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.


Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Cream Centre has expanded its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its second outlet at Forum Mall. The new opening marks another important milestone for the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand as it continues to strengthen its presence in South India following the positive response received from customers in the city.

Founded in Mumbai in 1958, Cream Centre has built a strong legacy over the past 65 years with its well-known vegetarian dishes, warm hospitality, and family-friendly dining experience. The brand is widely recognized for introducing Mumbai to its first plate of Nachos and for creating signature favourites such as The Original Channa Bhatura™, World’s Best Nachos™, and the popular Sizzling Brownie Fundae™.

The newly launched Forum Mall outlet brings the brand’s signature dining experience to one of Bengaluru’s busiest and most loved lifestyle destinations. Designed with Cream Centre’s familiar blend of contemporary style and nostalgic warmth, the space aims to offer guests a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and casual dining alike.

The outlet will serve the brand’s complete menu featuring classic favourites including Chole Bhature, World’s Best Nachos™, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae™, along with several other signature dishes that have remained popular across generations.

Adding to the launch celebrations, the new outlet will also host Cream Centre’s much-loved Aamras Festival, a seasonal offering featuring a specially curated selection of Aamras-inspired dishes and desserts available for a limited period.

Under the leadership of Sanjiv Chona, Cream Centre has grown into one of India’s most recognized vegetarian restaurant brands. Rishi Chona continues to drive the brand forward by introducing modern innovations while preserving the flavours and values that have defined Cream Centre for decades.

Expressing his thoughts on the launch, Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre, shared, “Bengaluru welcomed us with so much love at our first outlet, that coming back felt like a natural next step. Forum Mall is home to so many memories for this city, and we are truly delighted to now be a part of that story. This second outlet is a reflection of the warmth Bengaluru has shown us, and our commitment to bring the very best of Cream Centre to every corner of this wonderful city.”

Over the years, Cream Centre has evolved into a leading vegetarian dining destination known for balancing classic comfort food with innovative menu creations. The brand continues to focus on high-quality food, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences for guests across all age groups.


Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Amrut Distilleries has officially unveiled Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expanding global travel retail journey. Crafted exclusively for duty-free and travel retail markets, the new single malt expression celebrates the spirit of travel, discovery, and Indian craftsmanship on an international stage.

The launch reinforces Amrut’s position as one of India’s pioneering single malt whisky brands, continuing a legacy that transformed global perceptions of Indian whisky since its international debut in 2004. Over the years, the Bengaluru-based distillery has earned worldwide recognition for its tropical maturation techniques and award-winning expressions, including the globally acclaimed Amrut Fusion.

Amrut Pravas has been designed specifically for the modern global traveller, a whisky intended to be discovered in transit and experienced across borders. Inspired by India’s cultural diversity and evolving identity, the expression reflects themes of movement, exploration, and connection through flavour and craftsmanship.

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Handcrafted by Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master Distiller at Amrut Distilleries, Pravas is matured under India’s tropical climate using carefully selected casks that contribute to its depth, richness, and layered complexity. The whisky combines traditional Indian whisky-making with a contemporary global outlook, resulting in an expression that is both refined and distinctly Indian.

Available exclusively through global duty-free and travel retail channels, Pravas has been intentionally positioned as a rare travel-exclusive offering, creating a sense of discovery for international whisky enthusiasts.

The unveiling at the TFWA Singapore follows Amrut’s growing presence across major travel retail hubs, including exclusive launches at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The company continues to expand its footprint across airports, seaports, and international duty-free destinations as demand for premium Indian single malts continues to rise globally.

Speaking on the launch, Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, described Pravas as a celebration of India’s evolving identity and craftsmanship. He noted that the expression was created to reflect the spirit of travel and exploration while remaining deeply rooted in Indian whisky-making traditions.

Amrut Pravas opens with bright citrus and lemon zest notes layered with subtle nuttiness, evolving into dried fruits, dark chocolate, almond brittle, and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate delivers a luxurious combination of honeyed syrup, vanilla custard, almond-infused chocolate, dried fruits, and sweet lemon tart, while the finish remains long, elegant, and clean with lingering sweetness.

With Pravas, Amrut Distilleries continues its ambition of positioning Indian single malt whisky as a globally respected category, offering travellers a distinctive expression that captures the richness, warmth, and character of India through every sip.

For more information, visit Amrut Distilleries


P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

P.F. Chang's has expanded its footprint in Delhi NCR with the launch of its newest restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity, strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the capital’s most premium hospitality and lifestyle destinations.

Known globally for its signature high-heat wok cooking, bold Asian flavours, and elevated dining experiences, the new restaurant brings P.F. Chang’s celebrated American Pan-Asian culinary identity to a dynamic audience of corporate professionals, international travellers, residents, and lifestyle-driven consumers.

The launch marks another milestone for Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), the hospitality and dining arm of the Bharti Enterprises family, which continues to introduce globally recognised restaurant brands to Indian diners. Positioned within the vibrant World St. district at Worldmark Aerocity, the new outlet aligns with evolving consumer demand for globally benchmarked dining experiences paired with immersive hospitality environments.

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent more than three decades building its culinary identity around the traditional art of wok cooking, blending high-temperature cooking techniques, scratch-made preparations, and layered Asian flavours across more than 300 restaurants globally.

Speaking on the expansion, Rohan Pewekar, CEO – Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said the launch reflects the group’s larger vision of bringing globally celebrated dining cultures to India’s increasingly discerning consumers. He added that Aerocity’s evolving culinary landscape makes it a strategic location for the brand’s continued growth.

Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development at P.F. Chang’s, described the Aerocity opening as an important step in the brand’s India growth journey, while reinforcing the restaurant’s long-standing focus on mastering traditional wok cooking techniques that define its global identity.

At the heart of the dining experience is P.F. Chang’s signature 700-degree wok cooking method, designed to preserve flavour intensity, texture, and ingredient integrity. Guests can enjoy internationally popular dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp, Orange Chicken, and Lo Mein, alongside vegetarian offerings curated for Indian preferences. The menu also includes sushi, salads, gelatos, signature desserts like the Great Wall of Chocolate, and seasonal beverages.

The culinary programme has been carefully adapted to suit local palates while remaining true to the brand’s international identity. Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – Restaurants at Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, highlighted that the focus remains on achieving a balanced combination of sweet, savoury, spicy, and umami flavours through traditional wok-based cooking techniques.

Welcoming the brand to World St., S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO of Bharti Real Estate, noted that globally recognised dining concepts such as P.F. Chang’s play a significant role in shaping vibrant social and culinary destinations. He added that the restaurant further strengthens World St.’s positioning as a preferred destination for Asian fusion dining in Delhi.

Beyond its menu, the restaurant has been designed to offer a refined yet approachable atmosphere featuring contemporary interiors, versatile seating arrangements, and warm hospitality. The space caters to business lunches, social gatherings, family occasions, and evening dining experiences, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on creating memorable moments beyond food.

As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion across India, the brand remains focused on combining culinary tradition with contemporary dining experiences while delivering globally loved Asian flavours tailored to evolving local preferences.

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