Chef Joel Basumatari’s "Seven Spices Up North" Pop-Up Takes Over Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai

Chef Joel Basumatari’s "Seven Spices Up North" Pop-Up Takes Over Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on June 18, 2024

The Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, in partnership with Gormei, renowned for curating exceptional culinary experiences, proudly presents "Seven Spices Up North"—a unique dining adventure curated by acclaimed Chef Joel Basumatari. Ranked #27 on India's Top 30 Chefs list by Culinary Culture, Chef Joel will showcase the vibrant flavors of Naga cuisine at the Momo Cafe from June 14th to June 23rd, 2024.

Victor Chen, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Basumatari. His expertise in Naga cuisine offers a unique opportunity for our diners to explore bold and beautiful flavors. At Courtyard by Marriott, we strive to curate unforgettable experiences, and the 'Seven Spices Up North' pop-up promises to be a culinary adventure for all."

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Chef Basumatari's specially curated menu highlights the versatility and health benefits of Naga cuisine. Diners can look forward to a variety of dishes, including steaming hot pots, live cooking stations, flavorful soups, appetizers, and mains. Each meal can be completed with fluffy rice, decadent desserts, and a variety of condiments to enhance the dining experience. Signature dishes include:

  • Dohneiiong: A traditional dish from Meghalaya featuring tender pork cooked with black sesame paste and aromatic spices.
  • Masor Bor: A delightful fish dumpling soup made with ground fish paste, herbs, and spices, offering a burst of flavors with every spoonful.
  • Millet Cannoli: A fusion dessert that combines the Italian cannoli with millet for a unique and delicious treat.
  • Masor Tenga: A tangy fish curry from Assam made with souring agents like tomatoes, lemon, or dried kokum, giving it a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.
  • Oma Bedor Saonia: A traditional Naga dish featuring smoked pork cooked with fermented bamboo shoots and fiery Naga chili peppers, resulting in a smoky, spicy, and aromatic curry.
  • Kenie Thevü Gacha: A comforting rice porridge from Nagaland made with locally-grown sticky rice and served with various toppings such as boiled eggs, vegetables, and pickles.

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Chef Basumatari aims to introduce diners to the unique ingredients and intriguing flavor profiles of Naga cuisine. "Naga cuisine is a hidden gem, celebrating fresh, local produce and traditional cooking methods," he said. "My menu for 'Seven Spices Up North' is a vibrant exploration of these elements. I want diners to experience the warmth and hospitality integral to Naga culture through food. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or curious to try something new, this pop-up at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai will be an unforgettable culinary adventure."

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the magic of Naga cuisine at MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport.

Venue: MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Lobby Level, CTS 215, Opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri Kurla Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

Dates: June 14th to June 23rd, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price: INR 2375++

For reservations and more information, visit the Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport website.


Carvel - The Brand That Invented Soft Serve, Just Opened at DLF Promenade

Carvel - The Brand That Invented Soft Serve, Just Opened at DLF Promenade

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

If you've ever had soft serve ice cream and let's be honest, who hasn't , you have Carvel to thank for it. The American brand that literally invented soft serve is now in Delhi, and it just got a lot more accessible with a brand new outlet at DLF Promenade.

This is Carvel's third location in the capital, joining its existing stores at Connaught Place and Elan Miracle Mall in Gurugram. The new spot spans 200 sq. ft. and sits right inside one of Delhi's busiest and most loved shopping destinations, making it a natural pitstop for anyone in the mood for something indulgent.

90 Years of Soft Serve, Now in India

Founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel in New York, the brand has spent over nine decades perfecting the art of soft serve. It's the kind of ice cream that's rich, thick, and unapologetically indulgent — no watered-down versions here. Carvel entered India in August 2025 in partnership with Unify Foodworks, a food and beverage franchising company focused on bringing global brands to India in a way that actually makes sense for the local market.

Global Favourites Meet Indian Flavours

What makes Carvel's India menu interesting is that it doesn't just transplant its global offerings, it builds on them. You'll find the classics like Flying Saucers®, Shakes, Carvelanches®, and Dashers® alongside India-first creations that have been thoughtfully put together. Think Banoffee Pie Dasher, Indian Filter Coffee Dasher, Caramel Bliss Carvelanche, Matcha Dip Soft Serve, and a Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, flavours that feel familiar and exciting at the same time.

