Cellar 33 and Sonarys Host Exclusive Pre-Launch Dinner to Introduce Grower Champagne in India

Cellar 33 and Sonarys Host Exclusive Pre-Launch Dinner to Introduce Grower Champagne in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 11, 2025

Domaine du Chalet in Chigny-les-Roses, France, set the stage for a meaningful celebration as Cellar 33, in collaboration with Sonarys, hosted an exclusive pre-launch dinner to introduce eight grower Champagne houses to the Indian market. This initiative marks a significant step in connecting India's evolving wine scene with some of France's most authentic, small-batch Champagne producers.

Founded by Amrita Singh DipWSET and Mattia Antonio Cianca DipWSET, Cellar 33 is a Bordeaux-based export and marketing agency focused on Champagne, wine, and spirits, with India as a priority market. Their work includes building long-term partnerships, selecting ideal importers for producers, and offering end-to-end branding and market integration support.

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The event highlighted India's growing appetite for craft-driven, authentic wines. With curated Champagne pairings and a gourmet menu crafted by Chef Nikhil Nagpal of Avartana (ITC Grand Chola)—one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants—the dinner showcased how the nuanced flavours of artisanal Champagne pair beautifully with the spice and depth of Southern Indian cuisine.

“For Amrita, India represents origin and vision, while for Mattia, it signifies inspiration and opportunity,” noted the hosts. They emphasized that the evening was not just about a product launch but about creating meaningful, long-term collaborations.

The participating Champagne houses were:

  • Champagne Gounel-Lassalle (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne Lafalise-Froissart (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne François Secondé (Montagne de Reims)

  • Champagne R. Faivre (Vallée de la Marne)

  • Champagne Gaston Révolte (Vallée de la Marne)

  • Champagne André Robert (Côte des Blancs)

  • Champagne Daniel Leclerc et Fils (Côte des Bar)

  • Champagne Lacroix-Triaulaire (Côte des Bar)

Sanjay Menon, CEO of Sonarys, added, “It was a seminal discovery… of both the artistry of Champagne and its perfect pairing with Indian ‘Nouvelle’ cuisine.”

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India's wine and spirits market is complex, regulated, yet brimming with opportunity, is seeing a shift towards authenticity, provenance, and craftsmanship. The dinner was attended by Champagne producers, trade professionals, and French and international press, symbolising a pivotal moment in India’s premium beverage journey.

"Introducing these eight producers to India is a momentous occasion," said Mattia Cianca. "Each house represents the soul of its terroir, and we are excited to introduce their artistry to a discerning Indian audience."

With support from Sonarys and growing interest among top restaurants and sommeliers, Cellar 33’s pre-launch celebration lays the foundation for a strong artisanal Champagne presence in India, one rooted in quality, connection, and vision.

About Cellar 33:

Cellar 33, founded in 2023 by Amrita Singh and Mattia Antonio Cianca, is an international marketing and export agency based in Bordeaux. With a sharp focus on Champagne, wine, and spirits, the agency offers branding, market strategy, and representation for select producers. Active participants in Vinexpo and Prowine India, Cellar 33 combines decades of industry expertise to help global brands grow in emerging markets like India.


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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