20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

By Author

Published on October 26, 2023

The 20th Annual Chef Awards, a much-anticipated event organized by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), was held at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi as part of the International Chefs Day celebrations. The luminous event, distinguished for honoring the culinary arts and those who elevate them, was graced by the presence of Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, as the chief guest.

A remarkable twenty years have passed since the inauguration of these awards, each year witnessing a grander, more opulent ceremony than the last. This occasion was no different, with 18 culinary maestros and four esteemed individuals receiving the special Presidium awards, a testament to their unfettered contribution to the tapestry of the hospitality industry. The ceremony was not just a gathering but a tribute, a melody of claps and cheers echoing the halls, singing praises of the artistry that is often confined to the silence of the kitchen.

A four-day culinary competition, as rigorous as it was exhilarating, preluded the event. Over 150 chefs from the diverse and rich landscapes of India clashed spatulas, their skill and innovation evaluated by a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members from across the nation. Eleven emerged victorious, their talent and prowess earning them the coveted MasterChef awards.

Chef Davinder Kumar, the President of the ICF, painted a vivid picture of the significance of these awards, "They are about nurturing their growth and enhancing Indian cuisine's worldwide appeal,” he said. A sentiment echoed by Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the ICF, who highlighted the two-decade journey of hosting the Annual Chef Awards. This event was not just a celebration but a global showcase of Indian culinary art, a source of inspiration for budding talents and established chefs alike.

A cascade of awards flowed through the evening. Chef Shaju Zacharia was adorned with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute echoing the years of dedication and passion he poured into his craft. The Golden Hat Award found its deserving recipient in Chef Rajiv Malhotra, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

The ICF, a beacon of culinary arts in India, aims to not just celebrate but elevate the craft. It strives to ignite careers, disseminate the aromatic allure of Indian flavors globally, and carve a niche where artistry, skill, and innovation in the culinary world are not just recognized but revered. This year’s Annual Chef Awards was a testament to this relentless pursuit, a melody of spices and flavors, artistry and skill, celebration and honor that would linger long after the curtains drew to a close.


Hyatt Place Jaipur Celebrates National Cheese Pizza Day with Special Menu

Hyatt Place Jaipur Celebrates National Cheese Pizza Day with Special Menu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 9, 2024

Hyatt Place Jaipur is thrilled to launch an exclusive cheese-themed pizza menu at Zing—The world of flavors, in celebration of National Cheese Pizza Day. From today until September 11th, pizza aficionados are invited to indulge in a delicious array of gourmet pizzas, each crafted with a unique blend of premium cheeses and inventive toppings.

Celebrating Cheese in Every Slice

Najrul Beg, Executive Chef at Hyatt Place Jaipur, shares his enthusiasm: "We're excited to introduce our cheese-themed pizza menu at Zing. Our goal is to celebrate the richness of cheese with unique flavor combinations that enhance the classic pizza experience. We've carefully curated each pizza to achieve a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and high-quality ingredients."

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Menu Highlights

Non-Vegetarian Options:

  • Pizza Wurstel E Peperoni: Chicken wurstel, roasted bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.

  • Pizza Crudo E Rocket: Savory ham, tomato sauce, rocket, and bocconcini.

  • Pizza Pugliese: Tomato sauce, burrata, basil, garlic, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and anchovies.

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Vegetarian Delights:

  • Pizza Funghi E Fontina: Mushrooms, fontina, and mozzarella cheese.

  • Blue Cheese Noci Pere: Poached pears, blue cheese, grana padano cream, and walnuts.

  • Pizza Spinach E Formaggi: Tomato sauce, spinach, ricotta cheese, and onion.

Each pizza promises a burst of flavor, making every bite a memorable culinary experience. Whether you are a cheese lover or simply a pizza enthusiast, this menu caters to all preferences.

"We are delighted to mark National Cheese Pizza Day by presenting our guests with a menu that highlights the versatility and decadence of cheese," adds Chef Najrul. The team at Hyatt Place Jaipur has meticulously prepared each recipe to ensure that every slice offers a distinctive and enjoyable taste.

