Central Park Unveils Sakura Town: An Exclusive Japanese Club in Gurugram

Central Park Unveils Sakura Town: An Exclusive Japanese Club in Gurugram

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 5, 2024

Central Park, a prominent real estate developer in Gurugram and part of The Bakshi Group of Enterprises, has introduced Sakura Town, a new and exclusive Japanese club designed to elevate luxury living in the region. Managed by Central Park’s hospitality division, St. Jerome, Sakura Town is located in Sector-48, Sohna Road, within the upscale, fully-serviced living space known as The Room at Central Park Resorts.

Sakura Town is crafted to provide a unique "home-away-from-home" experience for the Japanese expatriate community in Delhi NCR. The club’s design and amenities are inspired by the serene elegance of Japanese culture, seamlessly blending it with seven-star hospitality. The aim is to offer a distinctive residential experience that caters to the specific needs of its Japanese members.

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Amarjit Bakshi, Chairman and Managing Director of Central Park, highlighted the company’s vision behind the launch: “At Central Park, we have always aspired to create an unmatched living experience that goes beyond mere residency, embodying a true sense of community and luxury. The launch of Sakura Town reflects our dedication to exceeding expectations. By integrating authentic Japanese cultural elements, we aim to offer our residents, especially our Japanese expatriates, an enriching environment that blends cultural diversity with world-class hospitality.”

Rajit Sardana, President of Hospitality at Central Park, added, “Sakura Town is more than just a club; it’s a thoughtfully designed space tailored to the preferences of the Japanese community. With amenities such as the Ofuro, the Ginza restaurant, the Ariake-do Spa, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator, we are bringing the essence of Japan to Central Park. Sakura Town exemplifies our commitment to providing an exceptional lifestyle to our discerning Japanese residents. We are excited to welcome members to this unique club, where every detail is crafted to offer an authentic and luxurious experience.”

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Sakura Town embodies the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi, which emphasizes exceptional hospitality. The club features a variety of traditional amenities, including the Ofuro hot baths known for their relaxing and therapeutic benefits, Ginza—a restaurant serving exquisite Japanese cuisine curated by Japanese chefs, and the Ariake-do Spa, offering authentic Japanese spa treatments. The club also includes Bochi Bochi Salon, which provides hair and makeup services by professional stylists, as well as additional amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, Mahjong rooms, and a golf simulator. The Sakura Events Deck is another highlight, ideal for hosting memorable social gatherings.

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Central Park’s commitment to luxury extends beyond amenities, as the brand focuses on creating a lasting sense of belonging for its residents. Sakura Town aims to transform everyday living into an extraordinary experience, where thoughtful design meets unparalleled service, making it more than just a place to live—it’s a community that feels like home.


Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

Papaya Unveils “The Yin & Yang Menu” Inspired by Asia’s Timeless Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 7, 2025

Papaya, India’s pioneer in modern Asian dining, has launched The Yin & Yang Menu, a unique culinary experience inspired by one of Asia’s oldest philosophies, the harmony created when opposites come together. Rooted in the belief that contrast completes rather than divides, the menu brings the essence of balance to the plate through taste, texture and emotion.

For generations, the concept of Yin and Yang has symbolised the universe’s natural rhythm, light and shadow, calm and energy, softness and strength. Not opposites in conflict, but partners in balance. Papaya brings this timeless idea to life by blending fire with flow, depth with delicacy, and spice with serenity.

“The Yin & Yang Menu is our homage to the philosophy that defines Asia itself,” says Zorawar Kalra, Founder & Managing Director, Massive Restaurants. “Papaya has always led from the front in redefining how India experiences Asian cuisine, by blending innovation with integrity. With this menu, we explore how contrast doesn’t divide; it completes. It’s a dialogue between opposites, a reminder that flavour, like life, finds meaning only in balance.”

True to Papaya’s style, the experience goes beyond food. The two curated menus are crafted as emotional journeys that reflect each other, with one finding strength in what the other releases.

The Yin Menu celebrates calm, subtlety and restraint. Dishes like Smoked Avocado Nigiri and Avocado Carpaccio with Yuzu Soy bring gentle brightness, while Crystal Truffle Cream Cheese Dim Sum and Cantonese Dumpling Broth offer soothing depth. Highlights such as Rainbow Roll and Salmon Uzukuri with Jalapeño Relish pair coolness with a hint of heat. The experience concludes with Thai Green Curry with Stir-Fried Asian Greens and a serene Vanilla Panacotta with Citrus Glaze, echoing the quiet charm of dusk.

The Yang Menu brings energy, boldness and expression. The journey begins with spirited dishes like Spicy Tuna Maki, Som Tam Seafood Salad, and Shaomai Chicken & Chestnuts. The flavours intensify with Tom Yum Soup, Spicy Red Dragon Roll, and Papaya’s signature Layered Sushi Pizza with Salmon Carpaccio. Power-packed plates such as Wok-Fried Tofu & Mushrooms in Crispy Chilli and Thai Red Curry keep the momentum strong, ending with the dramatic Chocolate Ball on Fire, a blend of dessert and theatre.

