Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 30, 2024

The prestigious Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 competition, showcasing India’s finest pastry talent, recently concluded in Mumbai. This year, Chef Vedangi Gawde was crowned the winner, with Chef Yash Chhabria as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar sharing the second runner-up spot.

Callebaut, famed for its high-quality Belgian chocolate, organized the event in collaboration with Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner. Now in its third edition, the competition aims to provide a platform for India’s top pastry chefs to showcase their innovative use of chocolate in bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.

The journey to the finale was marked by remarkable talent and creativity. Pastry chefs from across India participated in regional qualifiers held in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The eight finalists—Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran, and Chef Yash Chhabria—competed fiercely for the top honors.

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Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie at Sivako, emerged victorious. Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook and Co-Founder of Cacaobleu, was the first runner-up. Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef at Sofitel BKC, tied for the second runner-up position.

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, expressed pride in the event's success. He highlighted the competition’s theme, "Craft Your Signature," which encouraged chefs to express their authentic selves through their creations. He praised the participants for their exceptional skill, talent, and passion displayed throughout the competition.

Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, was thrilled with the level of talent showcased. "Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavor combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures. The level of pastry skill has indeed evolved, which was displayed throughout the competition, be it with newer, more efficient methods of working or flavor pairings and techniques used to craft bonbons, entremets, and other creations."

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Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith, who judged the event for the second time, echoed these sentiments. She appreciated the contestants' creativity and their use of local ingredients. She remarked on the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high level of competition and wished all participants success in their future endeavors.

Chef Vedangi Gawde said, “I am very happy to win the title of the Callebaut Patisserie for the year. This is a very special title for me, and this win means a lot to me.”

The grand finale featured contestants creating exquisite signature dishes across various categories, judged by culinary experts including Chef Minette Smith, Chef Romain Renard, Head of MENA Chocolate Academies, and Chef Arvind Prasad, Ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates in India.

The event was supported by several partners: Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner, The Chocolate Academy Mumbai as the Knowledge Partner, KitchenAid as the Appliance Partner, Unox as the Equipment Partner, Elle & Vire Professional and Delta Nutritives as the Ingredient Partners, BW Hotelier as the Media Partner, Zee Zest as the Lifestyle Partner, and VBev as the Celebration Partner.


Thane Gets a New Vibehaus: At Bae Opens for Food, Conversations & Cocktails

Thane Gets a New Vibehaus: At Bae Opens for Food, Conversations & Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

Thane’s dining scene just got a fresh new energy with the grand opening of At Bae, the latest venture from the House of MH04. Spanning 7,500 sq. ft. with seating for 260 guests, At Bae is designed to be more than a restaurant, it’s a Vibehaus, where food, conversations, and cocktails come together to create memorable experiences.

The interiors take cues from Scandinavian design infused with artistic rust tones, creating a space that feels both intimate and expansive. Lighting, textures, and curated music evolve through the day, managed by the in-house Vibe Manager to match every mood. Regular visitors can also join the Baelievers Club, an exclusive membership offering perks, priority event access, curated experiences, and surprises. The playful ‘Bae Wars’ keep the social energy alive with friendly competitions and signature shots.

At the heart of At Bae is Thane’s longest-running bar, stretching over 45 feet, featuring TOIT craft beers like Tint in Wit, Nitro Stout, and Basmati Blonde Ale. Signature cocktails bring global classics with an Indian twist, including:

Aam-Chi Thane – white rum, mango wine, mango cream cheese

Narcos of Thane – tequila, mezcal, jalapeño

Stone Sour – whiskey, Dagadphool, ginger honey syrup

With At Bae, we wanted to create a space that brings a whole new vibe to Thane’s dining scene,  one that feels familiar yet refreshingly different,” said Vihar Paymode, Co-Founder. “Whether it’s brunch, cocktails, or late-night conversations, At Bae adapts to your rhythm. Every detail, from Scandinavian-inspired design to curated playlists and handcrafted menus, is aimed at making people feel at home while discovering something new every visit.

Chef & Co-Founder Soham Joshi adds, At Bae was born to innovate familiar flavours, taking authentic regional dishes and giving them a contemporary twist. From Poha Crusted Malvani Prawns to Palak Burrata, we strike a balance between creativity and comfort. Each cocktail mirrors the same spirit of experimentation found in our menu.

The food menu celebrates global inspiration with a desi heart, featuring dishes like Malabari Tacos, Thecha Hummus with Mirgunda, and wood-fired pizzas. At Bae is more than food, it’s a destination to connect, unwind, and belong. Here, BAE can be anyone — a friend, family, loved one, or even the space itself.

