Atmosphere Kanifushi Celebrates ‘Just Veg Festival’ with Chef Fabrizio Marino

Atmosphere Kanifushi Celebrates ‘Just Veg Festival’ with Chef Fabrizio Marino

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 30, 2024

Atmosphere Kanifushi is delighted to announce the return of the much-anticipated ‘Just Veg Festival,’ set to take place from 21st to 26th October 2024. Now in its fourth edition, this year’s festival promises a week of culinary excellence against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, featuring a special menu crafted by the award-winning Italian Chef Fabrizio Marino.

Chef Fabrizio Marino, known for his innovative and health-conscious Italian haute cuisine, will bring his expertise back to the idyllic shores of Kanifushi Island. Hailing from the prestigious Ristorante Maggese in Tuscany, Chef Fabrizio will once again captivate guests with his artfully presented dishes made from fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, creating a limited-edition gourmet menu that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

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 Award-winning Chef Fabrizio Marino

The festival will be centered at JUST VEG, Atmosphere Kanifushi’s celebrated restaurant, renowned as the first purely vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives and a top-ranked dining venue on TripAdvisor. Guests staying at the resort will have the unique opportunity to indulge in the finest Italian and Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon.

This six-day culinary event is part of the Kanifushi Plan™, a comprehensive holiday package available to all resort guests, aligning with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts' core philosophy, "Joy of Giving." The festival will showcase a thoughtfully curated menu, with each dish perfectly paired with wines selected by Atmosphere Core’s Director of Wines, Nicolas Laguette.

Highlights of the menu include "Happiness," an appetizer featuring coconut foam, pumpkin curry puree, fresh apples, broccoli, and tomatoes, drizzled with a raspberry, mint, and turmeric sauce, paired with the Martín Codax Cuatro Pasos Rosado. Main courses include “Gnocchi,” delicate potato dumplings in a rich beurre blanc sauce, complemented by Glenelly Glass Collection Chardonnay, and “Caramelised Aubergine,” an oriental-style dish paired with Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The menu concludes with "Bee-Side," a delightful yogurt and honey ice cream dessert, accompanied by osmotised strawberries and crumble, perfectly paired with White Rabbit Riesling.

“Bringing my culinary creations to the pristine shores of Atmosphere Kanifushi is a true honour,” says Chef Fabrizio. “The dynamic team at JUST VEG and the warm reception from guests drive me to strive for excellence each time. I look forward to introducing guests to the incredible variety and richness of vegetarian cuisine.”

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Raman Gomathi, Director of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Kanifushi, adds, "At Just Veg, we’ve always been ahead of the trend in embracing flexitarian diets. It’s an honour to welcome Chef Fabrizio each year for our culinary festival, where he also leads workshops for our culinary team. Together, we keep the menu exciting for our guests."

A scenic 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport in Malé transports guests to the serene Atmosphere Kanifushi, where they are greeted by a 2-kilometre-long beach, swaying palm trees, and the pristine waters of Lhaviyani Atoll. The classic five-star luxury resort offers 162 stand-alone beach and water villas, ensuring an unforgettable stay in paradise.

About Just Veg:

JUST VEG is the first à la carte vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives, consistently topping TripAdvisor’s rankings. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine inspired by Arabic, Indian, Mediterranean, and Jain traditions. Diners can enjoy their meals on a deck perched over the turquoise ocean, offering an exotic and immersive dining experience.

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About Atmosphere Kanifushi:

Atmosphere Kanifushi, a secluded tropical getaway in the Lhaviyani Atoll, is a five-star luxury resort that offers 162 stand-alone villas and suites spread along the beach or lagoon. The resort features airy living spaces, sophisticated interiors, and a premium all-encompassing holiday package—the Kanifushi Plan™, which includes a fine selection of wines, spirits, and dining options, as well as various activities like excursions, sunset fishing, snorkeling, and non-motorized water sports.

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About Atmosphere Core:

Atmosphere Core is a dynamic hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands—THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. With nine resorts currently operating in the Maldives, the company has an exciting pipeline of properties in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India, set to open within the next three years.

About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts:

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is known for curating distinctive spatial experiences that immerse guests in the local culture, promising "A New Experience Awaits" at every destination. The brand portfolio includes Atmosphere Kanifushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere in the Maldives, along with several upcoming properties in India.


SOL55 Brings Honest Drinks and Soulful Food to Bengaluru

SOL55 Brings Honest Drinks and Soulful Food to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 14, 2026

SOL55 has opened its doors in Koramangala, Bengaluru, bringing a fresh take on the neighbourhood bar concept. Built around the idea of warmth, energy, and familiarity, the space takes inspiration from the sun “SOL” and the natural flow of urban life, creating an experience that feels polished yet easy-going.

In a city known for its fast-changing bar scene, SOL55 focuses on consistency and comfort rather than trends. Designed as a place people can return to, it offers a setting where weekday catch-ups and weekend plans come together naturally. The bar aims to strike a balance between premium quality and approachable pricing, making it accessible without losing its charm.

What sets SOL55 apart is its clear focus on everyday social experiences. The bar is built around honest pours, soulful food, and a relaxed atmosphere, avoiding both high-priced menus and overly loud settings. The idea is simple — quality drinks, good food, and a space where guests feel at ease.

