Chef Chinna Karuppan Unveils the Timeless Flavours of South India at CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

Chef Chinna Karuppan Unveils the Timeless Flavours of South India at CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

By Author

Published on January 17, 2025

CUR8, the vibrant dining destination at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, is set to host an extraordinary South Indian Food Festival led by the esteemed Chef Chinna Karuppan. From January 17 to 26, 2025, guests will embark on a flavorful journey celebrating the rich culinary heritage of South India, with a menu inspired by the spice plantations of Kerala and the coastal kitchens of Tamil Nadu.

A Culinary Maestro

With over a decade of experience at prestigious establishments like The Leela Ashtamudi, Pullman and Novotel Hotel Delhi Airport, and Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, Chef Chinna Karuppan has perfected the art of blending traditional South Indian flavors with contemporary techniques and modern plating.

Hailing from the charming village of Malavalabu, Tamil Nadu, Chef Chinna’s passion for South Indian cuisine was nurtured from an early age. From mastering treasured family recipes to assisting local caterers, he developed a deep-rooted love for cooking. Now, his expertise shines in signature dishes like the iconic Madurai Mutton Sukka, a celebration of bold regional flavors with a modern twist.

Festival Highlights

The South Indian Food Festival at CUR8 will feature a curated menu of Chef Chinna’s signature dishes, each crafted with authentic spices and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor:

  • Nandu Kuzhambu: A rich crab curry from Tamil Nadu.
  • Lobster Thokku Masala: A flavorful indulgence from Kerala.
  • Fish Nirvana: A coastal delicacy inspired by Kerala’s culinary traditions.
  • Gongura Mutton: A tangy, aromatic mutton dish.
  • Kakarakaya Stuffed Fry: A bold and spicy stuffed bitter gourd preparation.

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Each dish is a testament to Chef Chinna’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and authenticity.

“I believe in celebrating the authenticity of South Indian flavors while embracing modern techniques to elevate the dining experience,” Chef Chinna shares. “Cooking recipes inherited from my mother brings me immense joy, especially when I come close to her original flavors.”

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An Immersive Experience

Set against the warm and inviting ambience of CUR8, the festival promises a sensory feast for culinary enthusiasts. With its live kitchens and Chef Chinna’s mastery on display, the event is a celebration of South India’s diverse culinary landscape.

Dates: January 17 to 26, 2025

For reservations and more details, contact Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru or visit their website.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the timeless flavors of South India, reimagined by Chef Chinna Karuppan.


SOCIAL Launches The Big Drop – Peena Edition, Celebrating 11 Years of Community and Cocktails

SOCIAL Launches The Big Drop – Peena Edition, Celebrating 11 Years of Community and Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café-bar, is raising a toast with the launch of The Big DropPeena Edition, a bold new drinks menu celebrating 11 years of community, creativity, and cocktails. Designed to match every table, mood, and adda, the Peena Edition reimagines India’s evolving drinking culture with a mix of nostalgia, playfulness, and accessibility.

From timeless classics that ease into afternoon conversations to innovative formats and shareable pitchers that fuel evening catch-ups, the new menu ensures something for every kind of guest. Inspired by India’s everyday social spaces, from quarter bars and kattas to thekas and toddy shops, the menu blends old-school familiarity with SOCIAL’s unmistakable modern twist.

SOCIAL’s iconic creations such as the Longest Long Island Iced Tea (LLIIT) and Banarasi Patiala have long been crowd favourites. The Peena Edition carries that legacy forward with new-age icons like the Longest Long Island Iced Coffee (LLIIC) and the quirky SOCIAL Lubes range, including SOCIAL Emotions, Lifaafa, and Candy Crush drinks that are as photogenic as they are flavourful.

Innovation extends beyond the ingredients to the experience itself. Cocktails wrapped like candy, test-tube shots, and towering coffee jars make every serve interactive and shareable. Starting at just ₹395, the Peena Edition stays true to SOCIAL’s belief that great cocktails should be both creative and approachable.

Menu Highlights:

  • OG: Longest Long Island Iced Coffee (LLIIC) – 750ml of coffee-spiked indulgence.

  • SOCIAL Lubes: Playful formats that bottle moods – SOCIAL Emotions (Zen AF, Weird Flex, Delulu, Aura), Lifaafa (served in a post-office pouch), and Candy Crush (a candy-wrapped cocktail).

  • Sangria Pitchers: Shareable and bold – variants like Cosmo Berry, Tropical Twist, House Spice, Java, Rita.

  • Squad Shots & Liqueurs: High-energy serves such as SOCIAL Kami Krazy test-tube shots and the explosive SOCIAL Bomb.

  • The Classics: SOCIAL’s twist on favourites including Espresso Martini, Negroni, Daiquiri, Paloma, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned.

