Journey of Flavor: KOA's Two-Year Tale of Culinary Brilliance

By Author

Published on January 12, 2024

Nestled amidst the vibrant chaos of Juhu, Mumbai, lies KOA, a coastal-inspired restaurant redefining the culinary landscape. The contemporary space offers a unique culinary experience, blending innovative cuisine with vibrant cocktails and an inviting atmosphere.

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Upon entering Koa Cafe & Bar, guests are welcomed by a modern and vibrant ambiance. Exposed brick walls and sleek furniture set the tone for a sophisticated yet relaxed experience. The open kitchen adds a touch of theater, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand.

In a recent interview with Rakesh, a seasoned professional with 15 to 16 years of experience, we gained insights into the captivating story behind the success of Koa Cafe & Bar. Rakesh, who has been an integral part of KOA restaurant for the past five years, shared the exciting journey that led to the establishment of KOA and its expansion plans.

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Around two years ago, Mr. Pasukh Jain, the visionary behind KOA, approached Rakesh with a groundbreaking idea. Together, they conceptualized the KOA theme and a diverse menu offering multi-cuisine options. “Creating the menu was an exciting journey. We decided to incorporate a fusion of flavors, offering a variety of cuisines like Asian, continental, Japanese, including sushi, dim sum, and a touch of Indian,” Rakesh adds. 

Koa Cafe & Bar's menu is a creative and playful exploration of global flavors. From the signature Khao Suey to the decadent Grilled Octopus with Chorizo and Smoked Paprika, each dish is a testament to the chefs' passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.

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The cocktail menu at Koa Cafe & Bar is equally impressive. Skilled mixologists craft signature cocktails that are visually stunning and tastefully balanced. From the refreshing Coconut & Lemongrass Cooler to the smoky and seductive Old Fashioned, each cocktail is a carefully crafted masterpiece that complements the food perfectly.

The journey began with the Thane outlet, which received a positive response and set the stage for the thriving venture. Emboldened by this success, the team recently opened a new outlet in Juhu, garnering an outstanding response from patrons who are enamored with the diverse and delectable offerings. Encouraged by this, the team has ambitious plans for expansion, with Hyderabad and Delhi being the next locations in the pipeline. The vision is to bring the unique KOA experience to food enthusiasts across the country.

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Beyond the food and drinks, Koa Cafe & Bar boasts a lively atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd. The music is a perfect blend of upbeat tunes and chilled vibes, creating an environment conducive to both intimate conversations and lively gatherings.

Koa Cafe & Bar is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary gem that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of Mumbai's food enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings to ambitious expansion plans, the journey of KOA is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team. As they set their sights on new locations across India, the unique KOA experience is poised to delight even more discerning diners. So, the next time you find yourself in Khar West, make sure to embark on a culinary journey at Koa Cafe & Bar – where innovation meets flavor in every dish and cocktail.


A Treat for Moms – Must-Visit Restaurants This Mother's Day

A Treat for Moms – Must-Visit Restaurants This Mother's Day

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 10, 2025

Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to shower your mom with love and indulge her in a memorable dining experience. Across Delhi and NCR, restaurants are pulling out all the stops—from complimentary desserts to special gifts—to ensure your celebration is filled with warmth, flavor, and togetherness. Here’s a roundup of must-visit spots where you can dine, delight, and celebrate the most important woman in your life:

Boston Chicken, Connaught Place

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Celebrate this Mother's Day with a soul-satisfying American-style feast at Boston Chicken, now open in Connaught Place. Known for its iconic rotisserie chicken and homestyle sides, the restaurant offers the comforting flavors moms love. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like Chicken Caesar Salad, Baja Bowl, and Boston Chicken Breast Steak in a warm and relaxed setting.

  • Ground Floor, Malhotra Building, F-30, Connaught Place, New Delhi
  • 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
  • 9266868750

Miss Nora, Noida

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Give your mom a flavorful escape to the East with Miss Nora’s Pan-Asian delights. From sushi and crystal-clear dim sums to fluffy baos and stone bowls, every dish is crafted with care. This Mother’s Day, guests will be treated to a complimentary brownie topped with a special message—because nothing says love like dessert.

  • Level 3, RCube Monad Mall, Sector 43, Noida
  • 12 PM – 11:30 PM

Café Delhi Heights + Neighbourly, Gurgaon

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This Mother's Day, Café Delhi Heights is all about heartfelt gestures. All mother-child duos dining on May 11th will receive a complimentary dish—a small token of appreciation for years of unconditional love. Available at all Café Delhi Heights outlets and Neighbourly, Gurgaon, this celebration promises feel-good food and warm vibes.

  • All CDH outlets and Neighbourly, Gurgaon

IKIGAI by Café Delhi Heights, Defence Colony

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Celebrate love, nourishment, and shared moments at IKIGAI by Café Delhi Heights with a hands-on Mother’s Day Salad-Making experience. Choose from a spread of fresh ingredients and craft a wholesome bowl together. Pick a bloom from the floral wall as a souvenir of your celebration—because every mother deserves to feel cherished.

  • D-4, Defence Colony, New Delhi
  • 8:15 AM – 1:00 AM

SAULE – Kitchen & Bar, Noida

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Set against the scenic greens of Jaypee Wishtown, SAULE invites you to celebrate with soulful music, curated pop-ups, and a warm atmosphere. All moms dining on May 11th will receive a complimentary Motichoor Parfait and a Mango Lavender Slush mocktail. Don’t miss the floral photo booth and Instagram offer—tag @saulekitchenbar and enjoy 15% off on select bills.