Sharing the thought behind the concept, Yuvaraja HS of Sol55 said,

“With SOL55, we wanted to create the kind of bar we ourselves kept looking for in Bengaluru, one that feels familiar, dependable, and easy to come back to. The idea was never about chasing trends, but about building a neighbourhood space where people can enjoy good food, honest drinks, and genuine company without overthinking it. Koramangala felt like the right home for this vision, and SOL55 is our way of giving the city a bar that grows with its people,”

Food plays a key role in the overall experience at SOL55. The menu focuses on regional and comforting dishes that pair well with drinks. One of the highlights is the selection of regional thalis, designed for guests looking for a wholesome meal. The Coastal Thali stands out with its seafood-inspired flavours, while both vegetarian and non-vegetarian platters cater to groups and casual dining.

The bar menu follows a similar approach, offering cocktails that are simple, well-made, and familiar with a local touch. Inspired by Bengaluru and beyond, the drinks aim to balance classic styles with subtle twists.

SOL55 is positioned as more than just a bar. It aims to be a community space in Koramangala where colleagues unwind after work, friends meet regularly, and guests enjoy a consistent experience. With warm interiors, thoughtful service, and a welcoming vibe, the space focuses on comfort over show.

Reflecting its philosophy, the brand identity is built around themes of energy, balance, and celebration. SOL55 aims to become a reliable neighbourhood spot in Bengaluru’s nightlife, offering quality experiences without making them feel out of reach.


The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Soulful All-Day Menu at Moksha Lounge

The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Soulful All-Day Menu at Moksha Lounge

By Hariharan U

Published on April 14, 2026

At Moksha Lounge within The Leela Gandhinagar, dining takes on a slower, more mindful pace. With the launch of its newly curated all-day menu, the lounge brings together comfort and refinement through the philosophy of tripti,a feeling of fulfilment rooted in good food, meaningful conversations, and unhurried moments.

Designed to flow with the rhythm of the day, the menu transitions effortlessly from light bites to indulgent selections. Whether it’s a casual meeting, a laid-back afternoon, or a relaxed evening, Moksha positions itself as a space where guests can settle in and savour the experience.

The new offering leans into experiential dining, focusing on shareable plates and familiar favourites with a creative twist. Standout dishes include the Kanda Waffle, Khakhra Mexicana, Kheema Matar Phyllo Bite, and signature burgers. These are complemented by refreshing coolers that reinterpret classic flavours with a contemporary edge.

Adding depth to the experience is a thoughtfully crafted beverage programme featuring handcrafted mocktails and refreshing blends, ideal for both social catch-ups and quiet unwinding.

For those with a sweet tooth, the patisserie selection offers a refined pause. Freshly baked delights and elegant desserts pair seamlessly with boutique coffees and premium teas, encouraging guests to linger a little longer.

Speaking about the launch, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, shared, “Moksha has always been envisioned as a place guests return to for comfort and familiarity. With this new menu, we wanted to create an experience that feels welcoming and complete, where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy moments that extend beyond the meal itself.”

With this refreshed menu, Moksha Lounge evolves into more than just a dining space, it becomes a vibrant social hub within the hotel. Blending flavour, comfort, and conversation, it invites guests to drop in anytime and turn everyday moments into memorable experiences.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Brings a Cross-Cultural Feast for Tamil New Year in Chennai

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Brings a Cross-Cultural Feast for Tamil New Year in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 14, 2026

Marking the occasion of Tamil New Year, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa has introduced a special festive menu in Chennai that brings together flavours from different regions of India. The offering reflects a thoughtful mix of North Indian cuisine and the cultural spirit of Tamil Nadu, creating a unique dining experience for the celebration.

Known for its roots in Punjabi culinary traditions, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa has also drawn inspiration from Chennai’s rich cultural landscape. This Tamil New Year menu has been designed not just as a festive spread, but as a way to connect traditions, regions, and people through food. The exclusive offering is available for both lunch and dinner, making it ideal for celebrations at home.

Sharing her thoughts, Chef Deepa said,

"At The Kitchen by Chef Deepa, food has always been about storytelling and togetherness. Celebrating Tamil New Year in Chennai holds a special place in our hearts. While our roots are Punjabi, our journey here has allowed us to appreciate and embrace Tamil culture in meaningful ways. This menu is our tribute to that harmony,"

The menu features a comforting and rich selection of dishes that balance signature North Indian flavours with the festive mood. Guests can start with Golden Squash Shorba and Amritsari Lassi, followed by appetisers like Malai Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Cauliflower, and Rajma Tikki.

For the main course, the spread includes dishes such as Paneer Lababdar, Corn Palak, Aloo Jeera, and Dal Makhani. These are served along with Vegetable Pulao, Tandoori Laccha Paratha, Onion Raita, and other accompaniments, offering a complete and satisfying meal. The experience ends on a sweet note with Angoori Jamun Rabri.

The menu is designed for intimate celebrations at home, with delivery available across locations, and delivery charges applicable as per location.

In a city that values tradition, this Tamil New Year offering from The Kitchen by Chef Deepa highlights how food can bring people together beyond regional boundaries. It reflects shared experiences, cultural respect, and the unity that defines India’s diverse culinary scene.

About Chef Deepa Arora

Chef Deepa Arora is a Chennai-based culinary entrepreneur known for her authentic Amritsari vegetarian cuisine. Starting her journey as a homemaker, she turned her passion for Punjabi cooking into an award-winning cloud kitchen. Her approach to food focuses on authenticity, simplicity, and cooking with care, much like preparing meals for family.

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