Callebaut Unveils the Third Edition of India’s PATISSIER OF THE YEAR Competition

Callebaut Unveils the Third Edition of India’s PATISSIER OF THE YEAR Competition

By Author

Published on December 15, 2023

Callebaut, the renowned producer of the Finest Belgian Chocolate, is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship event, Callebaut Patissier of the Year (CPY) 2024, in collaboration with Chocolate Academy Mumbai. This prestigious competition invites chefs and artisans to showcase their creative mastery in the art of chocolate crafting.

Celebrating a century of crafting The Finest Belgian Chocolate, Callebaut recognizes the paramount value of originality in the world of chocolate and pastry. This year's theme, 'Craft Your Signature,' emphasizes the uniqueness of every chef. CPY 2024 aims to create a platform that celebrates chefs for who they are – their background, culture, and authentic selves.

The competition features qualifying rounds challenging participants to showcase their originality through chocolate creations. Scheduled through February 2024 in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, the qualifier winners will compete in the finale set to take place in Mumbai in May 2024.

Dhruva Sanyal, Managing Director of India for Barry Callebaut, said, “As we embark on the third edition of Callebaut Patissier of the Year, we are excited to witness the diverse and innovative creations of our talented Indian chefs. This competition reflects our commitment to supporting and celebrating the unique talents within the culinary world.”

Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, invited participants to become a part of the Callebaut family, emphasizing the competition as not only a chance to compete but also to learn. “We welcome you to become a part of the Callebaut and Global Chocolate Academy™ Network. We’re thrilled to witness groundbreaking creation techniques and excited to see the best talents come forward to participate in the competition. We are excited to find the best gem of the pastry chef community together,” he added.

Applications are open from December 1, 2023, and can be submitted online until January 20, 2024. An esteemed jury led by Pratik Deshmukh will evaluate the applications.

The title winner will enjoy a privileged visit to the world's largest chocolate factory in Wieze, Belgium. The first runner-up will receive a masterclass at Chocolate Academy Dubai, while the second runner-up will be awarded an international masterclass at Chocolate Academy Mumbai.

Callebaut's CPY 2024 promises not just a competition but a celebration of creativity and individuality in the world of chocolate crafting. As the legacy continues, it invites participants to showcase their unique signatures and be a part of a community passionate about the artistry of chocolate.


Foo Strengthens Its Presence in Bengaluru With a New Restaurant at Orion Mall

Foo Strengthens Its Presence in Bengaluru With a New Restaurant at Orion Mall

By Hariharan U

Published on November 28, 2025

Foo, the Asian tapas dining brand from Pebble Street Hospitality, has opened its second restaurant in Bengaluru, marking another step in its South India growth plans. The new outlet at Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Rajajinagar, comes after the strong response to the brand’s first restaurant on Brigade Road.

The location in North-West Bengaluru, a neighbourhood known for its busy mall culture, mixed communities, and preference for quality dining, gives Foo the opportunity to connect with a larger audience while staying consistent with the experience it is known for.

Spread across 3320 square feet with seating for 110 guests, the restaurant blends Foo’s contemporary Asian design with a few standout visual elements. Guests walk into a tall, double-height entrance overlooking a water body, setting a dramatic tone. Outside, a bar by the lakeside doubles as a popular photo spot, while a cherry blossom tree and high ceilings keep the space open and lively. The design includes bold red details, a sculptural rope-wall installation, lantern-style lighting, patterned flooring, and tall forms inspired by classic Asian roof tiles.

Inside, warm rattan lights and a transparent glazing screen create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor seating.

Foo brings its full culinary range to the new outlet, offering over 100 signature dishes from sushi and dim sum to Nikkei influences, Peruvian ceviche, salads, small plates, big plates, and indulgent desserts. The focus remains on consistency, creativity and flavour-forward dining.

Founders Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham shared their excitement, saying, “Bengaluru has embraced Foo with incredible warmth, and the city’s energy, global palate and enthusiasm for experiential dining made it the natural choice for our next chapter. With our second restaurant at Orion Mall, Rajajinagar, we’re introducing a more refined Foo, the way Bengaluru loves to dine: social, vibrant, exploratory and always evolving. This market is integral to our long-term vision, and we’re committed to building neighbourhood destinations across the city that stay true to Foo’s signature quality, creativity and accessible dining philosophy.”

Commenting on the launch, Sunil Munshi, COO – retail, Brigade Group, added, “At Orion Mall, our singular focus has always been to craft a dynamic and enriching experience for our patrons, one that goes far beyond shopping. We believe a truly world-class mall must seamlessly integrate best-in-class retail, diverse culinary of offerings and immersive entertainment under one roof. Every brand we welcome is carefully selected to reflect the evolving tastes and aspirations of our visitors. The arrival of Foo Asian Tapas adds a bold and flavour-filled dimension to our F&B portfolio, and we are confident that this will be yet another reason for our patrons to explore, indulge and revisit.”


