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.


Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

Time Out Market, the globally acclaimed food and cultural market concept, is all set to make its India debut at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Announced by Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises and owner of the Worldmark brand, this marks a significant addition to the country’s hospitality and retail landscape. The launch is planned for the second half of 2026.

Spanning approximately 24,500 square feet, Time Out Market Delhi will house 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private events room, a stage for live performances, and seating for around 500 guests. The space is designed to bring together the city’s leading chefs, restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences under one roof, offering visitors a curated taste of what Delhi has to offer.

Globally, active Time Out Markets operate in Lisbon, New York (Dumbo & Union Square), Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town, Porto, Barcelona, Bahrain, and Osaka. With its entry into India, the brand adds New Delhi to its growing international portfolio of landmark destinations.

Curation at Time Out Market Delhi will focus on craft, legitimacy, and cultural relevance. The aim is to showcase chefs and concepts that truly define the city’s food identity. From award-winning chefs and established institutions to emerging talent and local favourites, the platform will bring together a diverse mix of culinary and cultural voices. It also presents a valuable opportunity for restaurateurs to be part of a globally recognised brand that celebrates the best of each city it enters.

The new market will be part of the upcoming phase of Worldmark’s development, which spans about 17 million square feet and is positioned as a leading Global Business District in the country. The area will include destination retail, premium hotels, modern office spaces, and thoughtfully planned hospitality and retail experiences. Located next to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Worldmark sits within one of the busiest ecosystems in the world and is expected to attract both international travellers and urban professionals. India Sotheby's International Realty facilitated the lease deal for Time Out Market Delhi.

"Time Out Market's opening in India at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi, adds to Worldmark's reputation as the country's most comprehensive business and lifestyle destination." "Time Out Market's internationally known concept would be beneficial for the city's international visitors, business people, and urban community. This association shows that we are committed to our long-term aim of making Worldmark as India's best business district to work, meet, eat, and do business." stated S K Sayal, MD and CEO of Bharti Real Estate.

Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc, added: "We expanded our growing Time Out Market portfolio by opening three new sites each in 2024 and 2025, with an additional five currently under development. Since the first Time Out Market launched in 2014, we have created, rooted in our iconic Time Out brand, a leading global food and cultural market."


The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata Unveils Valentine’s Celebrations Across India

The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata Unveils Valentine’s Celebrations Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 14, 2026

This Valentine’s season, The LaLiT Hotels across India present a diverse line-up of romantic dining, nightlife and cultural experiences, blending luxury, heritage and curated culinary journeys.

At The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, celebrations range from the high-energy Pure Love party by KittySu at The Great Ballroom to a themed Valentine’s buffet at Alfresco featuring signature dishes, live music, sparkling wine and sweet takeaways. The Bakery adds a special dessert and beverage combo priced at ₹549.

The LaLiT Chandigarh offers a Valentine-themed buffet at 24/7, a four-course Pan-Asian set menu at OKO  and curated Indian flavours at Baluchi, all complemented by live music and chocolate gifts.

Royal romance unfolds at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur with private candlelit dinners at Jharokha and themed dining across its restaurants starting.

At The LaLiT Jaipur, couples can opt for the exclusive Private Jharokha experience or themed buffet and Baluchi dining options on 14th February.

The LaLiT Mumbai presents Love in Every Bite, featuring XO Poolside’s luxe dinner and a Valentine’s buffet at 24/7.

In Bengaluru, The LaLiT Ashok Bangalore curates romantic dinners at Baluchi and 24/7, while The LaLiT New Delhi combines elegant dining with The Gentlemen’s Club theatrical showcase by Patchworks Ensemble at OKO.

From intimate poolside dinners to vibrant nightlife and heritage-inspired feasts, The LaLiT promises memorable Valentine’s celebrations across its iconic destinations


Garden Café to Mark Valentine’s Day with Special Curated Menu in Kolkata

Garden Café to Mark Valentine’s Day with Special Curated Menu in Kolkata

By Hariharan U

Published on February 14, 2026

Garden Café is set to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a thoughtfully curated menu and a warm, inviting ambience across all its outlets in the city. Known for its comforting flavours and heartfelt hospitality, the café promises a relaxed yet memorable setting for couples, friends and families looking to celebrate the occasion.

For the day of love, the café will be adorned with soft lighting, floral accents and subtle Valentine-themed décor, creating a cosy atmosphere that encourages conversation and meaningful moments. The garden-inspired setting paired with comforting classics makes it an ideal destination for an intimate celebration.

The special menu brings together signature favourites and festive touches. Guests can enjoy Heart-shaped Idlis, Mysore Dosa, Topi Dosa and Cheese Butter Masala Dosa, alongside popular offerings such as Garlic Cheese Pizza and Mixed Cheese Pizza. Refreshing beverages including American Ice Cream Soda, Orange Blossom, Hot Chocolate and aromatic Filter Coffee will complement the dining experience.

Sharing his thoughts on the celebration, Sandip Nowlakha, Owner of Garden Café, said Valentine’s Day is about cherishing togetherness and creating lasting memories. He added that the café aims to offer an atmosphere filled with warmth, comfort and genuine hospitality.

Established in 1968 and reimagined in 1981, Garden Café continues to blend tradition and creativity, serving generations of guests across its five Kolkata outlets, including the newest in Newtown

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