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Visit Us:

  • Timing: 7 PM to 11 PM, September 5th to 11th

  • Location: Zing—The world of flavors, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar

  • Contact: For reservations, please call +91 90761 33999

Join us at Hyatt Place Jaipur to celebrate the art of pizza making and the joy of cheese, set in the sophisticated ambiance of Zing. This limited-time menu is a perfect way to enjoy the culinary delights that cheese has to offer.

About Hyatt Place: Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar is a contemporary hotel designed for multitasking travelers, combining modern style with traditional Rajasthani influences. Conveniently located near Jaipur International Airport and key attractions, it offers a seamless experience for guests.

For further details or to make a reservation, visit Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar.


Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills Opens Kokoon - The Asian Nook

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills Opens Kokoon - The Asian Nook

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, has introduced a new dining experience with the opening of Kokoon - The Asian Nook. The restaurant, nestled at the base of the scenic Nandi Hills, promises to blend modern elegance with traditional charm. It offers a serene atmosphere where guests can enjoy a unique blend of Asian cuisine alongside panoramic views and lush greenery.

Devidyuti Ghosh, the Hotel Manager of Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, shared, “We are excited to bring a second dining option to our esteemed guests, which offers hearty Oriental fare, coupled with batch cocktails made by our expert bartenders, making it a memorable and distinctive dining experience that reflects the serene beauty and quaint boutique charm of our resort.”

Kokoon’s menu features a wide range of carefully curated Asian dishes designed to appeal to both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar flavors. Standout offerings include the Asian broth with morel goji berries, sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas, and the Soft-Shell Crab and Prawn Summer Roll. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, including dishes such as Kochi Lobster and Bannur Lamb.

The restaurant also boasts a selection of special cocktails, crafted by expert bartenders, to enhance the dining experience. The combination of flavorful cuisine and serene views makes Kokoon a unique addition to the Mulberry Shades dining scene. It aims to cater to both travelers and locals, offering a harmonious blend of casual dining with sophisticated Asian flavors.

Kokoon is set to become a popular destination for both visitors to Nandi Hills and Bangaloreans looking for a culinary retreat. With its thoughtful design and attention to detail, the restaurant creates a relaxing environment where guests can savor high-quality dishes in a peaceful setting.


SirDavis Whiskey Launches in Travel Retail with DFS

SirDavis Whiskey Launches in Travel Retail with DFS

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 7, 2024

SirDavis, a new American whiskey created by Moët Hennessy and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has been introduced to travel retail with DFS at major US airports. Travelers can now find the premium whiskey at duty-free stores in John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO) International airports. Special tasting sessions are available for passengers at DFS locations within JFK and LAX.

SirDavis whiskey is a tribute to Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, a farmer and moonshiner during Prohibition. The design of the bottle reflects the Art Deco style of Hogue’s era, with its sleek, ribbed glass creating an impression of luxury and elegance.

Crafted by Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden, the whiskey features a blend of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, with secondary maturation in sherry casks. This unique combination offers a smooth texture and a flavor profile reminiscent of Japanese and Scotch whiskies while maintaining the robust character of American rye.

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The whiskey’s release in travel retail follows an “overwhelming” pre-order period that began on August 20. SirDavis is now available not only in airports but also in domestic retail across select US states, including California, New York, Texas, and more. The brand has also expanded internationally, with distribution in London, Paris, and Tokyo, and additional markets planned.

SirDavis is designed to stand out on shelves, both in its packaging and flavor. The bottle’s minimal branding and striking design set a new standard for modern luxury spirits. Along with a rich flavor experience, SirDavis offers a nod to tradition and innovation, aiming to appeal to both seasoned whiskey drinkers and new enthusiasts.

Travelers passing through DFS stores can also enjoy exclusive promotions, including a Gift-With-Purchase for DFS Circle App members, and can order the whiskey online for convenient pickup.

For a signature experience, try [Honey Bee], a cocktail paying homage to the brand's founder and crafted using SirDavis American Whisky, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, garnished with honeycomb.

Honey Bee

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Ingredients

2 oz SirDavis American Whisky

.75 oz Lemon Juice

.5 oz Honey Syrup*

Garnish: Honeycomb

*To make honey syrup, add 2 parts honey and 1 part water into a small saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until the honey is dissolved. Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container.

Instructions

Add liquid ingredients to a shaker tin with ice going in last. Shake for dilution and pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with honeycomb.

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