Chef Bala Launches Anthara, a French-American Culinary Destination in Bangalore

Chef Bala Launches Anthara, a French-American Culinary Destination in Bangalore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2025

Chef Balasundaram Murugesan, fondly known as Chef Bala, has launched Anthara, a French-American patisserie and dining space in Bangalore’s vibrant Marathahalli neighbourhood. Spanning 2400 sq ft, Anthara offers an immersive gastronomic experience that unites the elegance of French patisserie with the bold comfort of American flavours.

Nestled amid blooming bougainvillea and warm earthy tones, Anthara has been designed to encourage guests to pause and savour life's simple indulgences. From day to night, the venue transforms from a vibrant café to a laid-back dining and lounge setting, inviting patrons to explore handcrafted coffees, custom-styled sandwiches, refined plated dishes, and an array of artisanal desserts.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Bala said, “Anthara is the culmination of my passion for soulful cuisine and my belief in the power of hospitality to connect people. With Anthara, I wanted to create a space that feels personal yet refined — where food isn’t just consumed, but truly experienced.”

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The culinary programme at Anthara showcases a daily rotation of house-baked breads, forming the base for rich, American deli-style sandwiches. A thoughtfully curated beer and coffee pairing menu complements the comfort food offerings. The French patisserie section highlights refined creations like éclairs and macarons, prepared using traditional techniques and premium ingredients.

Built on the principles of innovation, global quality, neighbourhood connection, and heartfelt hospitality, Anthara brings a refreshing dining experience to the city. Chef Bala also hinted at future expansion plans, aiming to reach more communities across Bangalore in the next five years.

With a menu that balances indulgence and authenticity, Anthara sets a new standard in Bangalore’s dining scene—where every meal is a story and every visit, a memory.


Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 Crowned Best World Single Malt at John Barleycorn Awards 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 4, 2025

Radico Khaitan Ltd., one of India’s largest and oldest homegrown alco-bev companies, has added another glittering chapter to its global success story. In a remarkable triumph for Indian whisky, Rampur Jugalbandi #6 was named Best World Single Malt at the John Barleycorn Awards 2025 in the USA. Further solidifying Rampur’s reputation on the world stage, Rampur Select clinched a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 bagged Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

Leading the charge was Rampur Jugalbandi #6, aged in rare Madeira casks — an exploration in bold maturation that delivers unmatched depth and character. Rampur Select’s Double Gold underlined its hallmark smoothness and fruit-forward elegance, while Jugalbandi #5’s Gold recognised its nuanced Tokaji cask finish that blends Indian richness with European finesse.

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Considered one of the spirits industry’s most respected honours, the John Barleycorn Awards are judged by top writers and industry veterans who celebrate excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, "It is truly gratifying to see Indian single malts gaining such remarkable global recognition. These accolades reaffirm our belief that when whisky is crafted with authenticity, passion, and purpose, it resonates across cultures and continents."

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Mr. Kunal Madan, Vice President – International Business, added, "Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is a testament to our bold and evolving whisky craft. This win places it among the world's finest, reflecting a uniquely Indian story of innovation rooted in tradition."

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The secret to Rampur’s growing global appeal lies in its Himalayan provenance. The region’s dramatic seasonal swings, especially the intense Indian summers, accelerate maturation and create a complexity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Crafted at the historic Rampur Distillery, each expression tells a story: Rampur Select with its warm vanilla and spice, Jugalbandi #5 with its Tokaji elegance, and Jugalbandi #6 pushing new frontiers with Madeira-cask opulence.

As Radico Khaitan continues to expand across the US, Europe, and travel retail hubs, these international recognitions underline the brand’s long-term commitment to putting Indian whisky firmly on the global luxury map.


No Meat? No Problem! TwentySeven Bakehouse Goes All-Veg at Nepean Sea Road

No Meat? No Problem! TwentySeven Bakehouse Goes All-Veg at Nepean Sea Road

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 4, 2025

Mumbai’s favourite neighbourhood bakery, TwentySeven Bakehouse, has just planted fresh roots on Nepean Sea Road, taking its 'No Bullsh*t Baking' mantra to South Mumbai’s buzzing food stretch. After charming food lovers in Bandra, Mahalakshmi, and Chembur (which runs as a delivery-only kitchen), this marks the brand’s fourth Mumbai outpost — and it’s bringing along some delicious firsts.

For the first time ever, TwentySeven Bakehouse is serving up an all-vegetarian, completely eggless menu. And if you thought going vegetarian meant playing it safe, think again. Their brand-new sandwich selection is stealing the spotlight. Picture this: a Halloumi & Harissa sandwich nestled in warm, pillowy focaccia, or The Four Cheese, where their signature sourdough becomes the perfect canvas for a gooey, indulgent mix of cheeses — a bite that promises to flip your day right-side up.

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And that’s just scratching the surface. The rest of the menu stays true to what TwentySeven does best — honest, quality-driven bakes and breads that let simple ingredients shine. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious new customer strolling through South Mumbai’s legacy food circuit, the new Nepean Sea Road outlet is set to become your next carb-loving pit stop.


India’s Leo’s Pizzeria Enters World’s Top 100 Pizzerias

India’s Leo’s Pizzeria Enters World’s Top 100 Pizzerias

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2025

In a defining moment for India’s culinary scene, Leo’s Pizzeria, a much-loved pizza kitchen nestled in New Delhi, has earned the #99 spot in the prestigious list of The Best Pizza – Milan 2025. Known for honouring the world’s finest pizza establishments, the Milan-based list is considered a global benchmark in pizza craftsmanship, making Leo’s the first Indian pizzeria to break into this elite club.

With a loyal following rooted in simplicity, quality, and honest cooking, Leo’s has quietly emerged as a standout, proving that excellence in food can come from even the most unassuming corners of the world. The pizzeria’s approach is refreshingly straightforward — a slow-fermented 48-hour dough, Italian tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a wood-fired oven that brings it all together. The result is a perfectly balanced, light-yet-flavourful pizza that has captivated both locals and global connoisseurs alike.

This recognition is not just a feather in Leo’s cap, but a proud moment for Indian gastronomy, breaking new ground in a space traditionally dominated by Italian and Western names. Founder and Head Pizzaiolo Amol Kumar shared his thoughts on the achievement, saying, “We never set out chasing awards, just the pursuit of honest, well-made pizza. To be recognised on a global stage, among names we've long admired, is incredibly humbling. This isn’t just a win for Leo’s — it’s for everyone who believes that world-class food can come from anywhere, as long as it's made with heart and integrity.” Over the years, Leo’s Pizzeria has quietly cultivated a community of pizza lovers who appreciate the craftsmanship behind every slice.

Now, with this international acclaim, Leo’s stands tall as a symbol of Indian culinary ambition — authentic, rooted, and ready to take on the world.

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