Steven Yang, Senior Vice President, APAC at GoTo Foods, said, "Seeing the response to Carvel in India has been incredibly encouraging. With the opening at DLF Promenade, we are deepening our presence in one of Delhi's most vibrant retail destinations and bringing our signature soft serve experience closer to consumers who are looking for indulgent yet familiar dessert moments."

Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, added, "Our expansion into DLF Promenade marks an important step in Carvel's India journey. Delhi has embraced the brand's mix of nostalgia and innovation, and this new location allows us to engage with a wider, experience-driven audience while continuing to introduce flavours that feel both global and distinctly local."

The Bigger Picture - 100 Stores and Counting

The DLF Promenade launch isn't just another store opening,  it's part of a much larger plan. Carvel is eyeing 100 stores across India over the next few years, steadily building its presence city by city. For a brand with 390 locations across 16 countries, India clearly represents a serious growth opportunity  and the early response from Delhi consumers seems to be backing that confidence up.

If you're around DLF Promenade and haven't tried Carvel yet, now's a pretty good time to fix that.


Keen Mustard Ventures Unveils ‘Golden Embrace’ Dessert for a Cause This Women’s Day

Keen Mustard Ventures Unveils ‘Golden Embrace’ Dessert for a Cause This Women’s Day

By Hariharan U

Published on March 5, 2026

This Women’s Day, Keen Mustard Ventures is blending indulgence with impact. The Bengaluru-based hospitality collective has introduced ‘Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding,’ a limited-edition dessert available exclusively on March 8 across its brands Daysie, Serious Slice and Quarter House.

More than just a celebratory sweet, the initiative carries a deeper purpose. A percentage of proceeds from every portion sold will be donated to Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust, a Bengaluru-based organisation focused on strengthening educational access and infrastructure in rural Karnataka.

Golden Embrace is designed as a layered, flavour-forward creation. The dessert features a warm hazelnut toffee pudding with a molten chocolate centre, lightly dusted with icing sugar and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle. It is paired with banana caramel ice cream and praline crumble, bringing together richness and texture in every bite.

At Keen Mustard Ventures, we see hospitality as more than just dining - it's about building experiences that feel alive and connected to the communities around us. With Golden Embrace, we wanted to mark Women’s Day in a way that goes beyond symbolism. By supporting Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust and its work in strengthening rural education infrastructure, we’re contributing to an initiative that creates tangible, long-term impact,” said Anirudh Kheny, Founder of Keen Mustard Ventures.

Established in 2010, the Trust works closely with government and rural schools across Karnataka to improve basic facilities and create better learning environments for students from underserved communities. Through this partnership, Keen Mustard Ventures hopes to support sustained educational development while encouraging guests to participate in meaningful change through a simple dining choice.

The Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding will be available only on Women’s Day across all participating outlets in Bengaluru, turning a festive indulgence into a shared contribution towards a larger cause.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Unveils GDV 2.0 at Gadda Da Vida

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Unveils GDV 2.0 at Gadda Da Vida

By Hariharan U

Published on March 5, 2026

The beachfront landmark Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has unveiled GDV 2.0 at its iconic outlet Gadda Da Vida, marking a refreshed culinary direction rooted in bold coastal flavours and refined cocktail craftsmanship.

More than just a menu update, GDV 2.0 leans confidently into a seafood-forward narrative. Signature highlights include Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée and Miso Glazed Seabass. From Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade to Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash, the dishes focus on fresh ingredients, layered seasoning and contemporary presentation.

The menu also introduces interactive shareable plates designed for social dining. Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside inventive vegetarian options such as Malvani Soy ‘Tacos’ and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The coastal story continues into desserts with Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta and Espresso Tiramisu.

Complementing the cuisine is a curated cocktail programme crafted to enhance the seafood-led menu. Signature drinks including Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret and Plumnori feature progressive infusions, layered aromatics and vibrant flavour profiles. Contemporary plating and mixology theatre add visual drama, transforming sunset dining into a multisensory beachfront experience.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, “With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations.”

With GDV 2.0, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach strengthens its position as a vibrant seaside hotspot, blending curated cuisine, cocktail innovation and high-energy social ambience into a refreshed sundowner destination.

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