Australian Hospitality Educator Ms. Jo Turner Connects with IICA Students in New Delhi

Australian Hospitality Educator Ms. Jo Turner Connects with IICA Students in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

As part of its academic collaboration with BSI Learning Australia, The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi recently welcomed renowned Australian hospitality educator Ms. Jo Turner, Trainer & Assessor – BSI Learning Australia, for a week-long engagement with students.

Under this partnership, international faculty members from Australia visit IICA every year to conduct specialised sessions designed to provide students with global learning exposure. This marked Ms. Turner’s second visit to the institute, where she led a series of classroom discussions, practical workshops, and interactive sessions focused on hospitality management and industry practices.

During her sessions, students received insights into several key areas of hospitality operations and workplace management. Topics covered included leading and managing teams, staff rostering, conflict management, budget planning and monitoring, customer service practices, workplace conduct, relationship management, and health and safety procedures.

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Speaking about her experience, Ms. Jo Turner said, "It was wonderful to once again interact with the students at IICA. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for hospitality education are truly encouraging. Hospitality today demands not only technical expertise but also strong communication, leadership, and people management skills, and it was rewarding to share these perspectives with the students."

To make learning more practical and engaging, the institute also organised role plays and hands-on activities. These sessions were designed to strengthen communication skills, leadership qualities, teamwork, coordination, and other essential hospitality skills.

Adding a culinary element to the programme, Ms. Turner conducted a demonstration on preparing Pavlova. Students gained practical knowledge about meringue preparation techniques, baking methods, whipping processes, and dessert presentation skills.

Sharing his thoughts, Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder of The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), said, "At IICA, we continue to create opportunities that expose our students to international faculty and global hospitality practices. Ms. Jo Turner's sessions offered valuable learning experiences that combined management education with practical industry understanding, further helping students prepare for global hospitality careers."

The institute also hosted a dedicated interactive session for aspiring students interested in studying hospitality and management in Australia. Participants had the opportunity to directly engage with Ms. Turner and understand international education pathways and career opportunities within the hospitality sector.

IICA has also been recognised by FICCI with a Certificate for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship for its contribution towards entrepreneurship, skill development, and employment generation within the hospitality and culinary industry.

Registrations are currently open for the July '26 batch at IICA's Hauz Khas campus for students interested in pursuing culinary and bakery arts programmes with Australian qualifications. The programme offers opportunities for further studies in Australia while providing practical training under experienced chefs. This year also marks the third successful graduating batch of BSI Learning students from IICA.

Founded in 2005 by Chef Virender S. Datta, who brings more than five decades of international hospitality experience, IICA remains among India’s early institutions to introduce globally benchmarked culinary education. The institute further strengthened its international presence through collaborations with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College in Japan, creating opportunities for faculty exchanges and cross-cultural culinary learning.


Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Vivanta Miramar has introduced Verre, a new rooftop glasshouse concept that brings together handcrafted cocktails, global cuisine, curated music, and immersive storytelling, set against sweeping views of the Goan coastline.

Positioned as more than a rooftop bar, Verre is designed as a “parallel universe” experience where familiar archetypes are reimagined as playful characters, creating a layered and evolving social space. The venue transitions naturally from relaxed sundowners during sunset to high-energy nightlife as the evening progresses.

At the centre of the experience is a cocktail programme inspired by celestial themes, drawing from the sun and moon to create drinks that combine classic mixology techniques with global influences and experimental ingredients. The beverage offering is complemented by a contemporary menu featuring Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavours, along with curated shareable plates and a live sushi bar.

Music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Verre, beginning with lounge and ambient sounds at sunset before shifting into upbeat and club-driven sets later in the night. This gradual transformation is designed to mirror the changing energy of the space as guests move from evening relaxation to late-night celebration.

A defining element of the concept is the introduction of “Verre Characters,” a storytelling feature that assigns playful personas inspired by everyday human traits. From dreamers to socialites and collectors, guests are invited to identify with these characters, adding an interactive narrative layer to the experience.

According to Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, IHCL, Verre has been designed to go beyond traditional dining and drinking formats. He noted that the concept blends design, music, storytelling, and mixology to create a more immersive and memorable social experience in Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

With its combination of panoramic views, evolving atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Verre positions itself as a distinctive addition to Goa’s rooftop and nightlife scene


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to experience the flavours of coastal Italy with A Taste of the Italian Coast, a specially curated brunch designed to bring together authentic Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the brunch celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s coastline through a menu featuring classic favourites and fresh creations inspired by the region’s vibrant food culture.

Designed as a leisurely Sunday dining experience, the brunch offers families, friends, and food enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a carefully crafted selection of Italian dishes in a welcoming and elegant setting.

With its focus on comforting flavours, quality ingredients, and the laid-back charm associated with coastal Italy, the experience aims to transport guests on a culinary journey while offering a memorable afternoon of dining and hospitality.

The brunch will be available every Sunday in June 2026, except 21 June, at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Sunday in June 2026 (except 21 June)
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Café Delhi Heights (CDH) has announced the opening of its newest outlet at Central 50, Noida, further expanding its presence in one of the city's emerging lifestyle destinations. Designed as an all-day dining space, the new café offers a welcoming atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from casual daytime gatherings to relaxed evening experiences.

Spread across 1,680 sq. ft. and accommodating up to 69 guests, the outlet has been thoughtfully designed to create the feel of a modern neighbourhood café. The interiors feature a soothing mix of terracotta and lime tones, complemented by warm wooden finishes, brick-tiled details, and rattan accents. Carefully placed black highlights add contrast, while large windows allow natural light to create changing patterns throughout the day.

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Speaking about the new opening, Vikrant Batra said, “We wanted this space to feel calm, comfortable and effortlessly welcoming, a place that truly speaks of comfort, where you can drop in for a coffee during the day or unwind in the evening. Central 50 is an exciting new destination in Noida, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with a diverse, evolving audience.”

Located within Central 50, the café is expected to attract a wide range of guests, including corporate professionals, families, and young urban diners. Its flexible layout and relaxed ambience make it suitable for everything from informal meetings and quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals and evening catch-ups.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has built a strong reputation for offering comfort-focused dining experiences across India. Since opening its first outlet in Gurgaon, the brand has expanded across multiple cities while maintaining its signature approach of creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique.

The launch at Central 50 marks another step in the brand’s growth journey. With a focus on combining thoughtfully designed spaces and enjoyable dining experiences, Café Delhi Heights continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets across the country.

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