Dakshin: A Journey Through Authentic South Indian Cuisine at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Dakshin: A Journey Through Authentic South Indian Cuisine at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

By Author

Published on October 2, 2023

In the heart of Parel, Mumbai, Dakshin, a renowned premium South Indian fine dining restaurant, has found a new home at ITC Grand Central, continuing its legacy of 34 years. The restaurant’s roots date back to 1989 when a team led by Chef Praveen Anand embarked on a culinary journey to revive the disappearing lifestyle of peninsular India through Southern cooking.

Dakshin's commitment to quality and authenticity has always been at its core. The menu, curated after extensive testing and food tasting sessions, pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry.

The newly introduced Dakshin at ITC Grand Central warmly welcomes guests with a 'Vanakkam' greeting and a fragrant jasmine coil, reminiscent of South Indian heritage. The highlight of the restaurant is its guided dining concept, offering four set menus from different Southern states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, with clear choices for both vegetarian (Saivam) and non-vegetarian (Asaivam) preferences.

The immersive dining experience unfolds with a menu walkthrough, highlighting Taste & Flavour Notes, Textures to expect, Spice Blends, and seasonal Chutney of the day. Guests can choose from the elaborate Sampoornam, a seafood trail called Matsyam, or 'No Onion & No Garlic' options to suit their preferences.

Dakshin's culinary journey began in 1989, with a vision to recreate the splendor of Southern cooking and preserve the disappearing lifestyle of peninsular India. Top chefs from different regions of the South collaborated to offer an authentic taste of their respective cuisines. Today, Dakshin stands as a testament to the diverse and unique flavors of South Indian cuisine, bringing together different regional culinary traditions under one roof.

The brand's expansion to ITC Grand Central in Mumbai marks a continuation of its 34-year legacy, offering patrons an opportunity to explore the rich and varied tastes of the Southern states. With interiors reflecting the essence of South Indian culture, including wood accents, brass chandeliers, traditional statues, and soothing Carnatic music, Dakshin creates an immersive dining experience.

Dakshin's commitment to authenticity extends to its choice of ingredients and cooking techniques, ensuring that each dish reflects the traditions and flavors of its place of origin. From the use of coconut oil in Kerala to sesame oil and ghee in Tamil Nadu, Dakshin pays meticulous attention to regional nuances.

The simplified menu, presented with temple-like doors, guides guests through the culinary journey, explaining each dish and categorizing them by region. Chef's curated menus are available for Saivam (vegetarian), Asaivam (non-vegetarian), and Matsam (seafood), offering a diverse range of choices for all tastes.

Dakshin's dedication to perfection and authenticity makes it a destination for connoisseurs and novices alike, offering a true taste of South Indian cuisine that transports diners to the homes of the region's diverse communities.


A Festive Feast Awaits: Christmas Comes Alive at Reservoire, Indiranagar

A Festive Feast Awaits: Christmas Comes Alive at Reservoire, Indiranagar

By Author

Published on December 20, 2024

This December, Reservoire in Indiranagar invites you to indulge in the magic of Christmas with a specially curated Christmas Menu 2024. A celebration of festive classics reimagined with culinary innovation, the menu promises to bring holiday cheer to your taste buds.

Begin your festive dining experience with indulgent starters such as Wild Mushroom Pierogi, golden Pan Fried Crab Cakes, and the irresistible Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs.

For the main course, delight in holiday-perfect creations like the flavorful Prunes & Olives Roast Chicken, the delicate Pan Roasted Sea Bass, and the exquisite Steamed Pomfret Cantonese. The tender, spice-infused Gulabi Murgh Tikka adds an Indian flair, complemented by sides bursting with festive flavors.

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Round off your meal with decadent desserts crafted for the season. Relish the timeless Xmas Plum Cake with Brandy Sauce, the refreshing Mango Mascarpone Swiss Roll, and the indulgent Chocolate Old Monk Mousse Cake—a sweet finale to your celebration.

Raise a toast to the season with handcrafted holiday drinks, including the creamy Reserved Eggnog, the warming Mulled Wine, and the bold Smokey Ginger Sleigh. Each sip is designed to evoke the joy and warmth of Christmas.

Celebrate the season of joy and togetherness at Reservoire, where warm, festive flavors meet unforgettable culinary moments.

