Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier o

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.

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.

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates Father's Day with Street Food and Royal Delicacies

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is set to mark Father's Day with a special brunch that brings together India's vibrant street-food culture, royal culinary traditions and nostalgic childhood favourites. Designed as a celebration of family, flavours and shared memories, the brunch offers guests a chance to enjoy dishes inspired by different regions of India and around the world.

One of the highlights of the experience is a series of interactive live counters showcasing iconic street-food favourites. Guests can explore a lively Chaat Bazaar featuring Muradabadi Chaat from Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow's Chowk Ki Tikki, Gujarat's Dhokla Chaat, Mumbai's popular Pani Puri and Masala Bhutta. A dedicated Galouti Counter will also serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including mushroom, rajma, soya and mutton varieties.

The culinary spread extends beyond Indian flavours with international street-food favourites such as Sushi from Japan, Tibetan-style momos and Middle Eastern Falafel Pita Shawarma, offering something for every palate.

Adding depth to the menu is a selection of royal and regional specialities, including Paya Shorba, Murgh Shammi Kebab, Mahi Tikka, Maa Ki Dal, Patiala Shahi Gosht, Murgh Tikka Biryani and Subz Dum Biryani. Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of Lucknow and Punjab, as well as the rich culinary traditions of Hyderabad, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the brunch presents a diverse range of flavours under one roof.

To bring back childhood memories, dedicated counters will serve Malai Gola, Candy Floss and freshly popped Popcorn. These nostalgic treats are designed to recreate the joy of family outings, local fairs and weekend indulgences. Guests can round off the meal with a selection of artisanal pastries, traditional Indian desserts and other sweet delights.

The Father's Day brunch offers families an opportunity to celebrate together over a table filled with familiar flavours, treasured memories and dishes inspired by culinary traditions from across India and beyond.

What: Global Street Food Father's Day Sunday Brunch with Indian Royal Delicacies.
Where: Boulevard, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai.
When: Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Curates Special Father’s Day Dining Experiences at Bayleaf and The Market

By Hariharan U

Published on June 21, 2026

This Father’s Day, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is inviting families to celebrate the occasion with specially curated dining experiences designed to bring loved ones together over exceptional food and memorable moments.

Taking place on June 21, the celebrations will unfold across the hotel’s signature dining venues, offering guests a choice between an intimate fine-dining experience and a vibrant buffet feast.

At Bayleaf, diners can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted five-course menu served in an elegant setting. Warm lighting, attentive service, and a refined ambience create the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and a relaxed evening with family. The specially curated experience is designed for those seeking a more intimate and sophisticated Father’s Day celebration.

For guests looking for a lively dining experience, The Market will host an elaborate buffet featuring a wide range of global and regional flavours. The expansive spread is complemented by a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for larger family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Adding to the occasion, fathers dining with two accompanying guests at The Market can enjoy a complimentary meal, offering families another reason to come together and celebrate.

Available from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the Father’s Day experiences at Le Méridien Ahmedabad combine culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and thoughtful touches to create an evening dedicated to honouring fathers and father figures.

Whether choosing the elegance of Bayleaf or the lively buffet at The Market, guests can look forward to a celebration centred on great food, family connections, and lasting memories.

For reservations, guests can contact +91 99789 08933.

Ironhill and Smoor Stir Up a Chocolate Cocktail Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Chocolate is finding a new place on the menu at Ironhill, and this time, it is not on a dessert plate. In collaboration with Smoor, the brewery has introduced a limited-edition cocktail menu that brings together artisanal chocolate and craft cocktail making in a unique way.

Designed to offer a different perspective on chocolate, the menu features three signature cocktails, each with its own distinct character and flavour profile. Rather than simply adding chocolate to a drink, the collection explores how the ingredient can create depth, balance and complexity in a cocktail glass.

The Silk Route delivers a smooth and rich experience, with deep chocolate notes that unfold gradually and leave a lasting impression. For those who enjoy contrasting flavours, the Salted Cacao combines cacao and salt to create a balanced drink where sweetness and savoury notes work together seamlessly. Meanwhile, the Tropical Ganache brings a lighter and more vibrant approach, blending bright fruit flavours with chocolate for a refreshing and unexpected combination.

What sets the menu apart is its thoughtful approach to flavour. Each cocktail presents a different interpretation of chocolate, showcasing how the ingredient can move beyond traditional desserts and become the centrepiece of a well-crafted drink.

Available for a limited time, the Ironhill x Smoor collaboration offers guests an opportunity to experience chocolate in a fresh and creative format. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely evening drink or as part of a dining experience, the menu aims to bring a new dimension to cocktail culture.

What: Chocolate Cocktails at Ironhill

Where:

Ironhill Marathahalli, Sy no 90, 7 & 90/8, Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, beside Radisson Blu, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
Ironhill Forum South, 4th floor, Cross Metro Station, Forum South, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062.

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