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.


Experience a Carnival-Themed Brunch at The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

Experience a Carnival-Themed Brunch at The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2025

A Vibrant Carnival-Themed Brunch by the Beach

Every weekend, The Square at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach transforms into a lively carnival-inspired destination, offering an exciting and festive ambiance. Set against the picturesque Juhu Beach, the venue is decorated with vibrant colors, balloons, and cheerful props, creating a joyful experience for all guests.

An Elaborate Buffet with Live Food Counters

Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet featuring a mix of regional and international cuisines, multiple live food stations, a dessert counter, and unlimited beverages. The brunch also includes access to the swimming pool and a dedicated kids’ zone, ensuring fun for all age groups.

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Delectable Indian & International Delicacies

The diverse menu includes:

  • Indian Favorites: Pani Puri, Chole Tikki, Dum Biryani, Pulao, Pav Bhaji, and more

  • International Cuisine: Italian, Middle Eastern, and continental dishes

  • Live Counters:

    • Chaat Counter: Pani Puri, Dahi Puri

    • Tandoori Grill: A selection of grilled meats and vegetables

    • Pasta Counter: Custom-made pasta with preferred sauces and toppings

    • Indian Street Food: Vada Pav, Dosas, and more

  • Dietary Options: Vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious dishes

A Sweet Carnival Treat

The dessert section features:

  • Indian classics like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Rasgulla, Kheer, and Carrot Halwa

  • Fusion sweets inspired by carnival-style treats

Unlimited Beverages for All Tastes

  • Alcoholic Options: Cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer

  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Fresh juices, smoothies, iced teas, and signature mocktails

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

With a fun-filled atmosphere, delicious food, unlimited drinks, and live entertainment, this Carnival-Themed Brunch is the ideal weekend outing for families, friends, and colleagues.

Event Details

 When: Every Saturday & Sunday
 Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
 Location: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049


India Cuts Bourbon Whisky Tariffs Amid Trump’s Criticism

India Cuts Bourbon Whisky Tariffs Amid Trump’s Criticism

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 22, 2025

India has slashed tariffs on bourbon whisky imports from 150% to 100%, a move that will benefit American liquor brands like Jim Beam. The tariff revision, which was notified on February 13 but gained media attention later, comes amid intensifying criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding India's trade policies.

Trump, who recently met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, has repeatedly called out India’s high import duties as unfair to American businesses. He also announced a reciprocal tariff policy targeting countries imposing heavy levies on U.S. exports.

The new structure imposes a basic customs duty of 50% with an additional 50% levy, bringing the total duty to 100% for bourbon whisky. Other imported liquor products remain unchanged at 150% tariffs.

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Experts believe the decision reflects India's willingness to adjust trade policies for strategic partners. Pratik Jain, partner at PwC India, noted that the move could signal India’s openness to tariff revisions for key allies.

India’s $35 billion spirits market is home to major global players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard, who have long criticized the country’s high import tariffs. Vinod Giri, Director General of the Brewers Association of India, stated that while bourbon whisky holds symbolic trade value, the decision is likely aimed at easing tensions with the U.S. and preventing retaliatory trade measures.

As India seeks deeper integration into the global economy, the reduction in bourbon whisky tariffs may be the first step in broader trade realignments.


Chinese Wok Unveils CGI Video Campaign to Mark Its Entry into Kolkata

Chinese Wok Unveils CGI Video Campaign to Mark Its Entry into Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s largest Chinese restaurant chain, has launched a CGI video campaign to mark its grand entry into Kolkata. This visually engaging campaign reinforces the brand’s nationwide presence, youthful identity, and leadership in the Desi-Chinese dining segment.

The campaign showcases a dramatic "noodle storm" sweeping across India, illuminating the map and symbolizing Chinese Wok’s impressive growth. Currently operating in over 220 locations across 35+ cities, the brand continues to expand while staying committed to bold flavors, quality, and affordability.

Blending advanced CGI with compelling storytelling, the campaign reflects Chinese Wok’s modern and energetic essence. The "noodle storm" serves as a metaphor for its rapid expansion, resonating with its vibrant and youthful audience.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director of Lenexis Foodworks, shared his excitement: “At Chinese Wok, innovation and tradition go hand in hand to create a unique dining experience. Our journey isn’t just about growth; it’s about redefining how Desi-Chinese cuisine is savored across India. The ‘noodle storm’ visually represents our passion, swift expansion, and deep connection with food lovers nationwide. Entering Kolkata, a city renowned for its love of Chinese cuisine, is an exciting milestone for us. We can’t wait to share our signature dishes with an audience that truly appreciates diverse flavors.”

As Chinese Wok continues to revolutionize the Desi-Chinese dining experience, this campaign marks an exciting chapter in its expansion journey.

Visit the official instagram page of Chinese Wok to witness the new CGI Video campaign.

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