From the 1950s to Today: The Evolution of Gaylord Restaurant

Admin

Published on July 3, 2024

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the insights of co-founders Dhruv and Divij Lamba as they discuss the intricacies of Gaylord restaurant and how they balance tradition with modernity.

Gaylord Fine Dining Restaurant stands as a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage. Established in the 1950s, it's not just a restaurant; it's a portal to a bygone era, where elegance meets exquisite flavors.

Stepping into Gaylord is like stepping into a time machine. The restaurant's interiors exude an old-world charm, with elegant furniture, high ceilings, and warm lighting. The ambiance evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to a time when fine dining was a leisurely affair.

Gaylord caters to a variety of palates, offering a delightful combination of European and Indian flavors in a timeless and elegant setting. The menu also offers a delightful exploration of Continental and Indian cuisines. From succulent lamb shanks to creamy pastas, the Continental fare is sure to please. For those seeking a taste of India, Gaylord offers a curated selection of classic Indian dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients and seasoned to perfection.

What inspired you to undertake the renovation of Gaylord, and what was the vision behind the new design?

The renovation was driven by a desire to celebrate Gaylord’s rich legacy while ensuring its continued relevance. We envisioned a space that would transport guests to a bygone era, yet feel refreshingly modern. Like a cherished family heirloom reimagined for a new generation, the design is a beautiful marriage of black and white colonial charm with rich historical accents.

How did you ensure that the renovation maintained the essence and charm of Gaylord while incorporating modern elements?

The renovation of Gaylord wasn’t just about modernization; it was about preserving its soul. Black and white colonial aesthetics and historical accents create a familiar ambience. Imagine vintage furniture alongside a sleek Parisian patio, or exposed brick walls illuminated by modern chandeliers. This thoughtful blend ensures a refreshing yet nostalgic experience.

Every detail evokes the past – black and white photographs showcase iconic personalities, while historical artifacts whisper stories. It’s a testament to successfully integrating modern elements while safeguarding Gaylord's timeless charm.

Gaylord has a rich history spanning over six decades. How do you balance preserving its heritage with keeping up with contemporary dining trends?

The menu reflects a similar philosophy. Classic dishes like mashed potatoes and Chicken ala Kiev remain untouched, a nod to Gaylord’s legacy. However, Chef Vikram isn’t afraid to innovate. New creations pay homage to tradition with a modern twist, like a reimagined Lobster Thermidor or vegetarian options celebrating fresh produce. The menu caters to modern palates with healthy breakfast options and artisanal teas alongside classic Kashmiri Kahwa. It’s a story on a plate, weaving together Gaylord’s past and future, offering a taste of history with a contemporary flair.

Can you share some insights into the process of curating the menu for the revamped Gaylord? How did you decide which dishes to keep, alter, or introduce?

The revamped menu reflects this same philosophy. We worked closely with Chef Vikram to curate a selection that honors Gaylord’s signature dishes like the legendary mashed potatoes and Chicken ala Kiev. But we’ve also introduced exciting new creations, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate. It’s like a symphony of flavors, where classic notes blend with contemporary flourishes.

The restaurant is known for hosting cultural events. What are some upcoming events or initiatives that patrons can look forward to?

Gaylord has always been a cultural hub, and that tradition continues. We're excited to host a variety of events, from live piano recitals and grand musical evenings to specially curated high-tea parties. There’s something for everyone to experience the magic of Gaylord.

Gaylord has welcomed numerous iconic personalities over the years. Could you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences from hosting such guests?

Over the years, Gaylord has played host to some of India’s most iconic personalities. The walls whisper stories of laughter, shared meals, and unforgettable moments. It’s a privilege to carry forward this legacy of welcoming and celebrating artistic brilliance.

With the evolving dining preferences of today's consumers, how do you ensure Gaylord remains relevant and appealing to both loyal customers and new generations?

To remain relevant, we strive to understand evolving preferences while staying true to our core values. We offer a variety of cuisines, a vibrant new cocktail menu, and a warm, inviting ambience that caters to all generations. It’s about creating an experience that’s both familiar and exciting, a place where memories are made and stories are told.

As the current custodians of Gaylord, what do you envision for the future of the restaurant?
As custodians of this iconic establishment, we envision Gaylord as a timeless haven for generations to come. We’ll continue to innovate while cherishing its heritage, ensuring it remains a symbol of warmth, love, and of course, incredible food!

How would you describe the essence of dining at this iconic establishment for those who have never visited Gaylord?

For those who haven’t yet experienced Gaylord, imagine stepping into a portal that transports you to a bygone era. Imagine indulging in culinary masterpieces that whisper stories of the past while tantalizing your taste buds with contemporary flair. Imagine an ambience that exudes warmth, charm, and a touch of grandeur. That’s the essence of dining at Gaylord – a timeless journey for your senses and a cherished chapter in Mumbai’s vibrant story.