About At Bae

At Bae, from the House of MH04, is Thane’s newest all-day dining and social destination. Combining global flavours with local soul, the 7,500 sq. ft. venue offers wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and an experiential menu celebrating both international inspiration and Indian creativity. With vibe-led interiors, curated cocktails, and a focus on connection, At Bae is designed as a modern community hub where every meal and moment is meant to be shared.


Dave & Buster’s Makes a Power-Packed Mumbai Debut at Infiniti Mall, Andheri West

Dave & Buster’s Makes a Power-Packed Mumbai Debut at Infiniti Mall, Andheri West

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

Dave & Buster’s has officially arrived in Mumbai, bringing its high-energy American entertainment experience to the buzzing neighbourhood of Andheri West. After its successful debut in Bangalore, the brand has now opened doors at Infiniti Mall, in partnership with the Malpani Group, marking its second India location and adding a new spark to Mumbai’s social and gaming scene.

The massive 22,000 sq. ft. venue is built for all-out fun from state-of-the-art arcade games and Hi-Tech Darts to Nitro Bowling and bustling social zones. It’s a space where people can eat, drink, play, watch, and repeat, all under one lively roof.

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Dave & Buster’s full-service restaurant and sports bar bring a mix of classic American comfort food and locally inspired flavours to Mumbai. Think loaded nachos, smash burgers, crispy wings, and decadent cheesecakes, paired with signature cocktails and easy mocktails. The menu also highlights local twists such as Tandoori Wings and the spicy Atomic Chilli Paneer, alongside favourites like the Summer Fresco Salad, Buster’s Smash Burger, and flavour-packed Mexican Nachos.

The sports bar adds to the vibe with a creative cocktail lineup. Specials include Red Velvet, made with raspberry and gin; Mr. Perfect, a bold Scotch-based drink with a hint of coffee inspired by the classic film The Godfather; and Foam & Fury, a crowd-puller for those who love a punch of flavour.

Designed with curated zones, dynamic lighting, and evolving playlists, Dave & Buster’s Mumbai blends global energy with a local touch. Whether it’s a friends’ night out, a gaming session with the crew, a family outing, or team celebrations, the venue promises something for everyone. Private event spaces also make it ideal for birthdays, corporate gatherings, and group parties.

Bringing Dave & Buster's to Mumbai is not just a launch, it's the next chapter in redefining how Indians experience entertainment,” said Shreya Malpani, Director, Malpani Group. We envision Dave & Buster's Mumbai as a space where technology meets culture, where people can unwind, connect, and create memories. As we expand across India, we're committed to delivering experiences that feel global yet deeply local.

Dave & Buster’s Mumbai is now open to welcome families, kids, youngsters, office teams, and nightlife enthusiasts, offering an immersive blend of dining, gaming, and social buzz right in the heart of the city


Aqua at THE Park Navi Mumbai Unveils a Refreshed 24/7 Poolside Experience

Aqua at THE Park Navi Mumbai Unveils a Refreshed 24/7 Poolside Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

Aqua at THE Park Navi Mumbai has rolled out a renewed poolside dining experience, bringing back the charm and comfort that guests have always loved. Sitting right by the hotel’s iconic pool, the space now feels more open, relaxed, and perfect for every kind of outing  whether it’s a quiet dinner, a cheerful brunch, or a lively evening with friends. The venue runs 24/7 and brings an extra buzz on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with its weekend vibe.

The updated menu keeps the comfort factor intact while adding interesting global touches. Dishes like the Mutton Malabar Magic, slow-cooked with spices and coconut milk  and the Italiano Pool, which brings together pasta with Mafttati and Aligoté, highlight Aqua’s playful but thoughtful style. New plates such as the Falafel Gyaro, a Mediterranean-inspired wrap with a crisp, flavour-packed falafel, add variety for regulars and new guests alike. For those who love ending on a sweet note, the Aqua Special Pull Me Up and the Shortcrust Crème Brûlée remain crowd favourites.

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Aqua continues to be one of Navi Mumbai’s most-loved social spots. With poolside evenings, live music, and themed weekends, the vibe stays warm, easy, and perfect for unwinding. As the evening light reflects off the pool, the ambience turns cosy great for conversations, cocktails, or just relaxing with your favourite people.

Created for all kinds of moments, Aqua brings together comfort, good food, and a space that feels welcoming. From date nights and family dinners to weekend celebrations and after-work catch-ups, Aqua delivers a simple yet polished experience. With its relaxed attitude, modern look, and friendly service, Aqua at THE Park Navi Mumbai welcomes guests round the clock, making it one of the city’s top spots to dine and unwind by the water.

Venue: Aqua, THE Park Navi Mumbai
Perfect For: Date nights | Family dinners | Poolside parties | Weekend brunches | After-work evenings

About THE Park Hotels:
THE Park Hotels are among India’s pioneers in luxury boutique hospitality, known for their contemporary design, personalised service, and vibrant experiences across major cities and leisure destinations.

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