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.


Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 3, 2026

Chocolate Day, celebrated on 7th July, is all about indulging in rich, comforting desserts, and Mumbai's dining scene has no shortage of irresistible options. From classic chocolate mousse to creative chocolate-forward desserts, the city's restaurants are serving indulgent treats that promise to satisfy every chocolate lover.

Here's where to head for some of Mumbai's best chocolate desserts this Chocolate Day.

Papi, Bandra

Papi's Dark Chocolate Mousse is a refined take on a timeless classic. Rich without being overly sweet, the dessert delivers an intense chocolate flavour with a smooth, airy texture, making it a fitting finale to the restaurant's European-inspired menu.

Torii, Khar

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Torii's Vegan Ganache Chocolate Cake combines 55% dark chocolate with coconut milk to create a silky vegan ganache, finished with a generous drizzle of Nutella sauce. The result is a rich dessert that offers deep chocolate flavours while remaining completely dairy-free.

Harajuku Bakehouse

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Inspired by Tokyo's café culture, Harajuku Bakehouse serves its signature Jiggly Pancake topped with Nutella, vanilla ice cream, and dark chocolate sticks. Soft, fluffy, and playful, the dessert balances visual appeal with comforting flavours.

Amelia

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Chocolate lovers looking for something indulgent can opt for Amelia's Chocolate Bomb. Built on a fudgy brownie base, the dessert layers dark chocolate hazelnut mousse with bright orange purée and mixed berries, creating a balance of richness and freshness.

Lyla

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Lyla's Chocolate Coma offers an interactive dessert experience. A white chocolate dome melts under warm chocolate sauce to reveal a dark chocolate mousse layered with roasted peanuts, combining creamy textures with a satisfying crunch.

Amaru

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For those looking for something unconventional, Amaru presents the JD Matcha Cake. The dessert pairs matcha and chocolate with a shot of Jack Daniel's and chocolate bitters, bringing together earthy tea notes, rich cocoa, and subtle whiskey flavours for a distinctive finish.

Whether you prefer classic chocolate desserts or contemporary interpretations, these restaurants offer some of Mumbai's most memorable sweet experiences, making them ideal destinations to celebrate Chocolate Day.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting pizza lovers to kick off their weekends with its Weekend Pizza Party, a special Friday dining experience that celebrates the art of handcrafted pizzas. Available every Friday in July at Food Exchange, the limited-period offering combines freshly made pizzas, interactive live cooking, and gourmet sides.

A highlight of the experience is the Live Pizza Station, where chefs prepare every pizza from scratch using freshly made dough, premium cheeses, and carefully selected toppings. Guests can watch their pizzas being crafted to order, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

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The menu features a wide selection of classic and gourmet pizzas. Diners can enjoy favourites such as the Margherita with Buffalo Mozzarella & Basil and Quattro Formaggi, along with signature creations including Truffle Wild Mushroom Pizza, Roasted Vegetable & Feta Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Lamb Kofta Pizza, Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza, and Garlic Prawn Pizza. The selection draws inspiration from Italian, Mediterranean, and global flavours.

Adding to the spread is a Root Vegetable Fries Bar, offering a variety of crispy options such as Sweet Potato Fries, Cassava Fries, Beetroot Fries, Carrot Fries, Lotus Stem Chips, and classic potato fries. Guests can pair them with a range of gourmet dips, including Truffle Aioli, Garlic Herb Mayo, Chipotle Dip, Basil Pesto, Roasted Tomato Dip, and Cheese Sauce.

Designed for families, friends, and colleagues, the Weekend Pizza Party offers a relaxed way to enjoy handcrafted pizzas and flavourful accompaniments while welcoming the weekend.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
  • Dates: Every Friday in July.
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

As the rains return to Mumbai, several restaurants have introduced exclusive monsoon menus designed to match the season's craving for warm, comforting food. Whether it's Mediterranean classics, Japanese hot pots, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time menus promise memorable dining experiences throughout the monsoon.

Luuma House (Juhu)

Starting 6th July, Luuma House in Juhu is serving its specially curated Mezze Monsoon Menu, inspired by comforting Mediterranean flavours and seasonal ingredients.

The menu begins with the Turkish Lentil Soup, followed by the signature Lyali Beirut Mezze, which includes hummus, labneh, falafel, batata hara, muhammara, and freshly baked pita. Guests can also enjoy the Moroccan Dijaj, topped with lemon-marinated chicken, pistachio pesto, and creamy burrata.

For the main course, highlights include the Turkish Moussaka served with herb apricot sauce and the Chelo Chicken with garlic chilli sauce. The meal ends on a sweet note with the Steamed Date Pudding, served with tahini date caramel and ice cream. With its warm ambience and Mediterranean-inspired menu, Luuma House offers the perfect setting to enjoy the rainy season with family and friends.

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  • Address: Plot No. 47, Gulmohar Road, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Tokki & Tora (Andheri & Powai)

This monsoon, Tokki & Tora is inviting guests to enjoy comforting Japanese and Korean flavours through a seasonal menu featuring hot pots and ramen.

The menu includes favourites such as the Vegetable Hot Pot, Tori Nabe, Seafood Hot Pot, and the popular Korean Kimchi Jjigae, prepared with fermented kimchi, tofu, and fresh vegetables.

Guests can also choose from a variety of ramen bowls, including Miso Ramen (available in spicy and non-spicy versions), Korean Ramen, and Shoyu Ramen, all served with rich broths and authentic flavours. Whether it's a cosy lunch or dinner on a rainy day, Tokki & Tora offers the perfect comfort meal for the season.

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  • Locations: Tokki & Tora, Andheri | Powai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Epitome (Lower Parel)

From 5th July to 30th August, Epitome in Lower Parel is presenting its Sizzling Monsoon Menu, packed with comforting starters, hearty sizzlers, and indulgent desserts.

Guests can begin with seasonal favourites including Pahadi Dal Wada Popcorn, Bhajiya Basket, Charred Corn Ribs, and Sweet Aloo Tikki Chaat.

For the main course, the menu features Tofu in Black Bean Sizzler and Red Pepper Chilli Paneer Sizzler, served piping hot with flavourful accompaniments. To finish, diners can indulge in the Sizzling Brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts. Combined with its lively ambience and handcrafted cocktails, Epitome offers a complete monsoon dining experience.

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  • Address: Mathuradas Mill Compound, Plot 242, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 1:30 AM

This monsoon, these restaurants offer a variety of seasonal menus that celebrate comfort, flavour, and the joy of dining during the rains. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean delicacies, Japanese comfort food, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time experiences are worth exploring.

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