-room property combines modernity with subtle inspirations from local Gujarat architecture and culture and sits proudly atop the railway tracks.
The hotel also offers the finest in gourmet fare at various dining alternatives spanning a host of cuisines, served in picturesque environs.

To ensure that every guest stay is not only the most memorable but also the safest, the hotel has implemented enhanced safety and hygiene protocols under ‘Suraksha by The Leela’ - a comprehensive safety program in partnership with Bureau Veritas. The Leela Gandhinagar also has a 100% vaccinated workforce reassuring guests of complete safety in their care.

NEWs | Pride Group of Hotels introduces staycations, keeping the ‘new normal’ in mind

These getaways are customisable and available at their city hotels and resorts.

Staycations became popular after the pandemic began due to the restriction and risks involved in long-distance travel. Now people are going on vacation in the same city to break the monotony of working from home, kids' online classes, or hectic household tasks.
The Pride Group Of Hotels has also introduced staycation packages to offer safe revenge travel. These ultra-luxe packages are safe, wellness-curated, and customized as per the traveler’s need. With the Staycation offers, guests can now explore the same city like a tourist at a drivable distance and is budget-friendly.

These stays are available at their properties in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Pune, Indore, Udaipur and at their resorts in Jaipur, Goa, Puri, Gangtok, Rajkot, Bharatpur, Dapoli, Mussoorie, etc

NEWS | Ibis launches its third and largest property in Mumbai

Located in Vikhroli, the new property has 249 rooms, which are designed in six different themes, capturing Mumbai’s essence.

ibis, the smart economy hospitality brand from the Accor portfolio, has launched its third and largest property in Mumbai – ibis Mumbai Vikhroli. Located in the corporate hub of Mumbai, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new-generation design hotel reflects symbols inspired by “Aamchi Mumbai” culture for the new-age traveler.

The property is conveniently situated 10 km from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and 5 km from the Ghatkopar Metro Station.

The 15-floor ibis Mumbai Vikhroli features 249 comfortable rooms with large windows, stylish wardrobes, sleek TV panels and the much loved ‘Sweet Bed’ by ibis. The rooms are designed in six different themes, featuring the city’s heartbeat - the local train, its pride- the Dabbawalas, the beautiful Mumbai skyline, royal lifestyle of the Maratha empire, flamingos- migratory birds that flock to Mumbai, and Kolam- a traditional form of art drawn using rice flour.

New Launch | VLCC | Minor Hotels to Launch Media-Spa Wellness Facility in Partnership with VLCC at Avani+ Hua Hin in January 2022

Minor Hotels to Launch Media-Spa Wellness Facility in Partnership with VLCC at Avani+ Hua Hin in January 2022

Minor Hotels is delighted to announce the launch of the Medi-Spa Wellness Facility in Partnership with VLCC at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in early 2022.

Minor Hotels has partnered with India’s leading wellness & beauty services and products brand, VLCC to pioneer the concept of wellness in its truest form. Minor’s first partnership with VLCC, the therapeutic and wellness center is set to launch in January 2022 at Avani Spa in the upscale Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

As Thailand prepares to fully reopen its borders to vaccinated international guests, the opening coincides with heightened demand for wellness travel to Thailand. VLCC Wellness will offer programs that combine traditional techniques with modern medical diagnostic treatments along with tailored exercise and nutrition regimens to deliver all-encompassing results. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in a holistic retreat, enjoying head-to-toe aesthetic and medical treatments during 3 to 21-night residential packages.