  • Golf Street Hub, Jaypee Wishtown, Sector 128, Noida
  • 12 PM – 2 AM

Harajuku Tokyo Café

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Add a Japanese twist to your Mother’s Day celebration at Harajuku Tokyo Café. Every mom will be gifted a complimentary fortune cookie filled with warm wishes. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive Mother’s Day Bento Cakes, available in three delightful flavors.

  • Ambience Mall, Gurugram | M3M IFC Tower, Gurugram | Select Citywalk, Saket
  • 10 AM – 11 PM / Midnight

This Mother's Day, take a pause, raise a toast, and share a meal that says it all — love, gratitude, and the joy of being together.


Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2025

Cricket season is here—and so is the hunt for the perfect spot to catch all the IPL action in Bangalore. Whether you’re a die-hard fan chasing every boundary or just soaking in the vibes with brews and friends, the city has lined up some fantastic venues to turn match nights into full-blown experiences. From rooftop views to stadium-like energy and irresistible bar offers, here’s where you can catch every thrilling moment this April-May.

Ouzo by Fire — Drinks Specials & Big Screen Action

Located on 100 Ft Road, Ouzo by Fire brings cricket spirit alive with a tempting Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic beverages during all IPL matches. Pair it with bold Goan-Mangalorean flavours, a lively bar setting, and big screens, and you’ve got a perfect match-night hangout.

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Highlights:

  • Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic drinks
  • Live match screenings
  • Goan Bar & Grill vibes
  • Ouzo by Fire, 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

2Moons — Cricket with a View

Perched atop 1MG Mall, 2Moons offers an elegant escape from the typical cricket crowd. Expect skyline views, a globally-inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, luxe atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for couples or small groups looking to turn match night into a mood.

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Highlights:

  • Rooftop city views
  • Curated global cuisine
  • Signature cocktails & premium pours
  • Warm, luxe ambiance
  • 2Moons, 1MG Mall, Bangalore | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Maize and Malt — Big Screens, Bold Brews

For those who love high-energy cricket nights, Maize and Malt in Whitefield delivers with house-crafted beers, hearty pub food, and multiple big screens. Known for its stadium-like energy, it’s a great spot whether you're arriving solo or with your full squad.

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Highlights:

  • Large-format IPL screenings
  • House-brewed beers on tap
  • Hearty pub fare & game-day offers
  • Stadium-like energy 
  • Maize and Malt, Whitefield | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Whether you’re chasing rooftop sunsets, craft brews, or electrifying cricket vibes, these Bangalore hotspots promise to deliver the perfect IPL fix. Bookmark your favourites, rally your crew, and let the good times and sixes roll!


Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2025

Proost is the premium beer brand of Grano69 Beverages, a company dedicated to transforming the Indian Alcobev industry. Founded in October 2017 and headquartered in Gurugram, the company went live with its commercial operations in September 2018. The company's vision is to disrupt the Indian beer market as it combines premium quality with affordability and offers beers known for low bitterness, high drinkability, and excellent taste.

The story of Proost is one of great ambition and determination. It entered the highly-regulated Indian Alcobev sector and encountered significant challenges, as the absence of a unified liquor policy meant adhering to state-specific excise regulations. However, Grano69 overcame the challenges with a step-by-step approach, and established itself as a resilient, innovative player in the industry. From selling just 4,000 cases in its first year of operations, Proost has grown to sell over 3,000 cases daily. Its acceptance and demand are shown in its high sales figures.

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The idea behind this brand was born out of a need in the market-to provide a premium quality beer that would taste fresh but not at the cost of affordability. "We Brew Passion" is the tagline Proost believes in to materialize that vision. Proost has translated this promise into beers that align with the changing consumption patterns in India, and therefore, it has evolved a different beer experience for the masses.

The major difference between Proost and its contemporaries is its dedication to freshness and quality consistency. The brand offers a unique taste with each draught and unmatched drinkability. Striving for quality and innovation has enabled it to carve out a place in a market where the big fish have played for a long time.

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Proost’s success story is also a testament to its founders’ grit. CEO and Co-Founder Tarun Bhargava, alongside Vijay P. Sharma, entered the highly regulated alcobev sector and navigated complex state-wise excise norms with strategic persistence. A finance graduate from the University of Delhi, Tarun previously worked with companies like Aon and IBM before venturing into entrepreneurship. His earlier stint with a hyperlocal startup gave him valuable exposure, which he now channels into running Proost with a pragmatic, practice-first approach. 

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Proost started from scratch but has risen exponentially. Its annual revenue has been increased from ₹77 lakhs in FY 2017-18 to a current monthly recurring revenue of ₹10+ crore. It’s also on track to close the year with a top-line revenue exceeding ₹100 crore. It is an indication of the strength of the brand penetration and consumer loyalty. This growth has been supported by cumulative funding of ₹50 crore so far - raised across three rounds, including ₹30 crore as part of the ongoing Series A round.

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Proost currently operates in six key markets, which include Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Kerala. The company looks at expansion into three more markets over the coming year. Its operations are managed by 90+ professionals who propel the brand's success. With per capita beer consumption in India being lower than the global average, Proost has enormous opportunities for growth in the country. Growing disposable incomes, a younger population, and changing consumer preferences – all factors, together, create a rich ground for the brand's expansion plans.

As beer consumption continues to rise in India due to shifting social norms and increasing disposable incomes, Proost is positioning itself to take advantage of this growth wave. The brand’s ambition is clear — to be among the top five beer brands in India by the end of this decade.

The journey of Proost epitomizes the resilience and innovation necessary to make a mark in a challenging industry. As the brand continually intensifies its presence and explores new markets, it has remained true to its promise of fresh, high-quality beer that celebrates life. Proost is not just bringing quality and freshness to beer; it is transforming the way India experiences beer.

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