Across both menus, every element is designed to create balance, colours, aromas, ingredients and textures come together to bring harmony to each plate. Calm meets chaos, heat meets coolness, and structure blends with flow. Diners are invited to experience both sides and discover how each enriches the other.

With The Yin & Yang Menu, Papaya continues to lead India’s modern Asian dining scene by blending philosophy, creativity and cuisine into an experience that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly contemporary.


Bernini Unveils a New Era of Real Wine Spritzers with Its ‘Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In’ Ritual

Bernini Unveils a New Era of Real Wine Spritzers with Its ‘Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In’ Ritual

By Hariharan U

Published on December 7, 2025

Bernini, South Africa’s only real spritzer made from wine with flavours, has introduced a fresh look and an elegant new campaign rooted in a simple yet meaningful ritual: Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In. The idea celebrates the sensory experience of real wine, its aroma, taste, and the memories it evokes, while inviting women to pause, be present, and enjoy moments that feel softer and more intentional.

The campaign draws inspiration from the sunset aperitivo culture, a time of day when conversations feel warmer, connections linger, and everything slows down. This is the space Bernini wants to live in during long lunches that flow into golden-hour evenings, relaxed weekends, and moments where life feels beautifully unhurried.

There is a quiet but powerful shift happening in how South African women choose to live and experience their world. After years of rushing and performing, many are seeking moments that feel softer, slower, and more intentional,” said Paigon Prince, Senior Brand Manager for Bernini South Africa. “True authenticity exists when there is no audience, and Bernini makes space for that. The quality is in the experience and not the broadcast.”

The real-wine ritual is designed to transform a simple drink into a grounding experience, Pop It to enjoy the gentle sparkle of real wine with flavours. Swirl It to release the natural aromas in the signature Bernini coupe glass. Breathe It In to savour the refreshing wine notes.

The range offers a smooth, easy-drinking taste across variants:

  • Classic – white style with honey notes

  • Blush – rosé style with soft florals

  • Mimosa – sparkling white with real orange juice

Each variant is crafted for moments of calm, celebration, or connection.

Bernini has also revealed a more sophisticated visual identity. The refreshed blue stripe design brings a timeless and premium look, while the iconic crown “B” and signature Bernini blue strengthen the brand’s chic personality. The move to a flint glass bottle for the Classic variant enhances the delicate sparkling liquid inside.

“As we evolved the brand, our intention wasn’t to make life louder, but to make it feel more meaningful,” Prince added. “Because life becomes more beautiful when you pause long enough to savour it and Breathe It In.”

Bernini continues to be a brand born from real wine, offering spritzers available in multiple variants and convenient formats, including bottles and cans.


Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 5, 2025

India’s premium alcobev market is set for a major boost as Monika Alcobev Limited announces a new partnership with Jinro, the world’s No. 1 spirit and South Korea’s most iconic Soju brand. Through this collaboration, Monika Alcobev will now handle Jinro’s complete India operations, import, distribution, and marketing across key cities.

The partnership comes at a time when Soju is gaining powerful traction in India, driven by the rising influence of Korean cuisine, K-culture, and social trends. With more Indian consumers exploring global drinking formats, Soju has quickly become one of the most dynamic categories in the premium spirits segment.

Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev, said, “We are proud to add Jinro to our premium portfolio lineup. Soju has grown from a regional favourite to a global phenomenon, and Jinro continues to lead that shift. This partnership reflects our alignment with the market and our ability to grow premium global brands in India.”

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Sharing insights from the trade, Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer at Monika Alcobev, added, “Demand for Soju is accelerating rapidly in India. With Jinro, we are bringing the most recognised and trusted name in the category. The timing is ideal, and we expect strong momentum from consumers.”

The rollout will begin in major metros including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa. Expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities will follow. To support the launch, consumers can look forward to cultural collaborations, immersive events and dedicated bar programs that highlight authentic Korean experiences.

Popular Jinro variants such as Chamisul Fresh, Green Grape, Plum, Strawberry and Peach will be introduced, giving both loyal Soju fans and first-time drinkers multiple options to explore.

David, Export Manager at HiteJinro Co., Ltd., shared, “We are delighted to introduce Korea’s No. 1 Jinro Soju to Indian consumers through Monika Alcobev’s wide distribution network and strong market presence. India is one of the world’s largest spirit-consuming nations, and together, we believe Jinro Soju will see remarkable growth.”

With this partnership, Monika Alcobev continues to strengthen its premium global portfolio, reaffirming its position as a trusted gateway for international alcobev brands entering India. The collaboration also reflects the company’s focus on sustainable growth, brand-building, and creating meaningful experiences for the modern consumer.

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