Chef Vinesh Johny Celebrated as 'Born Original' Chef in Callebaut's Global Campaign

Chef Vinesh Johny Celebrated as 'Born Original' Chef in Callebaut's Global Campaign

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2024

Callebaut, the home of the finest Belgian chocolate since 1911, proudly launches its 'Born Original' campaign within Asia's vibrant culinary scene by honoring Chef Vinesh Johny as the region's first official Born Original Chef. This initiative celebrates visionary chefs who inspire through their unique culinary journeys and embody originality.

The 'Born Original' concept underscores the deep connection between the brand and the chefs it supports, both true originals in their fields. Callebaut, renowned for its original taste of Belgium, understands the challenges chefs and artisans face and stands by them as they create and innovate.

Chef Vinesh Johny, co-founder of Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts in Bengaluru, India, epitomizes the 'Born Original' ethos. From humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in Indian pastry arts, his story is one of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His first encounter with Callebaut chocolate ignited a fervor for pastry, driving his innovation and creativity.

Reflecting on his journey, Chef Vinesh Johny shared, "I wasn’t made for schools and textbooks, but I was born to use my hands and create. The discovery of quality chocolate was a revelation that set my passion for pastry ablaze. With Callebaut, I've found a medium that allows me to push the boundaries of creativity. Being a part of the Born Original campaign was a very organic collaboration for me personally, and I’m thrilled to be representing Callebaut Born Original in India & Asia."

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa and Chocolate Ingredients, India, emphasized the significance of supporting chefs in their creative endeavors. "Every artisan and chef strives to differentiate themselves and create delights that excite customers. By collaborating with Chef Vinesh Johny, we feel the message will be delivered to our end consumers and create an impact correctly. As chocolate rises in India and the region emerges as the future of chocolate, we stand by our chefs as a steadfast partner, providing the original chocolate they can count on to pursue their passion."

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Xuan-Lai Huynh, Global Brand Leader - Callebaut, added, "We are committed to demonstrating our unwavering dedication to our customers. By prioritizing service excellence and reaffirming our values, we empower chefs and artisans worldwide to continue creating their finest works with Callebaut, the original taste of Belgium."

So far, the campaign has featured stories of Sebastian Pettersson, a pastry chef and chocolatier in Sweden; Anaïs Gaudemer, a floral pastry chef in Brussels; Nicolas Nikolakopoulos, a pastry chef and desserts designer in Greece; and Lungi Mhlanga, a bakery chef in London. Chef Vinesh’s story will go live digitally on June 14, 2024, on the Callebaut global and India channels. The series will emphasize his major role in revolutionizing the Indian pastry landscape and bringing local talent to the global stage.

For more information on Born Original and to discover inspiring recipes, visit www.callebaut.com

About Callebaut:

In 1911, Octaaf Callebaut surprised his brothers by presenting them with his first chocolate, made in secrecy in the heart of the family-owned brewery in Wieze. Octaaf had acquired the craft during a six-month internship with a Parisian chocolate-making company. No one knew.

Octaaf’s entrepreneurial dream would create a big shift for the family company. Octaaf’s recipes quickly found their way to the hearts of Belgian consumers. But the business started taking off when Octaaf and his brother Richard focused on making chocolate for Belgian chocolatiers and professionals.

They created unique and high-quality recipes for professionals such as the 811, the 823, and the W2: iconic chocolate recipes that to this very day are preferred by chefs and artisans around the world. Throughout the years, Callebaut kept perfecting the craft from bean-to-bar and innovated with the very first transportation of liquid chocolate to its customers, the invention of Callets™ made it easier to dose, melt and temper chocolate, the launch of ruby chocolate, and the creation of the NXT dairy-free chocolate for professionals in response to the rise of delicious plant-based products.

In 2011, Callebaut also made a bold shift to sustainable cocoa for all its chocolate recipes, leading to the first fully traceable chocolates in 2020 in partnership with Cocoa Horizons. Throughout all its activities, the spirit of founding father Octaaf Callebaut lingers on. His entrepreneurial spirit – always in pursuit of better – has been the guiding principle for Callebaut to keep feeding the dreams and ambitions of artisans and chefs worldwide. From young starting professionals to mature chocolatiers who want to grow their business, it’s Callebaut’s mission to support artisans in making their mark.


