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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.
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."
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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 19, 2026
Susegado at The St. Regis Goa Resort is reopening this October with a refreshed dining experience that celebrates India's coastal culinary traditions through regional flavours, contemporary preparations, drinks and live music.
Titled The Shore Calls Again, the reopening introduces guests to an à la carte menu inspired by coastal kitchens across India. Set along the shores of South Goa, the restaurant combines regional cuisine with a relaxed seaside setting and live band performances.
The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of India's coastal regions, bringing together the peppery heat of Chettinad, the coconut-rich preparations of Malabar, the grills of the Konkan coast and the distinctive flavours of Goan cuisine.
Rooted in traditional recipes and regional cooking practices, the menu reinterprets familiar coastal dishes through a contemporary approach while retaining the character and warmth associated with seaside dining.
The offering is designed to showcase the variety of India's coastal food culture, giving guests an opportunity to explore different regional influences within a single dining destination.
Susegado's refreshed interiors complement its coastal culinary identity, combining rustic textures with a refined aesthetic. The setting transitions from a bright, airy atmosphere during the day to a warmly lit space in the evening.
Live band performances add to the experience, bringing together food, drinks and music in a setting suited to relaxed lunches, sunset gatherings and leisurely dinners by the sea.
With its reopening, Susegado begins a new chapter at The St. Regis Goa Resort, focusing on India's coastal culinary heritage while retaining the easygoing spirit associated with Goa.
Experience: The Shore Calls Again
Venue: Susegado, The St. Regis Goa Resort
Reopening: October 2026
Timings: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM
Pricing: À la carte menu and drinks
Reservations: +91 9175681087
Hotel website: The St. Regis Goa Resort
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 18, 2026
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is bringing the charm of leisurely outdoor picnics to its Sunday brunch at The Square. Inspired by the joy of relaxed gatherings, the experience combines familiar picnic favourites with interactive culinary stations in a family-friendly setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The specially curated spread features picnic baskets filled with sandwich rolls and fresh fruit skewers, alongside barbecue grills, sliders and flatbread stations. A refreshing lemonade station adds to the outdoor-inspired theme, while dessert offerings such as classic brownies, a chocolate fountain and DIY s’mores bring a playful touch to the afternoon.
Interactive live stations allow guests to explore freshly prepared dishes, adding variety to the brunch experience. Beyond the food, live singing and engaging activities for children create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends looking to spend their Sunday together.
Located at The Square, the brunch combines contemporary interiors, natural light and alfresco dining with views of the Arabian Sea. Pool access further complements the experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.
Designed around the nostalgia of traditional picnics, the Sunday brunch brings together food, entertainment and family activities in one setting.
Brunch Details:
Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach
When: Every Sunday
Timings: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Highlights: Interactive live stations, live singing, children's activities and pool access.
McDonald's India – North and East has introduced a special No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Value Meal for ₹99 during Navratri 2026, offering customers a festive dining option that aligns with traditional food preferences.
Available for a limited period from October 11 to 19, 2026, the offering features the brand's popular McAloo Tikki Value Meal prepared without onion and garlic. The initiative brings together familiar menu favourites and an accessible price point for customers observing Navratri.
The festive offering reflects McDonald's approach to adapting its menu to regional traditions and seasonal food preferences. By introducing a special preparation of one of its established vegetarian products, the brand aims to provide customers with an additional option during the festival.
McDonald's India – North and East also highlights its food-handling practices, which include separate handling procedures for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, with segregation across kitchen stations and storage areas.
The company operates fully vegetarian restaurants in Amritsar, near the Golden Temple, and in Kurukshetra. These outlets serve entirely vegetarian menus in consideration of local traditions and community preferences.
Customers can access the No Onion, No Garlic McAloo Tikki Value Meal through multiple ordering channels, including dine-in, takeaway and drive-thru services. The offer is also available through the McDonald's app and food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, subject to availability at participating outlets.
The offering is part of the brand's seasonal approach to menu planning, with festive options designed to accommodate different dining preferences while retaining familiar products and value-led pricing.
McDonald's restaurants across North and East India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. The company serves a range of menu options made with quality ingredients, with operations spanning standalone restaurants, drive-thru outlets and 24-hour restaurants.
According to the company, its network comprises 316 restaurants and 200 McCafé outlets across North and East India, serving millions of customers annually and providing direct employment to more than 6,500 people.
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