Zoco: A New Pan American Dining Adventure at V Hotel Dubai

Zoco: A New Pan American Dining Adventure at V Hotel Dubai

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 17, 2024

Dubai welcomes a vibrant addition to its culinary landscape with the opening of Zoco at the V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. This new Pan American dining concept is curated by the talented Peruvian Chef Gustavo Alonso Guin Barnachea, offering an eclectic mix of flavors and dishes that span the continent.

Zoco stands out with its focus on fiery and flavorful dishes that encourage sharing and connection among diners. From the innovative Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine to classic Mexican dishes, the menu at Zoco promises a culinary journey through the diverse gastronomic heritage of Pan America.

"Introducing Zoco in Dubai enriches the city's dynamic dining scene with the unique flavors of Latin America," states Daniel Hillier, Executive Chef at Al Habtoor City. "Chef Gustavo's passion and creativity are evident in every dish, designed to captivate guests from the first bite."

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Located on the seventh floor of the V Hotel, Zoco treats guests to stunning views of the Dubai skyline, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere. The décor features natural woods, vivid colors, and dynamic Latin music, setting the stage for an immersive dining experience.

The menu begins with starters such as guacamole, tuna tartare, and citrus ceviche, moving on to hearty mains like chicken adobo tacos, Peruvian chifa duck fried rice, and the signature 'Black Onyx' black angus rib-eye. Desserts like the 'Quatro Leches' cake and handmade churros provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

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Zoco's beverage program is equally impressive, with signature cocktails crafted from Pan American spirits, alongside sangria and margarita pitchers perfect for sharing. Promotions like the daily Happy Hour, Salsa Y Señoritas on Fridays, and Pisco Rhythm on Saturdays offer added incentives for guests to enjoy the festive environment.

With its expertly crafted menu, lively ambiance, and thoughtful promotions, Zoco is poised to become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of Pan America in the heart of Dubai.

For those eager to explore the rich flavors and festive spirit of Latin America, Zoco provides an unparalleled dining experience that promises to delight and inspire. Visit Zoco to indulge in a blend of tradition and innovation, where every meal is a celebration.


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.


Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

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The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

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The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

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