Sip in Style: Yuki’s Tequila Cocktails Hit All the Right Notes

Sip in Style: Yuki’s Tequila Cocktails Hit All the Right Notes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

At Yuki, sipping tequila is no longer just about salt and lime, it’s about exploring bold flavours, subtle aromas, and creative twists inspired by Pan-Asian flair. This stylish spot isn’t just a feast for the palate with its cuisine, but now also delights with a cocktail menu that’s bursting with personality.

Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or just cocktail-curious, Yuki’s mixologists have designed a lineup that balances classic notes with playful innovation. Here’s what’s pouring:

Pandan Teq-Tea

This one’s a game-changer. A gentle blend of tequila, pandan syrup, and a hint of lime creates a smooth, slightly sweet drink with a vanilla-like aroma. It’s soft, fragrant, and a total crowd-pleaser for those who like their cocktails a little off the beaten path.

Summer in Osaka

If summer had a signature drink, this would be it. Imagine tequila meeting creamy toasted coconut, refreshing coconut water, earthy matcha crème, and a dusting of beetroot. The result? A layered, tropical cocktail that feels like a warm breeze with every sip.

Tuk Tuk Tom

This one’s for the bold-hearted. Inspired by Southeast Asian street flavors, it brings the iconic zing of Tom Yum into your glass. Tequila mingles with chilli heat, parsley freshness, and a citrusy lift from lime, giving you a spicy, herby hit that lingers in the best way.

The Classic Margarita

Some things never go out of style. Yuki’s take on the Margarita keeps it clean and crisp, premium agave, a splash of orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. It’s a simple reminder of why this cocktail became a global favourite in the first place.

Yuki Picante

Think tropical meets spicy. Pineapple juice, lime, and agave nectar form the base, while coriander and jalapeño bring a zesty punch. It's lively, bold, and designed to wake up your taste buds.

Yuki doesn’t just serve cocktails, it curates experiences in a glass. Whether you're out with friends or just winding down after a long day, their tequila range adds the perfect spark to your evening. So the next time you’re at Yuki, raise a glass to flavour, flair, and a sip-worthy adventure.


The Real Pizza Company Serves Up a Bold New Lineup of Flavour and Fire

The Real Pizza Company Serves Up a Bold New Lineup of Flavour and Fire

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

The Real Pizza Company has just turned up the heat with the launch of its bold and exciting new menu. Known for its playful yet comforting dishes, the restaurant now invites food lovers to explore a line-up that blends global inspiration with local flair — all served up with signature style.

From wood-fired pizzas that pack a flavourful punch to wings that come glazed in sticky sriracha, the revamped menu is designed for those who enjoy their comfort food with a side of creativity. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite, sharing a meal with friends, or looking to end your meal on a sweet note, there's something new and memorable for everyone.

Among the highlights is the Full House Pizza, a generously topped creation layered with Italian tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, roasted peppers, sweetcorn, pineapple, and red onion, offering a burst of flavour in every bite.

For those who love an Indian twist, the Tandoori Chicken Pizza brings a spicy desi touch with tandoori chicken, jalapeños, bell peppers, and red onions on a classic tomato and mozzarella base, bold, fiery, and full of character.

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Craving something spicy and saucy? The Sriracha Chicken Wings come crisped to perfection and tossed in a sticky-sweet glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and spring onions for extra flavour and crunch.

And for dessert lovers, the new Biscoff Doughballs are a revelation, soft, warm doughballs stuffed with Biscoff, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a drizzle of caramel.

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Every dish on the new menu reflects The Real Pizza Company’s playful yet thoughtful approach to food. From creative pairings to crowd-pleasing favourites reimagined, it’s all about bold bites and memorable moments.

 Location: Ground Floor, Gravity Building, Prestige Tech Park, Kadubeesanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560103.


Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

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Event Details:

  • Date: July 7, 2025

  • Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

  • Fresh Cream Truffle

  • Matilda Cake

  • Chocolate Noisette

  • Chocolate Praline

  • Chocolate Éclair

  • Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.

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