Dates: December 2024
Location: The Reservoire, Indiranagar, 3rd and 4th Floor, No. 949, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Appareddipalya, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038


Latambarcem Brewers Partners with Air India Express to Serve Healthier Beverages Onboard

Latambarcem Brewers Partners with Air India Express to Serve Healthier Beverages Onboard

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 19, 2024

Air India Express flyers can now enjoy a healthier in-flight experience, thanks to a new partnership with Latambarcem Brewers, the Goa-based beverage brand. This collaboration brings Borécha, a functional tea-based beverage, to the skies. The Ginger Ale and Rose Vanilla variants of Borécha are now being served on major Air India Express routes across India, offering travelers a refreshing and health-oriented choice.

Borécha, known for its health benefits such as improved immunity, better digestion, enhanced skin radiance, and stress relief, has already become a favorite among retail, aviation, and hospitality players across the country.

A Revolutionary Beverage for Flyers

"Borécha is the perfect blend of health, fun, and taste, making it an ideal travel companion," said Aditya Ishan Varshnei, Co-founder and CEO of Latambarcem Brewers. He highlighted that the partnership with Air India Express aligns with their mission to make functional beverages accessible to everyone, whether at work, the gym, or while traveling.

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Borécha’s unique appeal lies in its variety of flavors crafted from Assam and Darjeeling teas, coupled with its Room Temperature Stability, making it perfect for in-flight service. From its origins as a Goan household essential during the pandemic, Borécha has grown into a pan-India favorite, catering to prestigious clients such as ITC, Akasa Airlines, and Lulu International.

About Latambarcem Brewers

Latambarcem Brewers, based in the lush Goan hinterlands, is revolutionizing India’s beverage industry with their craft beer range, Maka, and their kombucha line, Borécha. Founded by siblings Aditya Ishan and Anish Varshnei, it combines global expertise with Goan charm, crafting beverages that celebrate individuality and diversity.

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The brewers have made a significant impact not only on the beverage market but also on the local community, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods in their home village of Latambarcem. Their vision of catering to diverse palates—embodied in their mantra, “One size doesn’t fit all”—has driven their remarkable journey.

Transforming In-Flight Hydration

With the airline industry often criticized for a lack of healthy beverage options, this collaboration with Air India Express marks a pivotal step in redefining in-flight hydration. Borécha’s refreshing flavors, combined with their health benefits, promise to transform the travel experience for flyers.

Whether you’re commuting for work or leisure, Borécha is here to make your journey flavorful and functional. This partnership not only underscores Air India Express's commitment to enhancing passenger experience but also solidifies Latambarcem Brewers’ position as a pioneer in the functional beverage space.

So, next time you board an Air India Express flight, take a sip of Goa’s finest and enjoy a healthier way to hydrate at 30,000 feet.


Reflections and Future Prospects: F&B Leaders Share Their Year-End Insights

Reflections and Future Prospects: F&B Leaders Share Their Year-End Insights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 19, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, key figures from the food and beverage sector reflect on the milestones and challenges of the year. From growth and innovation to sustainability, it’s been a year of exciting transformations. Here's what some prominent F&B leaders had to say about their experiences.

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Vikesh Shah, Founder of 99 Pancakes, expresses immense pride in his company’s growth, calling 2024 a transformative year. “Reflecting on this year, I couldn't be prouder of the growth and evolution we've experienced as a company. We set ambitious goals, many of which we surpassed, while others have provided us with invaluable lessons. Our team's relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges has made this year one of our most transformative yet. As we enter the New Year, our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence remains stronger than ever. The journey is only just beginning, and I'm excited for what lies ahead,” he shares.

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For Simranjeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, 2024 was the year of concept-driven dining. "We saw a shift towards unique dining experiences that resonated with evolving consumer preferences. At CYK Hospitalities, we specialized in crafting bespoke concepts, blending innovation with authenticity. This year highlighted how a strong concept can turn a restaurant into a destination," he notes.

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On the other hand, Nidhi Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, reflects on the year's focus on innovation and sustainability. “2024 has been a year of innovation and growth, as the industry embraced digital transformation and a return to roots with authentic yet healthier offerings. While we anticipated a focus on sustainability and consumer-centric solutions, the surge in global interest for Indian cuisine reaffirmed the timeless appeal of our culinary heritage. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with tradition and innovation coalescing like never before,” she says.

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Shikhar Veer Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, shares his excitement about the company’s significant milestones. “2024 has been a defining year for Samosa Singh. We revamped our manufacturing capabilities, scaling production capacity by 5x to meet growing demand. Entering global markets and continuing our expansion, fueled by growth and customer love, are some of the major milestones that underscore our mission to bring India’s beloved snacks to a global stage. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers. As we gear up for 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue to innovate in the food industry,” he adds.

With 2024 behind them, the F&B industry’s leaders are eager to take their success forward into 2025, embracing both tradition and innovation as they continue to shape the future of the sector.

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