Silq Brings a Silk Route–Inspired Dining Experience to Delhi

Silq Brings a Silk Route–Inspired Dining Experience to Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on November 28, 2025

A new fine-dining destination has arrived in Delhi with the launch of Silq, a restaurant shaped by the memories and exchanges of the ancient Silk Route. Located in the diplomatic enclave of Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, Silq aims to offer more than a meal, it brings a sense of ritual, culture, and unhurried luxury to the city’s dining scene.

Silq draws its inspiration from the legendary pathways where merchants, poets, philosophers, and travellers once moved between civilizations. The restaurant seeks to recreate that sense of depth and connection by offering what it describes as the “luxury of ritual, reverence, and unhurried grace.”

At Silq, dining follows the idea of samskara, a ritual carried out with intention. Every guest moves through six thoughtfully designed ceremonies, each representing a shift from the ordinary into a more immersive experience.
The journey begins with Ruh-e-Itr, a welcome that combines a curated thaal with Silq’s oud fragrance. Ida brings music inspired by historic trade routes, while Tajalli marks the start of the meal as candlelight sets the tone. Ushpa introduces a sensory drink, Ahara presents a crafted amuse-bouche, and the evening completes with Lutf, a goodbye gesture featuring a scroll and traditional mukhwaas.

The menu celebrates four culinary traditions, Persian, Mughal, Levantine, and Mediterranean  treating each with respect and authenticity. Guests can expect flavours shaped by saffron, pomegranate, sumac, olive, herbs, and the poetic style of old royal kitchens.

Silq’s interiors echo the visual stories of ancient trade routes. Warm brass that reflects flickering candlelight, textured fabrics reminiscent of faraway bazaars, and shades inspired by spice markets and royal settings come together to create an atmosphere that blends heritage with contemporary elegance.

Speaking about the philosophy behind the space, founder Sagar Kumar shared, "We live in times where dining has become merely transactional. At Silq, we're returning to what hospitality once meant, a sacred offering of presence, care, and cultural memory. Every guest who enters becomes the recipient of an amanat, something precious entrusted to our care. They leave carrying not just satisfaction, but a feeling of having been part of something intimate, meaningful, and transformative."


STOK Beer Brings Its ‘Live the Chill’ Vibe to Bengaluru with an Exclusive Launch Night

STOK Beer Brings Its ‘Live the Chill’ Vibe to Bengaluru with an Exclusive Launch Night

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 28, 2025

STOK, a new premium beer from Indore-based Mount Everest Breweries Ltd., made a refreshing debut in Bengaluru with an experiential launch evening at Mirage, Ashok Nagar. Designed as a relaxed, culture-forward event, the night featured stand-up comedy, live music, creator-led sets, and curated hangout zones, all echoing the brand’s core philosophy of “Living the Chill.”

The event brought together a diverse lineup of performers including Siddharth Shetty, DJ Lady Barot, MixItWithMendi, and Mr. Kadakman. Guests also explored immersive zones inspired by STOK’s lifestyle-first identity, such as the Laughter Brewery and Chill Scene areas. A key highlight of the evening was an exclusive preview of STOK’s upcoming draught variant, set to roll out across select outlets in the coming months.

“Bengaluru felt like the right place to introduce STOK,” said Vedant Kedia, Whole-Time Director, Mount Everest Breweries Ltd. “It’s a city that celebrates creativity and community, and it embraces new experiences with an open mind. We wanted a beer that you’d reach for when you want to relax with friends or celebrate something small. That’s what ‘Live the Chill’ is about.”

Entering the Karnataka market, STOK introduces three premium variants, Strong, Wheat, and Lager. Each is crafted using high-quality ingredients including German hops and superior millets, brewed on advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. The range was developed under the guidance of a seasoned master brewer with former experience at UB Kingfisher, lending deep industry expertise to the product.

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“Bengaluru has always embraced innovative beer experiences,” said Vinod Babu G, CEO of Mount Everest Breweries Ltd. “Our goal was simple: give people a premium brew that’s inviting rather than intimidating. With three variants and the draught version coming soon, we’re excited to be part of the city’s scene.”

Developed as a modern Indian interpretation of premium beer, STOK is crafted for a new generation that values quality without unnecessary pretence. By combining high-end brewing techniques with a laid-back, relatable lifestyle ethos, STOK aims to redefine what a homegrown premium beer can feel like.

With demand for premium and differentiated beers continuing to rise across India, STOK sees a strong opportunity to grow. Supported by a focused launch strategy, distinct packaging, and a product line tailored for contemporary drinkers, STOK is positioning itself as a fresh, friendly addition to Bengaluru’s evolving beer landscape.

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