Sidh N.C. Charts India’s Outbound Future with MILT 2025

Sidh N.C

Published on August 1, 2025

In conversation with Hospitalitynews, Sidh N.C., Co-Founder and Managing Director of QNA International, offers an exclusive look into how the 12th Annual MILT Congress is set to redefine the outbound travel narrative for India.

The event was held from 24 to 25 July 2025 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, MILT 2025 isn’t just another luxury travel summit. As Sidh puts it, “We’ve redesigned the event to create a strategic ecosystem where India’s top corporate buyers engage directly with the world’s most visionary travel and hospitality brands.”

The conversations at MILT 2025 revealed a clear shift in what luxury means to indian outbound travelers. It is no longer confined to opulent hotels or grand venues. Today's high value indian traveller seeks depth, intention, and emotional connection in their journeys.

From Gen Z-driven aspirations to immersive spiritual getaways, the Indian traveller is evolving rapidly. In this compelling discussion, Sidh outlines how the outbound market is no longer about checklists and sightseeing, but emotional value, hyper-personalisation, and authentic storytelling.

Social media emerged as a major driver of outbound travel decisions, especially among millenials and Gen Z. MILT 2025 highlighted how platforms like Instagram and YouTube are influencing not just where people travel, but why. Travel content creators, Vloggers, and digial storytellers are the new age travel agents offering immersive glimpses into destinations that were once discovered through brochures

With nearly 40% of outbound trips now business related, MILT Congress is becoming the axis where leisure meets innovation, and where destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East position themselves not just to attract but understand the Indian mindset

He dives into the growing influence of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the rise of women-led travel, and the seamless merging of technology, sustainability, and cultural connection.

What’s coming next? A travel revolution driven by meaning, not just mobility—where every booking is a story and every destination a deeper experience.

Want More?

You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the August edition of Hospitalitynews—available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of travel, one conversation at a time.

Dinesh Yadav on Investing Where Memories and Returns Grow Together

Dinesh Yadav

Published on August 1, 2025

In a world where real estate is often seen as a numbers game, Dinesh Yadav, Founder and Managing Director of Fine Acers, is rewriting the rules. In an exclusive feature with Hospitalitynews, Dinesh shares how his brand is pioneering a new kind of investment, one where returns meet relaxation, and assets double as family getaways, wellness retreats, and legacy spaces.

Through Fine Acers and its collection of thoughtfully designed resorts, Dinesh is turning the traditional real estate model on its head. What makes his vision stand out? It’s the ability to offer more than just appreciation, it’s about creating value that’s deeply personal and profoundly profitable.

What if your investment could host your next family celebration?
What if it could be both a peaceful retreat and an income generator?

In this engaging discussion, Dinesh walks us through the inspiration behind the branded resort investment model, an idea born from observing global trends and Indian investor behaviour. As he points out, second homes in India have long existed, but they often come with challenges. Fine Acers addresses these pain points by offering fully managed, premium properties that balance lifestyle aspirations with stable returns.

From the rise of wellness tourism to the increasing demand for senior-friendly and destination wedding-ready spaces, Fine Acers is tapping into what modern investors truly seek,purposeful ownership. Backed by the post-pandemic travel revival and changing mindsets, this is more than a trend; it’s the evolution of real estate itself.

It was a thought-provoking conversation with Dinesh Yadav, one that sheds light on how emotional connection and financial intelligence can coexist in modern investments.

Discover the complete interview in the August issue of Hospitalitynews, now available on our website. Don’t forget to grab your physical copy to explore more inspiring stories that are shaping the future of hospitality and living.

Scaling Love: Pawan Gupta on Building a $10M Wedding Dream

Pawan Gupta

Published on August 1, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality and wedding planning, few names have made as bold and rapid an impact as Pawan Gupta, the Co-Founder and CEO of The Wedding Company. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, he takes us behind the scenes of the brand's journey, right from its inception as Weddings by Betterhalf to its present transformation into a full-fledged luxury wedding platform scaling toward a $10 million milestone.

With over 50 Indian cities and international hotspots like Bali and Phuket in their portfolio, The Wedding Company is not just planning weddings, it’s revolutionizing the way they happen. In this candid exchange, Pawan unpacks the brand’s proprietary software, automation strategies, AI-powered planning, and most importantly, the human touch that turns each celebration into a heartfelt experience.

What happens when technology meets tradition?
Can weddings be both luxurious and efficient?
How does a rebrand shift a company's entire market position?

Pawan answers these and more, offering deep insights into vendor matchmaking, hospitality-first execution, global partnerships, and the emotional intelligence required to manage culturally rooted celebrations. With a strong foundation in tech and a team trained in warmth and precision, The Wedding Company has become a force to reckon with scaling love, memories, and moments across continents.

This feature captures a rare glimpse into the mind behind a fast-scaling wedding empire. The blend of structure, soul, and strategy discussed here is bound to inspire entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and dreamers alike.

It was a great conversation we had with Pawan Gupta, one that beautifully highlights how hospitality and innovation can create unforgettable celebrations.

Catch the full interview in the August issue of Hospitalitynews Magazine, available now on our website and grab your physical copy to explore more inspiring stories from the world of hospitality and beyond.