Speaking about the launch, Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, "The Peena Edition of the Big Drop menu is special because it speaks the language of the people. India’s drinking culture has always been about community — from quarter bars and kattas to thekas and toddy shops — and we’ve brought that spirit into a menu built for today. Innovation was needed because people don’t just come to us for what’s in the glass, but for how it makes them feel. The Big Drop captures that spirit in full.”

The Peena Edition complements SOCIAL’s Big Drop Khaana menu, together offering a seamless food-and-drink experience that celebrates how India eats, drinks, and connects today.

About Social

SOCIAL is a groundbreaking urban hangout that merges café culture with community and collaboration. By day, it’s a space for great food, coffee, and co-working; by night, it transforms into a vibrant bar and social hub. Each outlet reflects its neighbourhood, blending work, play, and creativity under one roof.

Founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha – Coffees and Conversations, Impresario today operates over 60 restaurants across 20+ Indian cities. Its portfolio includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Mocha, and boutique spaces like Bandra Born, Slink & Bardot, and BANNG. The group’s success lies in its ability to understand the evolving lifestyle of young India and craft experiences that resonate deeply with its patrons.


McDonald’s India (North & East) Spreads Festive Cheer with Special Meal Offers

By Manu VArdhan Kannan

Published on October 5, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East has announced the launch of its Festive-Meals, available at a special price with up to 51% off, adding more flavour and joy to the celebrations this festive season. The limited-time offer aims to make moments of Durga Puja and Diwali even more special by bringing families and friends together over affordable and delicious McDonald’s favourites.

As part of the campaign, McDonald’s has also released a festive anthem film celebrating togetherness, joy, and inclusivity. The film showcases how Festive-Meals bring communities closer, allowing people to share laughter, music, and happy moments over their much-loved burgers and fries.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “For more than 25 years, McDonald’s has been woven into the fabric of India’s festive spirit. Each festival gives us the chance to connect with our customers through cherished moments of celebration. This year, the Festive Meal offers continue that tradition by making every festive gathering more delightful, with the familiar taste and everyday value that bring families and friends together at McDonald’s.”

To ensure inclusivity, McDonald’s is also offering No Onion, No Garlic (NONG) versions of favourites like the McAloo Tikki Burger and Happy Meals®, catering to festive food preferences. The brand continues to uphold one of the strictest vegetarian and non-vegetarian segregation practices in the industry, maintaining separate kitchens, storage, and equipment to ensure 100% purity for vegetarian food.

Notably, McDonald’s India stands out as the only market globally with fully vegetarian restaurants, located in Jammu (New Track-Tarakote Marg and Ardhkuwari) and Amritsar (near the Golden Temple). These outlets reflect the brand’s respect for local traditions while offering the familiar McDonald’s experience.

The Festive Meal brings exceptional value , the McAloo Tikki Value Meal (Burger + Fries + Beverage) is priced at just ₹99 instead of ₹203, while a wholesome 4-course meal available at a special price. Exciting offers are also available across McDonald’s premium burger range, making the season even more delightful.

Customers can enjoy these Festive-Meals via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, or through delivery on the McDonald’s app, Swiggy, and Zomato.


KFC and Snickers Team Up for India’s First-Ever Brand Collaboration

KFC and Snickers Team Up for India’s First-Ever Brand Collaboration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 5, 2025

KFC India and Snickers India have announced their first-ever brand collaboration with a limited-edition dessert,  the KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake. This unique creation combines layers of chocolate-soaked sponge, creamy chocolate mousse, and finely chopped Snickers pieces, making it a dessert that’s indulgent, fun, and unforgettable.

This partnership marks a milestone moment, bringing together KFC’s 30-year legacy of delivering innovative food experiences in India with Snickers’ reputation as the ultimate hunger-satisfying chocolate bar.

Speaking on the collaboration, Aparna Bhawal, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC India & Partner Countries, said, “Who would’ve imagined KFC & Snickers in the same sentence, let alone the same plate. That’s the fun of this collaboration, two iconic brands coming together to create something unexpected and delicious! The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is our first co-created dessert and the ultimate finger lickin’ good finale to a KFC meal.”

Adding to this, Nikhil Rao, Chief Marketing Officer, MW India, shared, “Today’s Gen Z audience seeks not just great taste but also share-worthy experiences. Our collaboration with KFC India brings the iconic taste of SNICKERS® into a dessert experience that is indulgent, fun, and crafted for a new generation of food explorers. This partnership celebrates two beloved brands coming together to offer something bold and exciting that consumers didn’t even know they wanted but will now crave.”

The KFC X Snickers Choco Mousse Cake is available for a limited time across 1,300+ KFC restaurants in India, for dine-in and takeaway, as well as via the KFC app, website (online.kfc.co.in), and leading food delivery apps. Fans can also pre-order via the KFC app to skip queues and enjoy this finger lickin’ good dessert right away.

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